Steadman Uhlich
Steadman Uhlich
The Dark Side of Photography Forums
This post may seem controversial to some.
You probably came to this site after finding a link on a forum.
So you probably like visiting photography forums.
So do I.
This post is not intended to offend anyone.
It is intended to give you some encouragement to participate and learn and become more creative.
It is also intended to provide you with a solution to some common problems and weaknesses found in typical photography forums.
For those that have been reluctant to participate in a forum, this post is written to tell you that there is a place that may fit you and help you in ways that a forum cannot or will not.
For those who are comfortable with forums, this is also intended to get you to consider how a different environment and way of thinking may help you get even more progress in your photography.
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I don’t want you to mistake my intent in writing the following.
I truly believe that an online forum or community can be a positive experience, a good place to find some information about things, and a help to many people. I have seen this happen in a few instances where a moderator runs a “good” forum that welcomes new members and provides supportive guidance to the members on behavior.
I started participating in online forums related to photography back in 2000. I joined several. I visited even more. I learned some things I would have never learned by simply reading a book. I also had fun chatting with folks around the world. I enjoyed seeing their photos and understanding their views.
So, in some ways and at some times or forums, I had good experiences and saw the appeal and benefit of sharing information and photos over the internet. In short, I saw the potential that exists for on-line communication to help people.
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An online forum can provide a good experience.
You can learn some things if people on the forum help one another with answers and advice. I recommended forums to beginners and other photographers and have done so for many years now.
I recognize the potential that a large diverse group of people can offer in terms of varied experiences and different Points of View or opinions. I like diversity. I like discussions of photography. I enjoy connecting with others around the world too.
A photography forum can be a good place to share your photos too.
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A Caution and Background
As I stated above, I anticipate that some people reading this post will misunderstand my intent for writing this page.
My intent or goal is to outline some of the reasons why I feel a typical photography forum may NOT be the best place to learn about photography and why I believe that inherent weaknesses in the forum “model” limit creativity and diversity and learning.
You might think these statements are coming from someone who does not like photography forums.
If you think that, you are mistaken.
I enjoy visiting photography forums because through them I can see many different photographs made by other photographers and this is “fun” for me because I enjoy photography so much as both a profession and as a form of creative expression.
I have also enjoyed many hours spent helping others on various photography forums too. Helping others learn about something one loves and enjoys oneself is a satisfying way to spend some time.
Am I against photography forums? No.
When you read below, you will see some statements that may make you think I am against forums or that I am only seeing “the dark side.” Don’t mistake my intent. I am writing this page/post in order to help others be aware of the types of limitations and inherent weaknesses I have seen in a public (open) photography forum. My hope is that others may learn from my experience and perhaps avoid unpleasant experiences. More importantly, I hope to give people some hope that there is a way for them to learn and share and grow as photographers and a place they can get advice without fear of harsh treatment or unfair criticism.
The forum I describe below is a real photography forum.
But it is not a “bad” forum. It is just typical.
In fact, it is considered one of the “best” by many members of that forum. As one of the most popular forums on the internet (related to photography) it is a “model” and considered a “standard” of what a forum can be or is. The experience I had there is unusual in some regards, but it is not uncommon either.
Consider this: The experiences I relate below happened at one of the “Best” photography forums on the internet.
Also, there is something else that I want to share with you prior to having you read anything you might consider “critical” of this forum or forums.
On a positive note, at that forum (part of a larger photography site with several forums), I was happy to help thousands of other photographers with advice and constructive comments on their posted photos. I enjoyed seeing their photographs, I enjoyed seeing their development as photographers (as some obviously improved over time), and I enjoyed seeing their part of the world.
An unexpected honor…or two.
As a result of helping so many photographers there, I was honored by an unsolicited and unexpected post by another photographer posting on the forum. This was called a “Tribute to Steady.” It was (I have been told) the first and only time a photographer member had been honored that way by the forum (in the last 10 years since it started). In that post, dozens of photographers (both amateur and professional) from around the world posted appreciative comments about how I had helped them and how my participation and contribution was appreciated. Of course, this was a very nice gesture by the nice people on that forum, and I truly felt honored.
At one point, after that forum had seen several members leave and had experienced several acrimonious “Flame Wars” on the forum, there was another posting by another photographer suggesting that I become the moderator for the forum because I was considered “diplomatic” and helped so many people there. Being a “forum moderator” is usually a “position of honor” and leadership for an on-line forum. It can also require a lot of time and a different role in a forum community. At the time, there was an “absentee” moderator who did little to moderate the forum discussions. So, the forum did get hostile at times. I was appreciative that some members wanted me to become the moderator. But, at that time, I had business activities and plans that prevented me from having the time to devote to that role, so I declined the “nomination.”
