I need to vent

and since I keep getting into trouble when I vent on facebook or twitter, I'll have to vent here.

I just approached a resturant/club to see if they would be interested in allowing me to photograph events and possibly their menu. Well, it didn't take long for them to respond back in the negative. They were kind and polite which is sweet, but I really needed the business.

Makes me wonder if my photos are crap.

Good grief, I would think the exposure would be free advertising. Maybe they've had a bad experience with a reviewer or something. It is not because you are not a good photographer, I am positive of that.

Yeah, took the wife and I by surprise as we are regulars at the club. Wife isn't wanting to go back now. I can't be that way as I have to concentrate on getting business.

Thanks for the compliment, it's appreciated.

Definately aint your work mate, folk are reticent to try new ideas. When i was trying to set up a business (computer animation advertising) I offered the first month free and great competitive rates per month with no contract to tie anybody down. Folk prefered to stick with a tiny b/w square add in a weekly paper than a full colour anim for less that looped 24/7 in local shops because they didn't want to risk an untried media. This was in the late 80's. My business should have worked but it was too early in the computer age. Others are raking in the cash with the very same idea now. I was simply 20yrs too early.

Rob, it maybe have been too early, its not too late.

Oh it is. I don't have the funds to start again, nor the inclination. Besides, there is now competition already established. Sez la vie.

I keep forgetting you used to do that. Must have been fun.

The animations were fun, tedious sometimes. The old amiga could take up to 48hr to render a complex frame (that's right... frame) and at 25 frames per second it could take a long time to compile a working animated advert. Less complex stuff could be done far quicker though and could still look superb. I liked to add visual humour into them as often as possible, anything to catch the eye and get folk talking about the product.
The stuff we did for night clubs were my favourite. Fast and colourful, really random anims mixed with live film always had the viewers talking about the visuals, especially because they always appeared to fit with any type of music at any tempo.

At first I was feeling worried that my "art" might not be considered art because it seems like it would be easy, taking a photograph and then tinkering on it with my computer.

Well, not counting the idea worming around in my head for most of the 4 weeks without a car so I could go take the picture, then another one because it was too cloudy. Not counting that at all, I have been working on this since about 10am this morning, its now 3PM, and I STILL don't have things together the way I want them. So, I am no longer worried about how easy my art is to do.

Jeff, I don't throw out compliments lightly because I think that's one of the things wrong with our culture/society. I don't believe in praising or supporting lousy work or even mediocrity.

I have looked at a lot of professional photographers work because I enjoy it and I consider it an art form. It's easy to see who has a true 'eye' or gift and who are just technically good. There has to be more than a technically good shot. There has to be that elusive 'something' that creates an emotion when viewing the photograph. I look at a photograph in the same way that I look at a Van Gogh or a poem. That special 'something' has to be there.

I will say, unequivocally and with no hesitation, that you do have the gift. It makes me angry anyone can't see that in your work.

I don't know why the club turned you down but I will say that it's their loss. My guess is that the person who turned you down doesn't have an eye for art...or a brain for talent.

Awww shucks, now you've gone and made me blush.

The really strange thing about it was she had briefly discussed needing images for marking a few weeks prior and in the email she said that last year was the clubs best year so far and that this year was looking to be better so I don't think it was economic. It could have been that she was scared that I may have charged her a fortune but she didn't give me a chance to even make a proposal.

It's okay though, I will be doing more infrared photography this spring and summer and that will get me noticed, I'm sure.

I hope so, Jeff. You do deserve recognition.

Donnalee, I know what you mean. When I was painting and drawing regularly, if someone was interested in buying it, 'most' were always shocked that I wanted more than $5.00 for something. It didn't matter to them that something had taken me days and days to finish.

My philosophy was 'if you don't appreciate the work that went into it, then you don't need to buy it'.

You are too kind, thank you. I'll be visiting my favorite shooting location this weekend. I should be getting my modified camera back today... can't wait!

Really, Jeff, kindness has nothing to do with what I said. I just said what I really believe about your work.

I was trying to be modest. Thank you for your support, it means alot to me.

Well, that is a bit disheartnening... on the very day I think my marriage is over I am told I did not qualify for a photographer position. Ouch. All of a sudden I feel a very very strong urge to get drunk and stay drunk.

OUCH! No wonder you feel disheartened mate but please don't take the alcohol route, it solves nothing.
If nothing else It will have a negative affect on your art.
You'll end up getting angry and broke, you might even do something you'll regret later.
Keep your head, stay sober.

Jeff, Rob is giving you good advice. Whatever happens, alcohol won't help. It can only make it worse. I know that sounds cliche-ic but it is true. You need to keep your mind clear and your emotions steady. You can do it, buddy. You have a lot of support from all of us here.

Vent all you want. We're here for you.

Thanks guys... It's going to be difficult but I am sure I'll make it... some how. Both my parents were heavy drinkers. Who am I kidding... I'm not stupid enough for that. yet.