The quest for fame is everywhere
When I was much younger and began to work with the children and youth of our church (which was a big church – around 3000 people) the pastoral staff sat on stage for Sunday morning services. I’m not really sure why, but during the singing and everything until the preaching part of the service they sat to the side of the stage, but essentially in front of everyone.
While fame hadn’t yet become a central part of our society like it has now, my goal became to get on that stage. There’s not much of an explanation other than I wanted to be famous (in what was an admittedly small pond).
It didn’t take long before it happened. I began working as a volunteer and then as an intern for the Children’s Pastor. During my orientation I remember asking something to the effect of, “Do I sit on stage?” The reply was something like, “Uh, I guess so, if you want…” Basically his response was, “Sure, I don’t know why you want to, but okay.”
What I missed then, and has become so clear to me now was what I perceived as fame was really an earned honor. While I was able to sit on a stage (it’s not tough to do), I wasn’t ready to deal with the role of being a pastor. I wasn’t prepared to truly care for people’s spiritual needs. I didn’t understand the responsibility I was given. I needed to learn and grow.
Fame in the photography industry
So why do I write about this? Most of you have no desire to be a pastor.
But maybe you do want to be on stage. You want to be in front of a group of people. You want to be famous. By itself, there is nothing wrong with a goal to be in front of people – to have a stage.
However, it might be good to ask yourself 2 simple questions:
- Why do I want to be on stage?
- Do I have something of value to share?
Being on stage makes you a teacher.
Being a talented photographer with a good eye who stumbles their way into clients isn’t enough to be on stage sharing how to be a photographer or run a business. Talent is natural and can’t be passed on by a 1 hour presentation, 3 day class, or 2 year internship. If this is all you have to share, fame will eventually burn you out.
What has lasting value is taking the time to figure out what works and doesn’t work in business and photography. Having this information allows you to share something that can be put to use by those listening to you.
So step back and ask yourself, “Do I really have something of value to share?” Then do the work to create a business and craft that’s worth selling to others.
Otherwise you’re just chasing fame for the sake of fame.
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Great points Andy, I wholeheartedly agree. I have watched our industry seem to eat practically itself alive as photographers chase after fame without any sense of responsibility. Some of the very big personalities are up there on stage giving out business advice that might as well be a map to failure for most.
I hope that industry leaders such as WPPI, PPA and vendors/sponsors will take part in the responsibility to consider a speaker’s real value and educational abilities before getting swept up in the “fame” chasing.
Laura –
I think photography organizations are stuck. They need new and fresh talent to attract people to come to their programs and trade shows to make sure the bills are paid. They will continue to do it because there are plenty of people willing to fill the role.
I think the key is for you and me to make sure we check our own motives, and then truly evaluate the people we hear, read, and learn from.
I read an article about Kim Kardashian who is getting married soon. She is following in all the footsteps of the stars ahead of her who have gotten married. She is the perfect example of someone who is famous for being famous. I can’t think of one thing she’s done (well) to deserve the attention she gets. On the other hand, she is a master of continuing to draw attention to her actions. She is the brand and reliant on the fame and attention to continue to be relevant (and in turn sell stuff and make money).
Sorry I don’t know if there is a connection, just a rant…