I’ve jumped on that bandwagon a few times, in fact I’m very sure I’ve blogged about it for sure.

Yesterday was no different. I saw a Living Social ad (similar to groupon) and I went a little crazy. Here was a “professional” Photographer offering a set of images and negatives, so, I did what I normally do.. I went to his site. I was appalled at what I saw and I even twittered a bit of dismay but did not want to insult or offend so I held my comments till now.

Since that time I was shown a website of a friend of a friend and asked what I thought.. again.. i don’t like to be in that position, but I brought my friend over and picture by picture we went through the images and explained how I felt.

I guess at this point I’m tired of it. But what I am most tired of is reading other photographers post in blogs, Facebook pages, private groups and whispering amongst themselves how bad a photographer is, or how they don’t do this right or that right or who do they think they are.. and on and on it goes.. to the point my industry has given them a name

Fauxtographers

I’m not saying my fellow pro’s are wrong in what they are saying.. generally they are very right on in their surmise of websites or images they are viewing.

It has always just bothered me that we as professionals spend our time complaining and not doing a thing about it. I’m an action person. If I don’t like something I do something about it. I don’t talk behind their backs, or draw attention to myself by explaining how bad some one elses work is. But, I have been guilty of it… so this blog is to change all that.

From this point on, I’m offering my help. If your out there and you want some honest critique of your work, just ask me. My critique will be private, between you and me and I will offer a bit of help. I won’t be your mentor and I won’t walk you through the stages. I won’t send you a copy of my latest model release and I won’t tell you how I do my pricing. So, please do not ask.

I will critique your work, to the best of my ability, I must warn you however, I am very honest and my critique is not sugar coated or sweet. It’s blunt and honest. But, isn’t that the way you want it? I have people that still critique my work and I appreciate it and when I have an issue I know I will get honesty from them, not sugar coated sweetness, someone trying to be nice or afraid to hurt my feelings.

Some people want to charge you for this, I won’t. It’s free.

Why am I doing this? Because someone has to do something… I’m tired of the complaining and I’m tired of seeing my industry being flooded by people who take “pretty pictures” and before they know anything about lighting, composure or posing, they put up a website and LLC themselves as professionals.

Some just need a little direction, some need guided into the part of the industry where their strengths are and some.. do need to be told, it’s just not your calling.. no matter how passionate you feel about it.

I don’t pretend to know everything and I never will. I myself receive mentorship and ask to be critiqued. We can never come to the point where we think we have made it, there is always something to learn and there is always room to grow.

I’m very appreciative of the support I have around me, so I want to give back.

So if you really want to know.. if you want honesty and a little bit of guidance… Just ask. Shoot me an email Lisa@LisaNikole.com or find me on Twitter (leesab).

I want to better my industry, we all should!

UPDATE!!! Since I decided to this I’ve had a fellow photographer offer to assist me in my quest. So that is exciting. Submit your photo’s, website, flicker or whatever to us and we’ll give you some advice and help and direct you to a better you.

If you have a minute, you have to watch this video… By a special person and someone who has an amazing view on life… and grace!

We need more Grace