My inspiration today? Art. The love and respect of art, the appreciation for the innate talent required to produce it, the business of art and the artist. But art has many mediums and today I speak for the photographers of the world. Although I am not a photographer, or even an artist of any kind for that matter, I am a self proclaimed “wanna be” artist, so maybe I can use my “wanna be” passion to evoke a response on a pressing issue: the communities request for free photography services.

My work with Private Paparazzi and my love for a free site for communities brings to me Craigslist on a daily basis. I am constantly on the look out for what photography consumers are looking for, and trying to calculate trends in the photography industry. I finally tired of reading ads such as the following and I would love to hear from others if this too, is a thorn in your side:

“I am an aspiring model needing a talented, edgy photographer to take photographs for my portfolio. I am going to need a variety of creative shots with wardrobe changes and various locations. Hoping you can use me to expand your portfolio. Budget is low and I am unable to pay for your services. Call me.”

WHAT? For real folks? How many shades of wrong is this request? Even a “wanna be” such as myself finds this truly insulting. We must remember to respect every artist for what they are and what they are potentially bringing to this world. They are no different from Michelangelo, in the sense that Michelangelo was once an aspiring artist himself. Frida Kahlo received little or no credit for her work until she was dead and gone from this earth. She was never able to reap the benefits of her talents in her own lifetime. Now she is revered, but what of her then? Today’s photographer posting on Craigslist for work, or working for Private Paparazzi for that matter, could be the next Alfred Stieglitz. Something to think about…

First you must know, a photographer need not travel far for inspiration. Try for instance, their backyard. They can walk out their front door on any given day, and never be at a loss of things to shoot in their entire lifetime. Their home, family, nature and this planet is their consistent canvas. Just as you could potentially eat at a new restaurant everyday in New York City and never eat at the same place twice, a photographer could never run out of subjects or places to shoot. This is why the audacity to think a photographer would be willing to exert and creatively give something of them self for the mere opportunity of expanding their portfolio is beyond me.

Do you know why photography is generally expensive? Because it’s hard. Everything about it is hard. The equipment and materials are expensive and with new technology and an ever expanding product list, the industry is updating and morphing everyday. Good photographers with hopes of having a prayer making it in this competitive industry better be educated and a constant student of their own craft. That’s why a company such as Private Paparazzi makes it possible for the everyday consumer with the everyday budget to afford quality photography from the hands and minds of talented individuals. We understand the need and want for photography and our service keeps the desires of the photographer and customer in mind.