No Respect

”I used to want to shoot with celebrities, but after being on your set and seeing how you’re treated, I don’t want that anymore.“

I was sitting across from my photo assistant, eating dinner after a long day with a subject who arrived late and was markedly disrespectful to us. And yet, I was surprised by this take.

I’d only been working with this young woman for a few months, but she’d been on several prominent shoots, including David Cross, Louis C.K., Chevy Chase, and that day’s Simon Cowell.

Most famous subjects are great to work with. They are engaged, creative, and professional. But a sizable minority don’t want to be there, and they let you know. Some will be rude and overtly disrespectful. And this assistant happened to be on set with a few surly sitters.

I didn’t hesitate in my response, “You have the wrong takeaway: on every shoot you’ve come on, we’ve walked away with one or two great photos. That’s what we’re there for, nothing else matters.”

I’m not there for respect and compliments. I don’t care if we have a nice time, come away with good stories, or if the subject is familiar with my work. All I’m there for is a handful of great pictures.

I’ve learned the importance of staying in my lane. I am a photographer, there to serve my client, and whatever audience the pictures might get. Despite receiving some regard in my field, I’m not “important“ or a player. I’m there to make the best pictures possible on that given day, no matter how good or poor the circumstances. I remain humble, and I keep my eye on the ball.

Thankfully, that young assistant has gone on to become a professional photographer herself and is doing great!

Top Image: Simon Cowell, Miami, FL, for GQ Magazine. June 16, 2011.

Second Image: Eminem, Detroit, MI, for Respect. April, 10, 2010.

Bottom Images: David Cross, Brooklyn, NY, for Maxim, March 30, 2010; Louis C.K., for GQ, New York, NY, October 5, 2010.