What sets YOU apart from any other photographer?

[350D_Noob]

I know that some of you have been asked this question one time or another. What makes do you think, in your own words, sets you apart from the next photographer? Basically, what makes you.... you?

Reason I'm asking was because I was doing a mock interview earlier with a person from HR at school and he asked me this question. I figured that it was going to come up sooner or later, but it still came off as a suprise.

"Why should we hire you?"
"What sets you apart from another photographer?"

[condyk]

I prefer not to think about what makes me me because then I may start to believe that I actually exist.

I am set apart from other shooters by placement of an apple in all my shots. If you check out my shots you may be lucky enough to spot one, sometimes two (rare!)

[Lord_Malone]

I can shoot as well with a gun as I can with a camera. In other words, it's always going to be a lucky shot.

[liza]

That's a tough one. I suppose I'm different than many female photographers in that my preference is shooting sports. And I do it successfully. My newspaper editor said he would rather have my sports shots in his paper than any of the other staff photographers. I've also been hired by Josten's publishing company to teach a summer photography seminar that will focus mainly on high school sports. It took a while for me to become "one of the guys" on the sidelines, but I finally made it. :)

[Jamdiver]

I 'fill the frame' lol.....

In all seriousness, I don't think i've developed a photographic style or look that is unique yet.
Don't think i'm doing too bad though, I've had a photo published in Canon one Magazine and I think i'm definitely improving over time :).

[cdifoto]

What sets me apart is I don't bull****.

[steved110]

Photography is merely one of many activities that I am not very good at.

[cosworth]

Nothing as of yet. That's the problem. I'm good with flash on the beach?

Now that the question is posed, it's a painful observation that I can't name it.

[Shutter22]

My age. I've placed first in a few photography contests for adults and I lied about my age just to see how good I actually am. People are really surprised when they find out a fourteen or fifteen year old took the winning shot.

I'm also a whiz with indoor flash. I've actually given a few pointers to the newspaper photographers about bouncing flash and making it look dramatic or natural.

[rhys]

You have to throw that back in their face. Be assertive but not rude.

I can't say as I really pay much attention to other photographers nor do I wish to lower myself by comparing my work against theirs.

[Tapeman]

I shoot naked.

[manipula]

I'm 6ft 4ins and not small. Usually makes people take a step back.

[Glenn NK]

Sounds like some kind of Zen question.;)

[RikWriter]

Not much, yet. I am hoping that as I grow in this hobby I will develop some quality that sets me apart, but right now I am just trying to be as good as the average high-end hobbyist.

[Ronald S. Jr.]

I've owned more bricks than any of them. 8)

[cdifoto]

I've owned more bricks than any of them. 8)

And why's that Ronny, never got a good copy? ;)

[Ronald S. Jr.]

Oh yeah, buddy. They were all duds. :lol:

I am liking the 17-55, though. Mostly for the range, though, and a little sharper at 2.8. It definitely lacks some of the qualities (optically) of the brick, though.

[cdifoto]

Aww dammit you didn't take the bait this time. You're no fun. :mad: :p

[Tandem]

I shower on a regular basis. :p

No, wait, I've got it - I shoot nighttime and indoor sports without a flash. Most everyone else around here uses a camera mounted flash or a remote strobe - or they pack up when it starts getting dark.

[Curtis N]

I spend more time talking to the client about his needs than I spend taking pictures he doesn't want.

[S.Horton]

Experience.

I have virtually none compared to pros I respect or admire.

[350D_Noob]

Well, so much for being a serious thread, lol. Reason I asked was because I got stumped when they asked me. I figured that if i knew what other people said about theirselves, I could determine what sets me apart from other.

None-the-less, funny.

[saravrose]

I like to think that I see things different than those around me.. that my compositions are original to themselves and that maybe someday folks can look at my work and know instinctively that I took it.. Like looking at a Monet and Degas. You know that they're both impressionists the colors are similar but the things they choose to paint and something about them that is soo distinctive that you can see it... the originality.. Anyway, someday i'd like to have something like that.. But I know i'm not there yet...

sari

[thedjo]

I have 16 letters last name even sometimes I misspelled it. Betcha it's very rare.
It takes me forever to fill out those exam sheet where you have to fill the circle with a pencil.

[lostdoggy]

I suck and I don't care what anybody else thinks!!!

Its my camera and I shoot whatever I want and however I want!!!

There!!!

[rhys]

I still think:

I don't compare myself to others and don't compare my work with what others produce as I do not wish to sink to that level.

[Jon, The Elder]

What sets YOU apart from any other photographer?

