As a side hussle photographer and a full time marketeer who has worked for many big brands I find your outlook incredibly honest and refreshing. I've spent the last decade plus working for a well known retail brand as a creative. We have shot with Brian Adams, Stella McCartney and Rankin for exactly the reasons you have outlined. Not because other photographers couldn't do as good, or if not better job, but because of their names and the PR value that that brings to the table. Keep up the good work Scott.
Years ago, a reporter was interviewing Picasso in his studio. At the end, the reporter picked up a piece of paper from Picasso's table which had just a straight line drawn on it. "May I keep this?" the reporter asked. "Yes," replied Picasso. Delighted and emboldened, the reporter asked Picasso to sign the piece of paper, which he did. The reporter reached out to take back the signed paper, but Picasso shook his head. "That will be one hundred thousand Francs," he said. To echo Scott's point, the value was in the signature, not the drawing. There is another possibly apocryphal story that Picasso was sitting in a Paris cafe when a fan approached and asked if he would make a quick sketch on a paper napkin. Picasso agreed and drew a dove. He the asked for a large sum of money. Flummoxed, the fan demanded, “How can you ask for so much? It took you only a minute to draw.” To which Picasso replied, "No, it took me 40 years."
Any professional or expert will say the same: you are not paying for the couple of hours they took to study your case and provide a recommendation, you are paying for the years of study and decades of experience.
He doesn't get it though. He doesn't get Annie Liebovitz has a name for her photography, which is very relative going for a photographic job. Unlike someone who he says takes bad photos but the parents are famous!
I totally agree. Ad agencies make many different decisions when choosing every individual involved in their campaigns. Using a personsd name, over their talent, is just one of them. Saying that, I drink Haig whiskey (amoungst others) because it tastes good, not because David Beckham features in the ad campaigns. A customers decision to buy a product isnt always influenced by the names behind the advertising, but sometimes it is...
Very sharp and on point explanation. It happens a lot, especially nowadays with influencers in marketing campaigns. They offer (sell) the audience reach they have.
I've seen the Burberry photos; they are as good or better than the typical ads they run. They've received more play for this campaign than any other that I'm aware of. It's the gift that keeps on giving. It's a genius business move.
You nailed it, Tim. It’s the way of the world. One thing we should all learn from this, is that we are surrounded/dotted around, by brilliant people who are simply not well known. Those of us who recognize talent should take a moment to acknowledge unknown, brilliant individuals. Indeed, if one of the readers of this comment is brilliant at something, please accept the acknowledgement of your brilliance when it is offered to you. I love hearing about unacknowledged brilliant people. It makes a great TH-cam video.
I am enjoying hearing your perspective. In this case I agree. He was booked in both cases for his name and following, it isn't right, but it is the way the world works, especially now with social media. I seen so many models bounced from the process base solely on the the number of followers they have.
He's clearly one of your subscribers, wanted to look pro and took your advice to rock up with a Phase One ;). Love the opinion pieces - yes please for more!
Excellent explanation and one that people need to hear. Something is only worth (monetarily) what someone else is willing to pay. The market decides. These shoots weren’t artistic competitions.
The photography is irrelevant on both accounts, as you excellently suggest. As a photographer you know what good or bad work is. Its the same in any profession. Lets face it, does anyone getting a big campaign or a book deal, ever deserve it. Excellent post!
This show how the whole world in operating, it is all about the name and not the talent and who make more headlines. Usual of the fashion world (I worked many years and get out too) it is all about the image. Your are right totally nailed the point. It is up to people, if we all stop creating idols may be we will all leave in a better world.
I very much agree. And yes to more opinion pieces, not because I want this to turn into Sky, but because with a science background I know you build opinions based on research combined with your experience.
I like this video! Yes, more please. Life is not fair, that is for sure. I think many fashion photos look boring and do not excite me. The models look void of emotion and I almost hate it. I'm not a fashion photographer.
When A person buys an artwork. They're not just buying the physical artwork they are buying a piece of the artist that created the artwork. It's that "piece of the artist" that dictates the value of the artwork. It can be applied to all art,. music, poetry, painting and yes photography. The bigger the artist the higher the price.
I used to get pissed off with nepotism, but now I don't, as most of the results of it are mediocre. I realised that I was just envious. Not that I was any good, just pissed off. A workmate had a favourite saying, "You're keeping a good man out of a job." He was a rude sod, though, he'd say that to anybody.
I can relate to this 100%. Have a celebrity in my family whose young daughter liked photography. Nikon wanted to do a ad campaign, and decided to use his daughter with his name and status. Gave her all the equipment she wanted and gave her national TV exposure and gallery exposure. I have worked successfully as a pro photographer for 30 years and have never got that kind of opportunity. That's life 🤣. It's who you are not how good you are.
Definitely more of this kind of video. Agree with you a 100%. Life is never fair never was. Are there better shutters? Yes. Did They get it ? No. Deal with it.