What is the point of telling you this?
My point is to assure you that I have seen a “good side” to a photography forum, I have met nice people through a forum, I have participated and contributed to help a forum, and other members of the forum at times honored my contributions and even wanted me to assume a formal leadership role. In short, I have given a commitment of time and energy to see a forum be a “better place” for people to enjoy photography.
So, what I relate below is coming from someone with many hours of experience on photography forums (several) and with years of observations and participation. Those experiences have shown me important things about “photography forums on the internet.”
There can be a good or bright side to the forum experience.
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There can also be a dark side to the forum experience.
Not all forums are friendly. Not all forum members are friendly. Not all are welcoming to new members or people with different styles. Not all forums are harmonious or fun. Even within those photography forums that may be among the best on the internet, a visitor may find they are not welcome in a certain forum or even a sub-group of a large forum. I have seen this happen to many and even experienced it myself.
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Here are a few unfortunate facts:
Forums Can Be Harsh and Unfriendly
Forums Can Be Intimidating to Newbies
Forums Can Distort the Truth
Forums Can Be Detrimental to Learning
Forums Can Inhibit Your Creativity
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My Personal Experience on One Photography Forum
Over the last ten years, I have had many experiences on a variety of photography related forums on the internet. In some cases I posted questions and found some helpful answers. In some cases, in order to help other photographers, I posted information that I knew or I related my own experiences and techniques.
At one forum, I did not post my photos at first because I had never posted my photos on the internet, due to a concern with the security of my art images and for other business reasons. I also simply never felt a need to do so because my clients came to me via referrals, visits to my studio or art gallery, or via other methods.
When I joined one popular photography forum, I waited until I had made helpful comments to literally 1,000 discussions on posted photos by other people before I began to post my own photos.
Some people there thought that was odd. I just thought it was natural to help others by helping them with their photos. That is why I joined that forum. I wanted to help others. I felt no need to brag or show off.
In that time, before I posted my own photos on that forum, I was “challenged” and “harassed” many times by some unkind forum members.
Unfortunately, that was not the worst of the behavior of that forum or some of its members!
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Insight Comes from Experience
What follows is a short outline of some of my own experiences on what is considered “one of the best” photography forums on the internet. These things actually happened and surprised me as they happened.
Some anonymous members and not-anonymous members (trolls) wrote lies and distortions and totally false statements about who I am and what I do for a living.
Some people claimed I did not really exist.
Some people (some were anonymous) repeatedly posted insinuations and false statements about me.
Some claimed that I was just a made up persona that was really just a troll in disguise on the internet.
Some wrote that I was a teenager sitting at home just pretending to be an adult.
Some wrote that I was never a photographer and had no experience.
Some wrote that I never made photographs. (This last point usually made me laugh.)
Those same people who claimed I did not exist, or that I was not a real photographer, could have simply found my Studio website via a public link on my profile on that same forum.
My own website showed that I have been a full-time professional photographer and artist for over 10 years and my website had 350+ examples of my work and many pages of background information and many testimonials.
But, they did not take that simple step. Why?
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A Victim of Identity Theft on the Forum
On that same forum, I was also shocked to learn one day that some unknown troll had taken a copy of my photo (my avatar was a self-portrait like you see at the top of this page) and had registered an account on that forum site (the site has several forums on the site), using a forum “screen name” or “alt” almost identical (and thus easy to mistake as mine) to mine, and began posting negative comments and “flame bait” postings while using my “identity” and MY photo. This “identity theft” on that forum was luckily caught by a friendly member who noticed the “out of character” posting in another forum on the site.
The lesson I learned was that it is too easy for a Cyber Bully to pose as the identity of a victim and then publish material in their name that defames or ridicules them.
I also witnessed how a Cyber Bully can post rumors and gossip and instigate others to dislike or gang-up on their target. These Cyber Bullies present the victim in a false and unflattering light. This is really simple harassment and character assassination through false postings and defamatory statements. They evidently post false statements (and claim they are fact) as a means of attempting to humiliate or defame their victims.
Some people on a forum obviously have an antagonistic or hostile agenda.
Unfortunately, some of them are subtle and use insidious means to attack others “within” the rules of the forum they inhabit. So they get to continue to post their attacks when they see an opportunity to do so.
Over time, I began to see these events and postings as both shocking and disgusting to witness. But, it was the personal experience of being the victim of these false postings and false statements (lies) that caused me to begin to understand how some people may truly fear being on a forum or may prevent some from participating.
