The Best Photographer in Binghamton?
"Please hire me to take photos of you or a
loved one in scantily clad outfits for whatever."
This is a real quote on a photographers website in Binghamton NY as he begs for more women to get half naked in front of his camera. This type of behavior is truthfully weird and It’s an issue that needs to be addressed.
The photographer in question, writes this on a post where he talks about how it’s what men really want (Nude/Semi nude photos of woman), and women should stop pretending they don't like to have photos taken of themselves naked. This is the same photographer who writes on his website's landing page, the self proclaimed “best photographer in Binghamton”.
He’s not the only one. In Fact there are dozens of photographers in the area with this mentality. Another one of Binghamton's finest elected himself the "King of the 607." A true genius of his craft with hundreds of supporters and a self published magazine. In the last 2 years over 20 women I know personally, have come forward with social media posts about how during shoots they were propositioned and coerced into removing their clothes. Yet, even with so many people coming forward to shed light on this kind of behavior, photographers like this one in Binghamton still have supporters.
"The Best" ... I have to say, if these are the best photographers Binghamton has to offer, we need to do better. A lot better.
Although “The Best” is very subjective, there should be some obvious basics and standards that anyone should expect when hiring a professional photographer. This includes how the photographer acts and you, the paying customer feeling safe and confident on a photoshoot.
Behind the Scenes Bryan Wark and Mercedes Tepper
What is A Professional Photographer?
By definition a "professional" in a someone in a field, who makes the majority of their income from a service. But that’s not what we are talking about. We are talking about professionalism. How someone conducts themselves while working with clients.
Begging for women to be more revealing for men and making women feel trapped during photoshoots, is unprofessional. Actually, it’s unethical and should be seen as harassment. This type of behavior should not be tolerated within the photography community. Period.
Bryan Wark Photographing Marine and His wife
A professional photographer should be courteous, respectful and competent.
What About Clients Who Are Easily Offended?
I hear the question a lot, "Like, what if I accidentally offend a client, some can be so easily offended"
First of all, yes there can be misunderstandings. Absolutely. But let’s be honest, it’s a rare occurrence if you are a professional photographer, and many misunderstandings if addressed with respect are easily handled.
There Should Be No Difference Between The Office and A Photoshoot.
Being on set and taking photos should be no different than working in an office. How you would address your clients in an office setting is how you should address clients in a photoshoot.
You wouldn't beg a colleague to do something she isn't uncomfortable with. You wouldn't proposition a client to sleep with you, and you wouldn't walk up to the secretary and be like "I’m-a just fix your hair" when staring at their body.
You don't do these things not out of fear of getting in trouble but because they are extremely inappropriate and disrespectful. The same goes when taking photos, no matter what kind of photos.
Artistic Nude Photographed by Bryan Wark
But What About Artistic Nudes?
No. Just, no. Stop trying to make excuses for why it is ok to act shady. You should be even more professional. The photographer at all times should help the client feel at ease and confident, not concerned for their safety with gawking and inappropriate comments.
The Photograph above was taken by myself of a close friend of mine to represent lack of confidence in ones body and mind. The Amount of trust needed between 2 people taking photos like this should never be broken for any reason. It can ruin someone’s entire life.
Speaking of Artistic nudes photography, another part of professionalism is open communication. If you want to shoot nude models that's fine. But the time to bring it up to a model is not during the shoot. Not when you have them alone and vulnerable on an abandoned railroad track or a studio where there is no one else in the building.
If your intent is to take those kinds of photos it needs to be discussed beforehand. I can't tell you how many models I’ve talked to have felt trapped by a photographer. Freezing, thinking the only way to get out of the situation was to do what the photographer said with a forced smile. No photographer should do that to a model.
Actions speak louder than words. If you want to label yourself with things like "The Best photographer in Binghamton," or "The King of photography" and call yourself a professional photographer. Then your action better be matching that title, and then some.
Bryan Wark and Jeremy Rose BTS during a Veteran Shoot
So the question is, how do you find a professional photographer?
Unfortunately it can be challenging, but here are a few tips to help you on your journey.
Reach out to clients who have been tagged on socials
Many photographers nowadays will tag their clients in their photographs on social media to promote social sharing. This is a great opportunity for you to reach out to the client and ask for their experience during the shoot.
Believe it or not, the photography community isn't an endless ocean. Asking a few clients about a photographer will go pretty far. If they have a secret reputation of less than reputable business practices, there is a good chance that people know about it.
Visit their website and stalk their socials
Yes I know people can buy likes and reviews, but that doesn't mean there aren't red flags to look out for. Such as:
Social media tags and website pages to see if they mention who they take photos of.
Do they have a blog and what is the blog about?
Do they have a picture of themselves anywhere? (Unfortunately there are photographers who catfish models by portraying themselves as a friendly, safe and young female photographer, only to show up looking like someone like me.)
In short what you are looking for are things that put your mind at ease, or things that make you question the credibility of the photographer. Especially if they are claiming to be the best.
So Who Is A Professional Photographer in Binghamton?
I grew up in Binghamton. For as long as I can remember I wanted to be an artist. Photography is my passion, but in this industry, I can’t help but feel bitter sweet about it sometimes. Don’t get me wrong there are some amazingly talented, good-souled photographers in the area. But, I look around and there are also so many that make me feel ashamed to be associated with them in the industry.
So Who is the Best Photographer in Binghamton? I honestly don’t know so I can’t tell you. What I can tell you My team and I are as professional as they come. . Every title I have been given is hard deserved from many years and awards in the industry, not a self-described. I invite you, do your research, check out my website and socials, contact my clients and see for yourself. If I am not seen as the best I am ok with that. But if the best is made up of photographers mistreating clients than Binghamton... We need to do better.
