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So, what is good art? Well, in my opinion, and possibly others’ (it’s very subjective) it is when a piece of art makes you stop and think about it longer than the nanosecond it takes to move on to the next thing (be it the next work of art in a museum or the next photo on flickr). Good art tends to draw you in and it has a concept behind it. Most works have very deliberate placings of certain elements, while others are very haphazard (seemingly)- but the haphazardness is purposeful. Most artists study the works of other artists and derive inspiration from them and their work.
A Fauxtog is an individual who poses as a professional photographer without the proper knowledge base, love of the art, desire to work and improve their craft and the desire to make a quick buck. Yes, money is a factor here. That is the key concept. You can’t be a fauxtographer without charging for services. If someone who puts out poor photography (yes, there IS such a thing) does not charge, that makes them an amateur who needs more practice. And there is nothing wrong with that at all. You are not taking others’ money while providing a crappy product. And like I stated before. These people can produce art- but due to the issues with lack of technical knowledge, lack of vision and numerous other issues, their “art” tends to be nothing that will hold my attention or draw me in for reasons OTHER than marveling at the poor craftsmanship and execution of their product. And if those attibutes are the things that you value in a photo, if they stimulate you, then, by all means cover your walls with those types of photos- they’re your walls.
I think my main issue with fauxtogs is not the fact that they are providing a lesser quality product for a lesser amount of money. There is no rule that says that shouldn’t happen. There will always be differing levels of quality in most products with corresponding prices. If I were to start a portraiture business, my clients would probably never be a fauxtog’s clients- they are in different pools. I would not feel threatened by a local fauxtog in the area because of this reason. My issue with fauxtogs is the that they are an insult to the art form I love and are only motivated by money. Why do I say this? How many years do you think one of these people shoots, learns about lighting, acquires the proper equipment, studies, attends workshops BEFORE they open up shop with their facebook page? I would be willing to say the average fauxtog has their DSLR (if not a P&S) for a month before they start charging. They are instant “professionals” with no respect or love for their craft. This is what irritates me.