Being the subject of the distortions and lies and identity theft was a real negative aspect of participating in that forum, and obviously a risk to professional reputation. Even if that forum was also a source of information and a place where one could find photos to view, it became clear to me that it had serious problems (which also exist in other photography forums) and that those are often inherent weaknesses of the forum model.
Luckily, I am someone with confidence in my own abilities, a good sense of self, and a career that has been rewarding. So, I was not as damaged or hurt by these attacks as some might be. I also realized that others who were new to photography (Newbies), new to a forum, or without much confidence in their abilities or skills, might face a much harder time when attacked by the forum trolls and Cyber Bullies.
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Why People Lurk and Newbies Are Afraid
I spent some time and a great deal of effort trying to encourage others who were Newbies to participate in the forum. I encouraged Lurkers to join and participate too. As part of this effort, I asked them to write me and to explain why they were not participating in the forum.
In most cases, the response was that they were afraid of being ridiculed or subject to harsh criticism on the forum. That same reason was sent to me many times by many people. It became clear to me that a forum like that was NOT the best way for Newbies (or others) to learn about creativity or to advance their own skills.
Ironically, while some people on that forum applauded my efforts to engage and help Newbies, some of the other members (and trolls) were just as loud in denouncing my efforts to help others. In some hostile messages, they said that my efforts to include more Newbies would weaken that forum or diminish the quality there. Obviously, the “status quo” is something that some people want to preserve and helping others with less skill is not on their agenda or of interest to them.
While I entered that forum with hope and optimism, I began to see that there are inherent weaknesses in MOST photography forums. Of course, there can be exceptions and there are always different experiences. But, after years of participating and watching the behavior, I felt there “must be a better way” to help others learn how to be better photographers. That led me to create this site.
I feel strongly that no one should have to experience harsh, unfair, treatment or lies about them.
I also understand that anyone participating in an open forum has the potential for harsh treatment and the risk of unfair treatment.
I also understand that this may inhibit beginners or Newbies from participating, from asking questions, and ultimately from learning as they could within a supportive environment.
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Insight comes from Experience.
From this experience I gained the insight that a photography forum, with its “anonymous” members and lack of personal accountability can distort human interactions to an extreme of negativity. In short, some of the harsh treatment is a result of how people interact or communicate on a typical forum. Some of the “uncivilized” behavior is a result of the lack of moderation or the lack of “peers” or human connection.
For example, many internet forums have “anonymous” members who often do not have any online identification of who they really are. On some photography forums, these same people rarely have any kind of link to their background or their experience or links to examples of their own work or photos.
Some of these become “trolls” who go about the internet searching for places where they can have their fun causing trouble. This phenomenon is well known in the history of the internet. They are everywhere (or at least commonly seen).
One of the most amazing things I witnessed was the way that falsehoods (lies, distortions) could be posted as “truth” by some of these trolls. The very nature of the internet forum means that “all opinions posted are the same.” In short, there is little or no “fact checking” or ability to eliminate those lies or false statements. Most forums are not “edited” for content, so those false or misleading statements can become long-standing or even have a life of their own.
When I saw this harsh treatment and propagation of falsehoods happening, I began to see some of the limits of how a typical internet photography forum works.
I also gained a new appreciation for what I most value in teaching, learning, and communication, the Truth.
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Newbies Can Be Vulnerable
I also saw that many people who were new to photography (Newbies) were not able to see through the incorrect or misleading statements. This is because of their natural and understandable lack of experience or knowledge in these areas.
Learning about Photography takes a lot of time. It is a very broad field of knowledge with many different aspects. During that learning time (which may last several years), many Newbies may feel vulnerable to criticism for many reasons. Usually, it is simply a matter of not knowing about something or having limited knowledge.
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People Who are “Different” Can Be Vulnerable on Forums
I also saw on that same forum that some people were subject to very harsh and sometimes hostile treatment because they were different in some way.
I saw people harshly criticized because they did not use English properly or because their English spelling or grammar was incorrect.
This was despite the fact that this same forum had members and visitors from around the world who may have been using English as a second or third or fourth language!
For many of them, participating in the forum was a risk for ridicule because their use of English or their language skills in English were not fluent or flawless.
This ridiculous example is real and I noticed it several times as several different people from around the world were subjected to harsh, unkind, and ethno-centric critical remarks by other forum members.
In other cases, I saw a photography forum become a place full of acrimonious discussions with great hostility directed at people who were not of the same ethnic background, the same nationality, the same religion, or the same political group.
