Published Aviation Photograper

[Fighterfoto]

Thanks for all the replies but not sure I understand why folks do it. What I do know is that magazines want writers who can put subjects in context, rather than cut and paste from Wiki or list numbers. With that in mind I'll post another question in a few days on another bugbear of mine.

[Vulcanone]

Plenty of dedicated researchers/writers out in the wilderness... ;-)

[Drinkmat]

I'm one of those who selectively uses the "XXX Photography" style of watermark, and it doesn't upset me to be labelled with the word "pathetic". I can see both sides of the argument.

The reason I use the watermark on some images is that a couple of years ago I found by chance that two of my images were on a web site, and credited to someone else. Having contacted the site and having seen them removed, I started to use the watermark so that should anyone else want to claim my images as their own, at least they'll have to do a bit of work with Photoshop*.

My photography isn't special enough to stand out against many others, so I don't intend to try and make income from it. Maybe I should improve by purchasing a step-ladder and position myself at the front of an airshow crowd?

* Other products are available.

[steamy]

not a photographer, so not picking a side.

But if the are a professional, who have a genuine LTD business, isn't part of that LTD side of things, declaring an actual CEO of said business?

[Fighterfoto]

But if the are a professional, who have a genuine LTD business, isn't part of that LTD side of things, declaring an actual CEO of said business?

I agree, but it’s the crowd who have full time careers doing something else who portray themselves on LinkedIn as something different who I hoped would explain the rationale.

[POL]

Fairly sure you can have a full-time job and have a limited company, or indeed be a sole-trader (or for that matter, a joint-owner in a partnership, for which I speak from experience).

[tm74sqn]

Is "Photograper" a specialist aviation photographer? Never heard the term myself, but you learn something new every year!
Happy New Year to all, TM74

[reaperops]

Its very much an ego title and its use should be avoided at all costs.

I couldn't care less who took the image and how, when, what etc. If its news worthy or interesting enough then I will give it the repsect it deserves.

For 95% of us its a hobby and the idea of advertising yourself as a published aviation photographer without credential is risky knowing how critical the so called experts can be. Just because you got approval for Airliners.net or Airfighters.com or have 2000 images on flickr dosen't make you a photojournalist.

It must be said that editors rely on the 95% of us these days to provide the news worthy content with mixed results. The 5% of experts only do watered down pre-arranged set pieces these days, avoiding the fence line at any cost.

As for putting 'XX Photography', it does seem to me that if you do this, it can open very large doors for you.. For example how many how many enthusiasts have claimed a place on media day by applying with 'self appointed kudos' only to publish themselves on flickr, FC or UKAR with the words starting with ' I was lucky enough to......' and lets face it, the 5% of 'experts' all do this. Thats how they get recognised in the first place.

[Yunglee]

not a photographer, so not picking a side.

But if the are a professional, who have a genuine LTD business, isn't part of that LTD side of things, declaring an actual CEO of said business?

A private limited company needs at least one registered director and a company secretary.

https://www.gov.uk/limited-company-form ... ecretaries

You can find details in registered private limited companies include how they perform financially by looking them up on companies house.

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/

[Yunglee]

Just to add some balance. I don't earn money from photography (aside from an odd sale every couple of years and that's only small amounts)

I do watermark my images so the viewer knows how took them and might look for others on Flickr, I like the views and the feedback.

In no way, shape or form do I consider myself anything other than an amateur photographer.

I now only use my name as the watermark with the words "Aviation Photography" underneath in smaller case as I feel that describes me and my photography hobby well enough. The watermarks in white to be non-intrusive and in the corner.

Anyone can pick up a camera and call themselves a photographer, yes that's true. But not many can make an image that really sticks out and makes people go WOW.

[ChrisCwmbran]

not a photographer, so not picking a side.

But if the are a professional, who have a genuine LTD business, isn't part of that LTD side of things, declaring an actual CEO of said business?

A private limited company needs at least one registered director and a company secretary.

https://www.gov.uk/limited-company-form ... ecretaries

You can find details in registered private limited companies include how they perform financially by looking them up on companies house.

https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/

Actually these days a company does not have to have a secretary... but must have one or more directors.

