Give it away Give it away Give it away now...

As I've mentioned in this space before (http://wwwrobertkalmanweb.blogspot.com/2015/02/go-figure.html) I routinely post on Flickr and Facebook so that I get feedback about my portraits. The writer, Austin Kleon, has advocated as much in his popular book, Show Your Work, suggesting that posting not only enhances one's findability, it also builds reputation which can lead to opportunity.

On the other hand, my friend who is knowledgeable about managing images online, is constantly reminding me to be careful about what I post, and about how easily work can be stolen. She alerted me, for example, that some misguided soul in Beijing had recently stolen over thirty of my pictures (as well as the photos of other photographers) and repurposed them as illustrations. While I was suitably outraged when she told me, I've learned to shrug it off as a poor imitation that is perceivable as a compliment.

A published photographer I know made a similar appeal to me as my friend's the other day: "Why would a publisher be interested in bringing out your work", he asked, "when you're giving them away for free?"

Turns out that a whole bunch of serious writers have learned that there is, indeed, great value in giving away work for free. Giving work away builds audience, it builds attention and it leads, ultimately, to selling work. You can read about it here.

So, despite the well-intentioned advice I've received, I'm going to continue to "give away" work.

Here's a selection my latest.

Is there any feedback?

Sheba

Maddy

Gayle

Overcoming Inertia

In 1991 I was walking through a park in Mexico City where a group of artists were showing and selling their work. I saw a piece that I absolutely fell in love with, but walked on, thinking that I should see what else was available before deciding to buy. Of course, by the time I returned the piece had already been sold. Then and there I made myself a promise: when there is opportunity, act; do not wait, because it only leads to disappointment.

It is a promise I have broken hundreds and hundreds of time.

Chalk it up to inertia, that is, my own resistance to changing my state and acting. These days it usually happens when I see someone I want to photograph. I make dozens of excuses to myself because inertia freezes me up. You know, excuses like, "She's probably in a hurry," "The lighting isn't very good," "There's too many people in the way," "The sidewalk is too narrow." You get the idea.

Yesterday, I had one of those moments. Passing a barber shop, I spotted an incredible-looking young woman through the window: attractive, slender, in a buttoned up white shirt and loud bow tie, and, best of all, without hair. I immediately manufactured excuses: I'll have to set up the 8x10, she's working and won't have time, we're walking over to another part of town and we're losing the light, and on and on... Stupidly I ignored my rule, allowed inertia to carry me on, and figured I had lost the picture.

Apparently, the photo gods decided to give me a break. Because when the other side of town didn't pan out, I retraced my steps, and, when passing the barber shop once more, there she was, seated outside and talking on her cell.

The rest of the details are not important. The fact that she reappeared was a sign to make her photo no matter what. It is viewable below; the bonus was the back story that she wrote to go along with the image. Perhaps after this, I will follow my Mexico City rule without ever hesitating.

Eva

Interview with My Daughter, Jordanna

My daughter, Jordanna, is a superb photographer. She's just been interviewed by Sophie Greenidge over at Ghost.

I invite all of you to check it out.