I have even seen some people harshly criticized by some forum members because of their weight, their nose shape, their manner of dress (clothing choice), their makeup, their hair-style, their skin color, and other personal choices or natural features.
Remember This:
When a forum criticizes people for their differences, it creates an atmosphere of hostility to those who are different.
When a forum does not respect diversity, it becomes a place that inhibits creativity.
My Sincere Suggestion:
If you are trying to learn to be more creative, you should avoid the negativity that may come from a place that criticizes the creative and attempts to have people fit a standard!
You should seek a place or a person who will encourage you to be as creative as possible and help you become more creative and stronger in your skills and more confident in your own ability and vision!
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The Forum Cyber Bully
I also saw that there are some photographers who frequent these photography forums who act like the proverbial “playground bully.” These photographers tend to “bully” or intimidate other photographers. Of course, on every “playground” there is likely to be a person who acts like that or wants the freedom to act like that. It is common in any social group of humans.
It is usually a sign of insecurity and usually matched by some kind of weakness in their own work or ability or possibly their social skills. They tend to “bully” others and use that “power” or position to either dominate, denigrate, or disparage others. On the internet, this behavior is often accompanied by “flaming” and sometimes frequent verbal harassment or even “cyber stalking.” On a forum, one can see this happen when one or more forum members continually harass another member, sometimes leading up to what is called a “pile on.”
These Bullies may post inflammatory comments in a discussion forum. They probably do this in a desire for attention and possibly because they derive some fun from antagonizing or angering others or they get some entertainment at the expense of others.
These Bullies and Flamers and Trolls usually post sniping attacks or post with the intent to provoke other users of the forum into their desired emotional response. They usually want to provoke an angry response (or a “flame) or start an argument.
These Bullies usually use the forum to show aggressive behavior without facing any consequences to themselves that a real “face to face” confrontation would risk.
They seldom make clear reasoned arguments. They often disregard the facts or counter arguments. They may “twist the facts” or use half-truths to support their stand or statements. They seldom respect anyone’s opinion but their own.
As with any social group, the Bully usually has a few people who follow them and act as their support group when it comes time to “pile on.” These followers may even lend an air of “credibility” to the statements or actions of the forum Bully. They “back one another” because they gain power from being in their group with the Bully. In some cases, these members who may be very outspoken (usually in criticism of others).
I have also seen that a forum Bully may have some followers and may be mistaken as a “leader” of the forum or group as a whole. I have observed this when a new member joins a forum. As the new member may not know about the previous negative behavior of the Bully, they may think that when the Bully criticizes them, it is either deserved, expected, or the “norm” for that social group or forum.
I have even seen how one Bully will give very harsh criticism of a Newbie who may have just joined the forum, then when the Newbie responds in a submissive way (usually by admitting some kind of weakness or lack of experience in photography), the Bully then attempts to “co-opt” them into the Bully’s group by offering to help them in the future or some other ploy. This is an attempt by the Bully to bring that Newbie into the Bully’s sphere of dominance. You can see this happen on a school playground, and you can see it happen on an internet photography forum too.
On thinking on this issue, I would like to refer you to the book “Lord of the Flies” by William Golding. If you have not read it yet, I encourage you to do so. It is a wonderful fictional account of how groups can deteriorate into uncivilized behavior when a Bully is allowed to dominate or act without moderation.
As it happens in any human social group, most people in the group do not object to bad behavior or try to stop this bad behavior, as long as it does not directly affect them.
When that happens in a group where people have “real relationships” (where they are face to face) that is usually because they feel threatened in some way.
In the mostly “anonymous” world of the internet, it is usually because they do not want to ‘stick their neck out’ to the possible attacks (flaming) that can come in response to “doing the right thing.”
In the “virtual world” of the internet, with most participants in an “anonymous” role, there is very little personal commitment or risk to just ignoring the bad behavior until it strikes them too.
As I see it, the “forum Bully” is a sign of an inherent and real weakness of those online communities that allow anonymous membership, unedited postings, and especially those that lack close moderation or real leadership.
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Was this forum a bad forum?
Was this forum an aberration?
Was this forum an exception?
You might think the photography forum I am describing was a terrible place. Oddly enough, many people consider it to be one of the best photography forums (fora) around and many talk highly about the quality of the photography shown there.
Don’t mistake my point here.
I have communicated with some very nice people on the net via forums like that one and even within that one. I have even developed “virtual friends” around the world through participating in forums like that one. There can be good people on a forum. But, unless the forum is closely moderated or the members uphold themselves to high standards of decorum, there can also be rude, unruly, mean-spirited, and bad people on a forum too.
