This creative umbrella we all work under can be fulfilling, lucrative, and fun. Whether you are a photographer, model, designer, etc., the industries we work in are a part of the larger ecosystem of creativity. We use our individual talents to collaborate and ideally contribute to the whole. Like any industry in the business world that generates lots of revenue with the allure of glitz and glam, different energies begin to come into play that may or may not align with what you initially set out to pursue. Below, we'll look at one industry folly to try and avoid.
Gratuitousness.
Gratuitousness definition. 1. not called for by the circumstances: not necessary, appropriate, or justified: unwarranted a gratuitous insult a gratuitous assumption a movie criticized for gratuitous violence.
I want to clarify that self-expression and loving one's body is beautiful, and I support people's right to express themselves however they choose. However, within this industry that we are all a part of, it can be done with tact, class, and beautiful artistic ways from all parties involved.
Current popular trends are headed toward people trying to be edgy and overtly sexual for no reason, trying to pass it off as art. One of the reasons for the rise in sexual gratuitousness is that people have access to a camera and an IG page before they have the time to truly learn their craft, and likes and attention end up dictating a lack of skill development.
It has nothing to do with being uptight or snobbish either because I know male and female photographers who will shoot for Vogue or Elle and then do editorials with popular adult performers and share the work in the same portfolio. The result looks the same because they hold themselves to a certain standard and care for people in front of their cameras.
A certain level of trust and professionalism has to be shared among creatives and work produced, where we have each other's best interests at heart. Not just for the moment, not just for a check, but for the future as well. Anyone who considers themselves a professional needs to lead people the right way with the trust they are given. For some reason, that's missing from the game today, where the majority are just takers, only concerned with their view count or persona regardless of how it makes anyone else look, and that's backward. People can say all the pretty words they want, but what are their actions like, and how do they move when the cameras are off.
Stay solid and ten toes down out here people ❤️ 💪
Takeaways: Be the change you want to see in the industry. Keep yourself and others accountable. Raise the bar and hold yourself to a higher standard.