I think the biggest lesson I’ve learnt in my photography career so far is brand building is the key skill you need to learn. Being technically gifted is good but when Rankin, Glen Luchford (insert famous photographer here) they’re bigger brands than they are photographer, they get the biggest commissions because they are big brands and are celebs themselves and are on a level playing field with a lot of the celebs they go and shoot. Most of the technical stuff is handled by their assistants
The fact that what you are saying is/might be true doesn't change or invalidates the frustration of those angry with the situation. Just because the world is like that doesn't mean that you can't be mad about it. We see it daily in politics and sometimes happens that if enough people show disagreement things change a bit.
I do enjoy your opinions Scott and welcome more of them. A good perspective on this situation, however at the end you asked 'is this right' - No!!! Next question for you to address is what is 'right?' these days.
Spot on! I don't envy Brooklyn's position either, he can't possibly fail without being ridiculed. And yep, it's all about exposure and the name/number of followers. Shame that's the world we live in now but there you go *shrug*
There's a lot of this goes on, like kids of famous musos get doors opened for them, but after that if their work is shit, they soon find out and the bubble bursts as everybody realises it. Otoh, I enjoy it when a talented offspring of a world-famous-muso actually makes it work. Everybody deserves a chance, just that theirs happens to be better.
also the big names not do or always did top-notch work. I edited some fashion stuff from people really everyone knows, and they were exciting as a hand towel.
As Wilde said" the only thing worse than being talked about ... is nOT being talked about " BB was a genius move and if the photos had been mind blowing - Burberry would have probably sent him back to the drawing board as they weren't controversial enough LOL
The Burberry marketing logic is similar to many model agencies who have specific size requirements followed by the caveat unless you have a following in excess of x-thousand.
Beckham is where he is because of his last name. You are right he did get the job only because of his name. The add agency really doesn't care if the photos are good, their betting his name will sell the add.
The fact that "everyone" is talking about this proves the marketing department was spot on in choosing him. Burberry would have got 1000th of the attention they are getting if they'd hired anyone else. Incidentally, take a look if you like at the fashion phootgraphy in the FT's colour magazine, How to Spend It (great title!). It seems that blurry awkward out of focus pictures of fashion are cool. How the hell did that happen?
The same can be said for Steve Irwin's son. Even now, the name Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, holds sway decades after his death. And you're right, it's not good but it is exactly what any of us would do, whether as agency or photographer.
I don’t know about the Burberry campaign, but I did see the book and was unimpressed by the photography (personal view). But for more talented photographers to complain about it, the opportunities that Brooklyn received is more of a reflection on those photographers!
The difficult part for Brooklyn’s future is he might someday wonder if he’s getting work because he’s good or because of his dad’s fame. I’ve seen it in my current field (military), where many younger Troopers decide that their background or familial legacy will see them treated with kid gloves and ‘propping up’. Shame when that bubble bursts.
this is life and to boost your income you use anything! now people will go to that barber just because Brooklyn Beckham done that campaign, for those who love David now that place is a landmark!
It's true. I am an amateur who ocassionally shoots something not bad. And if I was offered the chance to publish a book and make money out of a hobby that I like, I'd take the chance for sure.
Well, Scott, as we both know, opinions are like assholes; everybody’s got one and they all stink. That aside, I was in the music recording business from the time I was 14 and learned very early, it’s not necessarily how good you are, but it’s who you know that’ll get the attention of major producers and record labels (shows you how old I am). So, I totally understand and fully agree with your analysis of the Brooklyn Beckham issues you’ve spoken about. And, yes. I would like to hear more of your opinions, as I believe you’re a fair minded person who isn’t ruled by ideology.
Yes to opinion pieces. The thing is, if anyone was talking about Beckham's photography, they were doing so 7 years ago when he did the Burberry campaign and then had his book published. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place, but I haven't seen any videos 'about this', not since the social media storm in a teacup in 2017. There is nothing wrong with posting an opinion piece about this minor moment in celebrity history from a few years back, blowing the cobwebs off the archives of the facile non-achievements of nepo-babies, in the same way that one might offer opinion of Lady Jane Grey's brief attempted career as an abseiling instructor. I'm looking forward to Tom Kerridge giving his opinion about young Beckham's follow-up career as a chef, or some designer discussing Brooklyn's current career listing as a 'designer'.
One could argue David Beckham was signed by some football clubs because replica shirts with his name on would bring in significant revenue for the club, not necessarily because he was a fantastic footballer.
The history of photography is chocked full of photographers who made it big for no other reason than they were friends with the rich and famous. It's not going to change because folk bitch about it or cry about unfairness; nothing in life is fair. I'm a pretty ordinary photographer and I also turn up to shoots with a P1, a lot of us do; we hire them because it meets client expectations.
I totally get that the Burberry job was based on a clear marketing strategy. Was the marketing strategy the right one? Probably not. In the end it got attention, but probably also diminished the Burberry brand.
It's an unfortunate part of our psychology. Brands and names often matter far more than anything else. And to the people who booked Beckham for the shoot, what matters to them is whether they'll get back more than what they put in. And having a big name attached to the shoot greatly increases the likelihood of that happening.