Unfortunately, I have seen a darker side to a photography forum experience. I am obviously not alone in this experience with the harsh treatment that can be found at a photography forum.
Insight comes from Experience.
This is what has given me an understanding of and insight into how beginners can sometimes be intimidated and discouraged by an online photography forum experience.
That real example above was the first internet photography forum I have ever posted my photos on, so I was shocked to see the hostility that resides under the surface, even if that forum may be highly regarded by many people as a “nice place.”
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My Opinion on Typical Photography Forum Hostility
I don’t think that internet hostility is helpful to people who are just starting out in photography.
In fact, I think it may scare people off and limit their growth as an artist or photographer, especially if they are new, beginners, or unsure of their own skills.
I know this may seem like it would only apply to amateurs. But it has been my observation that even professional photographers and artists may be limited by their inhibitions or lack of confidence in their skills at times.
I am fully confident in my own skills, happy with my work, very successful as a professional, and happy with myself. So, while the harsh and unfriendly response at that forum was shocking, it did not discourage me from my own photography. Unfortunately, that cannot be said of everyone.
On the other hand, many others, whether they are amateurs, newbies, or experienced photographers (either amateur or pro) may not be willing to join a forum and possibly have that same harsh treatment. I understand that and can empathize.
Should you develop a “thicker skin?”
I don’t suggest that any artist should “develop a thicker skin.”
On the contrary, if you want to become a better photographer and a better artist, I truly believe you need to become more sensitive to the world around you, not less sensitive.
If there is one thing that is important to an artist, it is the ability to share their art and creativity with others and to see life with a heightened sensitivity that is attuned to people and life around us. This applies to poets, writers, painters, and photographers who aim to create “art.”
Finding a place to share their love for their hobby or profession or art should not subject anyone to personal attacks of any kind.
In short, that harsh behavior is simply wrong.
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Over the years, countless many people have written to me to tell me they are intimidated by photography forums.
This phenomenon of intimidation is widespread and common.
It is something that is prevalent in photography forums around the world (USA, Germany, Belgium, UK, Russia).
I have had countless emails and messages from self-proclaimed “newbies” and “lurkers” who lack the confidence to post their own photos or are concerned about the harsh criticisms in the discussions that may follow. Some of those people have allowed me to quote them, so read the Testimonials from Newbies to see if any of their experiences resonate with you.
In some cases, these are people who are just starting out in photography as a hobby. Perhaps just like you. In other cases, they have had a long interest in photography, but have seen for themselves how the internet can be a harsh environment at times. I have received many comments from people who really love photography, but are reluctant to share their own photos because they are afraid of how others will criticize their skills.
Here is a quote from an email I received on this subject:
“I’ve also seen the vicious feedback (on some forums), and also the defensive reactions of some to what was well written and well meaning critique.”
Steve
Another photographer wrote me to say:
“I have seen too many photographs unfairly shot down in flames by too many egotistic and insensitive “Photographers,” (with the original photographer) never to post again.”
Les
Many people want to participate, (aside from posting photos) but feel if they do, they may say something technically incorrect, or be criticized because they don’t know enough to “qualify” their opinions.
I have even seen instances where a photo was posted of a young woman or a child, only to have somebody on the forum make totally inappropriate remarks or criticisms of that person in the photo based on their race, color, religion, ethnic background, style of dress, color of hair, or simply how their nose is shaped or their body weight. Some of the comments were so hurtful that the person who posted the photo was never seen again on the forum.
My View of How Forum Hostility Limits Creative People
Some people are afraid their photos are not good enough and so they may be subject to ridicule or harsh criticism on a public forum.
That fear limits their learning and growth and fun.
That fear of ridicule or harsh treatment or criticism is a real force limiting their potential to grow and develop as artists or hobbyists or professionals.
I think this is not a good situation or atmosphere.
It is not good for creative people.
It is not good for encouraging learning.
It is not good for supporting creativity.
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What can be done?
For years, I have been working against the negativism I have seen on several forums (or fora if you prefer). For years I have tried to foster a more cooperative learning environment on public forums, but at the same time, I was limited in what I could do because those forums have their own “owners” with their own rules and atmosphere and leadership (or lack of leadership).
Despite success in being a positive influence in a number of forums, I feel there is a need for a different approach that overcomes the obstacles posed by typical “anonymous” photography forums.
This is the primary reason I decided to start PhotoMentors.
I want to build a place where people can come to learn and share and not worry about being subjected to harsh treatment.