Well....I'm older, really bad tempered, very opinionated, impatient, and have a low tolerance for stupidity. My customers just love me.

[_aravena]

^Change the first part to being younger and right there with ya! Idk, first thing that comes to mind is personality. I could sell ice to an Eskimo. When I worked in a studio photos sold themselves and people loved how I'd interact with them or their kids while shooting which I think helped.

At the same time, I am also as described above but I can control it, kinda.

[SuzyView]

I can shoot as well with a gun as I can with a camera. In other words, it's always going to be a lucky shot.

That's one I'll remember, Ed!:lol:

I think this is a hard question. I'm not that good, so what sets me apart is that I'm usually free. :rolleyes:

[MDJAK]

I shoot naked.

So, where's the self portrait we've been promised? :oops:

I've owned more bricks than any of them. 8)
Truer words were never spoken. ;)

My customers just love me.

And so do we.



Now on to my answer: What sets me apart?
Here's the top ten things you could have said to get the job. I of course disavow all of them:

10. I get the shot when others don't.

9. I go where the action is.

8. I have a nose for news.

7. I'm charming and personable and people tend to open up to me, enabling me to capture them at there most innocent.

6. I'm this close to a Pulitzer.

5. I can do it all. Sports, photojournalism, events, you name it, I'm your Jack of all Trades and a master at most.

4. My picture taking skills are highly polished.

3. I'm very enthusiastic and always ready and willing to learn and teach.

2. When opportunity knocks, I'm the first at the door.

And the number one thing that sets me apart from the other hack photographers out there:

My dog just had 8 pups and I can't afford to buy dog food and NEED THE MONEY, DAMN IT!!!

me

[TheGreatOg]

What sets me apart?

My huge ... intellect. ;)

[rhys]

How about: I'm not crap.

[TheGreatOg]

How about: I'm not crap.

But what if I am crap?

[Palladium]

My prices are very very high so everyone thinks I'm a fantastic photog ;)

[cosworth]

My prices are very very high so everyone thinks I'm a fantastic photog ;)

Psych 101 works great.

[StewartR]

Photography is merely one of many activities that I am not very good at.That doesn't set you apart at all!

[Mark_Cohran]

My accent. :)

Mark

[JCR]

I'm capable of tearing your arms and legs off if you don't like my work.

[rhys]

But what if I am crap?

So what. Just say how crap all the others are and lie.

[Big WIll]

I'm young but impress with both my business mind and my photographic mind.

oh and i make my customers happy when they leave, whether i crack a joke or compliment them on something about them. :) Leaves an impression for future work.

[In2Photos]

I don't wear a hat.

[eneref]

My keen fashion sense.

[StewartR]

My body odour. Sets me apart from all sorts of people in all sorts of contexts. Quite rapidly.

[Miyagi-san]

I haven't performed an extensive check or anything like that....but I can almost guarantee you I am the only person in the world who goes downtown to shoot urban candids with the "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure" original motion picture soundtrack on my ipod, blasting away in my ears :D

[Grimm75]

Ummm, what sets me apart? Well... ummm... lemme see... they have talent? :p

[Atsumi]

Photography is merely one of many activities that I am not very good at.
Amen to that. I feel the same. :)

[LucyRoberts]

I have great shoes. :D

[Atsumi]

I could go by saying things like... I'm a serious nerd... I look hilarious holding huge lenses.

Then in the end, I discover that many other people are similar to me. WHEN WILL TIFFANT HAVE HER CHANCE? WHEN!?

[LucyRoberts]

I could go by saying things like... I'm a serious nerd... I look hilarious holding huge lenses.

Then in the end, I discover that many other people are similar to me. WHEN WILL TIFFANT HAVE HER CHANCE? WHEN!?


Hmmm.... fabulous shoes might help. :)

[Atsumi]

Hmmm.... fabulous shoes might help. :)
But then I'd be stealing your thunder.

[LucyRoberts]

But then I'd be stealing your thunder.
True that. Will have to think about this. ;)

[Adaptive]

10. I've been told many times that I should put down the camera and be a model myself. :D

9. I am athletic and have great stamina, no need for rest, I can get plenty of that when I'm dead.

8. Camera straps are for clumsy people with weak hands

7. I am like a fish. I drink alot of water when working in the field and don't have to take many potty breaks. LoL, I don't know if this is a good thing or bad. LOL

6. Models love me because I'm cute/silly. That enables me to get some nice shots.

5. I don't like to talk a whole lot, so my regulars know that I'm not goign to talk a bunch of bull****.

eh I give up.......

LOL