You Saw It On a &*%# Site???
That got your attention!
There are so many reasons why artists don't want their work photographed by unauthorized snap shot enthusiasts.
We want control of our product photos. We only want the best possible pictures to be shown of our work.
We want control over where our photos are posted. We don't want them showing up on inappropriate social media sights or other places.
Our work is not usually intended to be someone’s “Gag”. Purchase the product causing such an impulse and do the gag for real. Even artists love a great laugh!
It usually takes artists a long time and a lot of expense to come up with a successful execution of process and concept of the presented product. For someone to take a photo so they can copy it themselves is just disrespectful. We are happy to inspire...but you have to work it out yourself.
Opps… My bad! (I hate that expression!)
It is very awkward for a gallery or shop attendant when they catch someone taking an unauthorized photo of someone’s work. They are only two outcomes, an embarrassed customer whose intention was purely innocent and didn’t realize it was disrespectful. They are apologetic and delete any photos they took right in front of the attendant as proof!
The other outcome…not so pleasant, the aggressive, “I am within my rights”, that tries to make a scene and is determined to take and keep as many pictures as humanly possible. A.k.a. Asshole! We can’t fix that. At that point, the attendant hopes to escape physically unscathed and more likely, emotionally drained!
Your Memory is not so good?
If you can’t rely on your memories to bring the piece you saw top of mind, there is a simple solution! Artists usually have to self promote! There are often business cards available where their work is displayed. These cards will have the artist’s contact info and perhaps, social media and websites where a lot of their work is features in great photos…likely better than the ones you can take on the sly! If you don’t see a card, just ask for contact information.
Better ways to help an artist.
Of course, make a purchase.
Ways to support an artist WITHOUT having to make a purchase.
There are so many amazing artists out there. Not many can make a living from their craft! If you like a particular artists work…let them know! A real or “virtual” pat on the back goes and incredible distance!
Tell you friends what and where you saw it!
Follow the artist, shop or gallery on social media. “Like” and “Follow” their pages.
“Share” and “comment” on their posts! This is what make the difference with the “algorithms” for all social media platforms.
Google review them with a glowing recommendation.
Have a look at their website. It will eventually increase their behind the scenes “web analytics” and Google ratings.
Bottom line, think about if you were an artist, and how you would feel if someone took unauthorized photographs of your work.
Thank you for respecting the artist who have put their work out there in the world.