I want to help people break through their creative barriers in order to find more satisfaction and happiness with the activity of photography.
I have a vision and a plan to make a place where sharing information, encouragement, skills, and enthusiasm can be done in a truly supportive creative learning environment that values diversity of styles, origins, levels of experience, creativity, and respects all individuals.
I also think there is a need to provide a more personal and humane experience that is usually missing from the often-times impersonal internet experience.
I also think there is a better way to communicate and learn when you are NEW to some activity as complex as photography can be.
You can accelerate your learning by using a guide or mentor who will help you avoid the pitfalls and mistakes that are commonly made.
You can also learn more quickly and more deeply than you might have experienced in workshops.
As the internet develops and more and more people spend more and more time on it, there is a need for people to connect to people as people, not as just a screen name or a persona with some odd avatar that is not even human.
I hope to further that and help people better enjoy photography as either a hobby or profession, regardless of whether someone is an Amateur or a Professional or an Artist. That is my goal.
To reach my goal, it will take a lot of work and time and effort.
I have begun the foundations of that with this site you are visiting today and it is still in its early stage of building (I started with a blank page in November 2009). However, this site (PhotoMentors) is just the beginning and you are seeing it when it is just starting and with a fraction of the people and information I intend to have in the future.
My Vision and Goal
I have a vision for a better place for photographers to learn.
In the future, there will be a place where photographers of all levels can come together and enjoy photography, learn from one another, and share without fear of harsh treatment.
It will be a place founded on the Golden Rule, to treat others with respect and compassion. It will be populated by people who treat people in a humane manner and connect person to person.
It will be a place where the atmosphere is alive with the energy of creativity and a place that fosters and supports the most creative dreams and work.
It will be a place full of photography from all genres, with respect for the classic and respect for the cutting edge.
It will have a free and public virtual library full of learning tools, countless free lessons and free photography tips.
It will be a place where those more experienced help those less experienced.
It will be a place where no question is considered stupid and where the pursuit of answers is encouraged and rewarded.
It will be a place where Art is discussed and encouraged.
It will be a place where photos have meaning, and photographers with a social conscience have a place to show photos that can touch the heart and stimulate the mind.
It will also be fun, stimulating, and challenging.
That is the vision.
You can make it happen. Become part of it.
Steadman
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Here is YOUR invitation and an opportunity for YOU.
I invite you to join me on a learning journey that I believe will prove exciting and fun for you. It all starts with a simple phone call, and that is free.
At the very least, take a moment to add your name to my email Free Newsletter Subscription list.
That way I can keep you informed in the future. You can sign up for the Newsletter by going to our Contact page here on this site.
If this vision for a better place to learn and enjoy photography appeals to you, then please help this cause by telling at least three of your friends about this site.
Let them know where to find us. If they love photography, I am sure they will appreciate your tip to them.
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My Role as a Mentor
The most important thing I can do is inspire you to look at your photography differently and to challenge you to consider new ways of making photographs.
From this, you will find new creativity inside yourself and new inspirations in the world around you. When that happens, you will feel the Power of WOW as the world becomes a place full of creative possibilities. That is my ultimate goal.
Steadman Uhlich
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Insight is the Goal
One of the things I keep in mind when mentoring other people is my goal to make the lesson something that they “own” and understand fully. I want the mentee to understand the reasons and “see” it so clearly that it becomes something they will retain and value. This comes by sharing how I see their images or work and comparing how THEY see the work and THEIR vision. We discuss things. We compare their intent and their preliminary result (such as a raw image).
Then by use of questions the mentee will discover things for themselves. This may then be reinforced by examples and variations.
Choices are discussed.
Options uncovered.
Creativity unlocked.
The result is often an insight for the mentee.
In some cases this takes only a few minutes to “see” and understand a conceptual or visual difference, or to learn a new way of looking at the subject or a new technique.
In many cases this breakthrough can take just a few moments or even seconds!
When that “AHA!” moment occurs, it is stimulating and rewarding for both the mentee and the mentor. This shared discovery moment can be something that helps a photographer or artist break out of a box and make progress in fulfilling THEIR vision.
Steadman’s Simple Truths:
“Gear is easy to replace or change and can be changed in minutes.
Good habits take time and repetition to develop.
Bad habits can stick with you a lifetime IF they are not identified, recognized, and corrected.
Insights can make a difference in seconds!”
Steadman
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Is English a foreign language for you?
If English is not your native language, but is your second language, then you will find it much easier to communicate using my LiveVoice Dialog communication.