[Yunglee]

Oops, didn’t read my own link properly

[jaybee]

The long distance shot of the presidents 747, used by the CNN news people and caught by an amateur,must certainly verify the use of published photographer.
The usefulness of the amateur togger, can not be better exemplified .He spotted the thing just looking up,another person with no interest in the hobby, might just have dismissed the sighting for another airliner.
BEST of all, he will get properly renumerated for his efforts by these news people, who consider his shot very worthy in making up their news piece.
So well done him,for defining the term,Published Aviation Photographer...He can use it with distinction l,d say.

[Fighterfoto]

Yes he can, as can the thousands of others who have had shots published. What I was trying to fathom was why people see this as some way elevating them above other enthusiasts.

[Yunglee]

What I was trying to fathom was why people see this as some way elevating them above other enthusiasts.

For me and in my case that's a misconception, I don't see myself elevated in any way above other photographers. Some people might do, but many don't.

[jaybee]

Yes he can, as can the thousands of others who have had shots published. What I was trying to fathom was why people see this as some way elevating them above other enthusiasts.

I do get where you are coming from and why perhaps this grey area of the hobby might annoy/make you think, in some way as you do.
I suffer the same way when there are those that are so ready to jump and point things at you with i.e., grammar, spelling, post processing(according to them) and anything else
that gives them cause to point their finger at you. These self promoted little HITLERS often want you to think they are masters of the particular mistake
you have made, when they in turn leave the house every day to maybe drive in circles all day long round an airport , or stack shelves somewhere. These deluded cretins
are just the same as the ones you are on about and try and create an air of superiority about them.

The hobby could be better enjoyed, if there was /or could be a better sense of agreement in protocol in how we act with each other, to build a better sense of community spirit.
This might just deter the delusionist https://www.urbandictionary.com/define. ... elusionist amongst us. Working towards making the hobby a better shared
experience, is something of a dream though, compared to many of the splinter groups out there, all trying to point something out, to make themselves look more superior
than their fellow hobbyist. These people are past masters though at denying this behaviour and perpetuate this grey area of indifference between us.

Things like sending a friendly PM might a go a long way to point out some error or method to do things better, might be a better way to go, instead of trying to make themselves
look good in front of others(when in fact they are acting like a complete T*** )The big elephant in the room, is to try and think or say something positive instead
of instinctively wanting to try and be superior or belittle others.

The sister forum on an other channel and its dwindling popularity, is proof alone that splinter groups and there negativity ,destroy instead of build.
Happy New Year to one and all and the new team spirit

[Dan214sqn]

Very interesting reading this thread and the opinions detailed

I fear it's not quite as black and white as the first post may suggest.

There are many varying factors that are not touched upon yet. One being how serious the individual takes his/her hobby and if said person wants to scale the curve from pay to play to play for pay. That may be where the person who started the thread has noticed the topic of watermarks/ published social media straps / linkedin pages. I wouldn't be too critical of an individual who wants to try progressing in any field of interest. Thats not to say they'd make it pro, but good on em for trying. God forbid this hobby may support a said individual wanting to succeed.

[100arw]

"Fighterfoto",
Maybe it is not as you say, in that they "see this as some way elevating them above other enthusiasts". But use it to comply with media accreditation conditions, when applying for that little free media pass to the media area at airshows.

Should they be in those areas is maybe another question that could/should be asked.

P.

[Pen Pusher]

To get a press pass for a Duxford air show amongst other conditions -

PLEASE EMAIL A LETTER ON YOUR EMPLOYING ORGANISATION'S LETTER HEADED PAPER CONFIRMING YOUR DETAILS AND THAT YOU HAVE BEEN COMMISSIONED TO COVER THE AIR SHOW IN A NEWSGATHERING OR PHOTOGRAPHY CAPACITY

https://www.iwm.org.uk/form/iwm-press-a ... ia-accredi

Brian

[Vulcanone]

And from memory Duxford got to the stage they will only give you a press pass, if you actually produce something afterwards. IE you write something about the show you attended.