Words are important. That’s not a subjective opinion but an objective fact. We rely upon them for effective and accurate communication. To demonstrate our knowledge, experience and professionalism. And yet I continually see photographers online use language that fulfills none of these criteria.
Why? Well because they are learning from people who don’t know what they are talking about and are making it up as they go along! Who am I to make such a strident statement? Well, someone who has worked as an art director, photographer, curator and lecturer over forty years. Now, you may think that makes me an out of touch dinosaur that knows nothing of the contemporary photo market. Sadly, for you if you think this way you are misinformed and naive because I may be old but over the last forty years nothing has changed.
Yes, digital has replaced analogue and budgets have dropped whilst expectations have risen but the language used has not. An edit is still an edit, post production is still post production, clients still set budgets and fees and they are too busy to worry about what photographers are arguing, worrying or concerned about. Their expectations are simple. Not to be surprised, get what they were expecting, have great communication and a professional understanding of the clients worries, stresses and issues. This has always been the case.
If as a photographer you do not know and use the correct words, terms and phraseology as your clients then you are not going to come across as an informed professional. If you have learnt these from social media warriors then you may think you are right but you will be wrong. Don’t argue with me on this. I am just reflecting on the industry.
In a sense I am arguing here for well informed education. That is not just from photographers but perhaps more importantly from photo editors, art directors and from anyone whose job it is to commission photography. Perhaps the incorrect use of photo language is confined to wedding, high street portrait and event photographers whom I refer to as domestic professionals working for non-professional clients. Clients who are not aware of the professional terms used within the creative industries. Maybe I’m wrong… but I don’t think I am.
Those who have been in the industry for a decent amount of time will probably be nodding their heads sagely at this point. Those who live on social media will probably be foaming at the mouth with anger. How dare I tell them what to think and what to say! Am I exaggerating? No! I’ve had this response before when I have offered some help and experience.
Language and its meaning is always evolving but accuracy and appropriateness is constant. There are many professionals willing to share their knowledge. Unfortunately I’m afraid that many of those joining the profession today don’t want to ask or listen to those they could learn from. And often attack verbally those that are better informed. My suggestion is to never forget that the passing on of wisdom is not an act of condescension but one of kindness.
Dr.Grant Scott
After fifteen years art directing photography books and magazines such as Elle and Tatler, Scott began to work as a photographer for a number of advertising and editorial clients in 2000. Alongside his photographic career Scott has art directed numerous advertising campaigns, worked as a creative director at Sotheby’s, art directed foto8 magazine, founded his own photographic gallery, edited Professional Photographer magazine and launched his own title for photographers and filmmakers Hungry Eye. He founded the United Nations of Photography in 2012, and is now a Senior Lecturer and Subject Co-ordinator: Photography at Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, and a BBC Radio contributor. Scott is the author of Professional Photography: The New Global Landscape Explained (Routledge 2014), The Essential Student Guide to Professional Photography (Routledge 2015), New Ways of Seeing: The Democratic Language of Photography (Routledge 2019), and What Does Photography Mean To You? (Bluecoat Press 2020). His photography has been published in At Home With The Makers of Style (Thames & Hudson 2006) and Crash Happy: A Night at The Bangers (Cafe Royal Books 2012). His film Do Not Bend: The Photographic Life of Bill Jay was premiered in 2018.
Scott’s book Inside Vogue House: One building. Seven magazines. Sixty Years of Stories is on sale now.
© Grant Scott 2025
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