There is no need for you to worry about misspelled words or poor grammar or accent.
I will help you and you will find it easier to express yourself clearly.
If there are any questions, it is easier to get clarity because we will be talking in a dialog. If you ever need to ask me a question to clarify something you may not understand, it is very easy because we are in a dialog, with real-time live communication connecting us.
Hours of Availability that fit YOUR schedule around the globe!
You may also call within a wide window of hours. My Global Operating Hours are 9:00AM to 9:00PM (2100 hours) SEVEN Days a week. Those hours are based on Eastern Standard Time (New York City’s time zone).
I frequently speak with photographers living on the opposite side of the earth from me. It is not unusual nor is it inconvenient for me to speak with photographers in Japan, Australia, Pacific Islands, China, India, Europe, etc. I do this every week and even on weekends!
Don’t let long distances inhibit you from accessing the expertise that can help you improve your photography!
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Global Communications in English or Your Language (when possible)
What if English is not your first language?
What if your use of English is infrequent or limited?
What if you are not fluent in English?
What if your accent is strong?
You must speak some English to communicate with me, but you do NOT have to be fluent or your English could be “limited.”
English does not have to be your first language and you do not need a perfect accent. You do NOT have to be fluent in English. (see the testimonial letter down below).
I have studied 12+ languages other than English (my native language). I truly enjoy speaking with people from other countries, other cultures, and those who speak other languages.
I am accustomed to communicating with people who are using English as a second language. I regularly communicate with people who are from: Europe, the Middle East, Russia, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
I may be able to help you even IF your use of English is limited or IF you do not consider yourself fluent in speaking English.
Many people understand more English than they feel comfortable speaking. I understand that and why.
Many people who do NOT speak English frequently or fluently may feel inhibited about calling to speak using English.
Do not feel that way.
I am an expert in cross-cultural communication.
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I can help you and will do my best to communicate effectively with you in your language!
I may be able to help you by speaking to you in:
French
Spanish
Portuguese (Brazilian)
German
Dutch
Italian
Japanese
Russian
Swahili
Mandarin Chinese
Catalan
Norwegian
Swedish
Danish
Polish
Romanian
Finnish (coming soon)
Bahasa Malaysia (coming soon)
Bahasa Indonesia (coming soon)
Croatian (coming soon)
Serbian (coming soon)
Slovenian (coming soon)
Tagalog (coming soon)
So if you speak or understand one of those languages and some English or if you speak English fluently, we should talk!
I do not claim to be fluent in those languages (except English) and my accent in those languages may make you wince or laugh at times too. But I will try to help you in YOUR language as much as possible. I may be able to tell you (while speaking in one of those languages above) what I see that could be improved in your images/photos and how you could do it.
If you understand one of those languages and some English (not fluently) OR if you do speak English, you should be able to understand me and what I will be able to tell you about your photos.
I will keep my comments simple, my speaking pace in English at a pace comfortable for you, and I will make Simple Suggestions™ you should be able to understand and apply even IF your use of English is limited. Read more about how this works on the Six Minute Solution page .
Steadman
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Please tell others about this site.
That will help us help and inspire more photographers.
Just click this share button below.
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If this is your first visit to this site,
I encourage you to visit and read the following page
as it will help orient you to this site and some
very special opportunities for you.
Start Here
You should. It could help you.
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If you are outside of the USA,
I encourage you to read the
Global Visitors Page
You should. It could help you.
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Learn About Steadman’s
Six Minute Solution™
You should. It could help you.
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Seven ways you can help other photographers and yourself too!
Have you heard of Karma? Do you believe in the Golden Rule?
Karma is the belief that all deeds can shape the past, present, and future experiences. In the West, this is sometimes expressed by the Christian concept of “you reap what you sow.” In short, do good to others and good may come to you. I truly believe that helping others helps not only them, but also ourselves in ways we often cannot anticipate. Each action of good you do, can make the world a nicer place. Do you believe in the Golden Rule?
1. Tell others about this site.
If you frequent photography forums and see a good opportunity to let people there know about this site, please do. Others who read your favorite forums or blogs may be looking for free lessons and inspiring photographs from which they can learn. Or they may be new to photography forum posting and need some guidance on how to learn more from getting critiques of their photos. Just direct them to www.photomentors.com.
This site is written to inspire photographers of all levels and help them have a better experience in photography.
We even have ten pages devoted to tips on how to have a better experience on a photography forum and those tips may help your favorite forum have better posts and more participation.
2. Please tell at least three of your friends in your community or social network about this site.
If you are on Facebook for example, you could tell your friends.They could be at any level of photography. Anybody who likes photography can benefit from the free lessons or from seeing the thousands of inspiring photographs from some of the world’s best photographers. PhotoMentors has things designed to be of interest to ALL levels of photographers from Beginners to Advanced Professionals.
3. Click on one of the social bookmarking links in this page and let others know about this post or page or this new site.
Tweet your friends. Tell others you DIGG this site. Tell your Facebook friends. Look in the right column of this page and almost all pages on the site for the link that says “SHARE” and click on it to go a pop up list of bookmarking links. It is easy and fast. Or you can send an email to a friend through that link too. Here is another link so you can bookmark this page right now in two clicks of your mouse in three seconds.
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Please take three seconds now to tell others about this site. That will help us help and inspire more photographers.
Just click this share button below.
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4. Add a link to PhotoMentors site to your blog or site.
Or write a post on your blog about what you saw on this site. Did you see a photo that inspired you when you viewed a Masters of Photography Gallery here? Did you learn something about a photographer you had not known about before? Tell others about the thousands of photos by Masters of Photography found here. Remember, our focus is on providing free access to all kinds of photographs and information that will inspire photographers of all levels.
5. Save yourself time while also helping other photographers.
In the future you might come across a newbie or someone new to photography. They may be looking for inspiring examples of great photography or they may want some guidance. This site may help them have a better experience with photography too. You won’t have to type much to help them, all you have to do is simply post a link to this site and that may solve their problem with a couple of clicks of your mouse. Simply tell them to look for the section on Free Lessons and Tips. That helps them, saves you time, and helps me help other photographer learn. So, that is a Win+ Win+ Win.
6. Subscribe to the PhotoMentors mailing list for our FREE Newsletter.
Why? First because the newsletter will be used to tell you about Special Opportunities that may be very valuable to you. Some opportunities may involve substantial discounts on things photographers use. These will be “un-advertised” exclusive offers that may be as much as 50% – 70% OFF retail. Other opportunities are related to activities that may be for publishing images and other opportunities to learn or participate. The more subscribers the newsletter has will help us negotiate special offers and discounts from vendors that can then be passed on to you our readers.
It will only take a moment to add your email to the list. Simply fill in the simple Subscribe Form found on the right column of all pages here on the site. Look in the lower right column. The newsletter will keep you informed when we have special offers and opportunities for our friends around the world. You will also learn about exclusive discounts and other nice things.
Don’t worry about receiving too many newsletters or emails from us. We only send out the newsletter infrequently, but when we do, there will be something of value in it for you. There will be many valuable and exclusive things coming in the future, including great opportunities for photographers, so don’t miss this easy way to hear about it first.
7. Look around this site. Soak it in. Imagine. Be inspired!
You might find something else that interests you or helps you. In 2011 I plan to have hundreds of pages of freely accessible educational content, and 5,000+ inspiring photos by Masters of Photography, and dozens of free educational videos.
I recommend seeing the Site Map (Table of Contents) so you can easily see the long list of articles, posts, and pages listed by topics.
If you would like to see if I can help you as a mentor, then just give me a call using the Skype button or the phone number at the bottom of each Page.
Finally, do what you can to help others post their photos and also get comments and have a good time doing so. That makes the world a nicer place and gives us all more nice photography to see on the net.
Thank you for your help.
Steadman
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Your First Introductory Call is free, but what you might learn later is priceless!™
If you have Skype, simply click on the “Call Me” button below to make a free Skype-to-Skype call. Before you do, make sure the top button says “I’m Online” and is green.
If you don’t have Skype yet, you can download the free Skype software in minutes via the link below the buttons below.
Or, if you want to call using your own land-line phone or cellular phone, simply dial our Direct Dial number:
(646) 233-1511
Our phones are generally answered during our flexible Global Operating hours of 9:00AM (0900) to 9:00PM (2100) EST (New York City Time Zone). Feel free to call anytime within that 12 hour window, 7 days a week.
Call now. It is the first step to a new way of learning and growing in photography.
You will find our service begins with a friendly hello.
If we are not on a call with another photographer, we will be happy to speak with you. If you get our voicemail it means we are on a call with another photographer. In that case, simply leave a detailed message on our voicemail with instructions on how we should contact you. Most voicemail messages receive a call back within two hours, whenever possible. All emails are answered the same day, whenever possible.
If you prefer to send an email you may do that by visiting our Contact Page. Or by using the following email address:
steadman@photomentors.com
Most voicemail messages receive a call back within two hours, whenever possible. All emails are answered the same day, whenever possible.
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