I'm afraid, no matter however much people like to console themselves with the thought that life should be about fairness and meritocracy it very seldom is and it's a truism that 'who you know' usually trumps 'what you know' in most of life's endeavours irrespective of the prevailing societal system at that point and location in time; it's just human nature!
I hear what you are saying and agree with your analysis, but I think you should take this further and consider the consequences of such nepotism and disregard for merit. Should I sit back in a plane if BA decides it is good marketing to let Brooklyn Beckham fly the bloody thing? You don’t need to answer that. Nepotism is a race to the bottom and any acceptance of it at the expense of merit is disastrous in the long term and I don’t need to crash and burn in a plane to realise that.
Almost anything new - whether by happy accident, incompetence or genius - is better than the fomulaic "make no error" images that abound in all areas of advertising now.
You question is it right? It is right. Because in this context there is no right or wrong. Or more objectively, if the goal was to sell more Burberry, then it was definitively right. So you have been corrected. Thank you. :p😊
Whether we like it or not, we are in a business. I have shot projects where I could have done it with my eyes closed, and I was selected not because of my artistic approach, but because I am a professional, I'm fun to work with , I can deliver, no-one else was available. And I got paid handsomely for it (obviously within my small market rates). Do I care that I didn't really really really really care about the shoot like something that I get to create a treatment for and execute? NOPE!!! I got paid. The client will find, and should find, whatever means necessary to market their product/service, and I'm the first to tell a client that maybe spending that money for my service, might be better spent on a different combination of marketing tools for a higher ROI. Does it hurt when someone chooses another photographer over me when I could have done a better job...totally, but maybe that fotog was cheaper, or brought in different value that I couldn't. It. Is. Just. A. Business.
Simply we are not living in the "fair" world, which would be even less fair if there is socialism aka much more nepotism and if you protest -> restrictions on you. So yes, this is what is it, less we complain, better and maybe some of us will one day become this David Backham of photography, who knows.
No one's work is really evaluated and selected on the merits. It all (and I mean all, not just photography) goes to the in-person, the political connection, the pretty one, the most connected. It is never really about talent.
I look at it the same as when people criticize Kendall Jenner because they don't think she's a good model, ignoring the fact that the purpose of modeling is advertising and she doesn't need to be as good as other models if her name alone makes up for that. For Brooklyn's Burberry campaign the photos aren't terrible, but I'm assuming someone else handled all the editing and retouching. I'd also imagine it would be hard to take a truly bad photo when you are working with professionals models, hair and makeup artists, stylists, a creative director etc
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter why he got the job because nepotism will happen. Is that the takeaway, along with accepting it because that's our world?
You're nearly there. The takeaway is that is how the world works and it's easier to get gigs if your name or brand has value. Knowing this if you want to get gigs it pays to make connections and develop your name or band. How to do that? Well - that's the hard bit.
Worst case, Brooklyn Beckham might cry himself to sleep on his diamond-studded pillow, wake up, and blow his nose with a handkerchief worth more than your car. And that's just the way it is, lads - no point spilling any more milk over it.
Brooklyn Beckham will have much further reach and influence than anyone else that shot the campaign! Definitely a smart strategic decision made by the marketing department ! In this instance and in many others the quality of the pictures really doesn't matter! Influencer involvement does! Kudos to him! By any means necessary do what you ❤️
I guess the point I take from this is, one should know the context or why he, or anyone else, was chosen for a giving campaign should be sufficient to stop the complain and criticism but, I guess that is not going to stop it, is it?
It's fashion. Nothing makes sense, is moral, or fair in that world, if you want to be a part of it you should not complain. I had a friend when I was younger who got into it and I knew right away 'nope' its a world populated with all sorts of arseholes and egos... best avoided
I like fashion photography but a lot of it is pretentious. I would also point out that the audience for this stuff is not made up of people who care about sharpness or composition. The fashion public is looking for striking imagery and famous faces and things that represent a brand. I'm sure the magazine staff talks about sharpness and color science, etc, during their production, but people who buy fashion magazines and who consume fashion advertisement are focused on the fashion, not the photography. I agree with you that his work is not so bad that it's offensive.
Of course it was a marketing decision to make that book and not an aesthetical decision. But beside of the photography the art direction and layout is horrible! It really didn´t have to be like that. And about the Burberry campaign I have seen a photo or two and they are not as bad as the photos in the book. But do you really think Burberry would take the risk to have bad photos? For sure there were some assistants on set to make sure light, camera settings and model poses were correct so Beckham just had to press the shutter.
100% Didn't matter who you were as a photographer or how good you are you were never going to get that job unless your initials are BB. Have to give them credit for the marketing strategy, pity it sucks.
Ive seen so many new videos on this recently, and I don't really agree with any of them.
As a side hussle photographer and a full time marketeer who has worked for many big brands I find your outlook incredibly honest and refreshing. I've spent the last decade plus working for a well known retail brand as a creative. We have shot with Brian Adams, Stella McCartney and Rankin for exactly the reasons you have outlined. Not because other photographers couldn't do as good, or if not better job, but because of their names and the PR value that that brings to the table. Keep up the good work Scott.
Years ago, a reporter was interviewing Picasso in his studio. At the end, the reporter picked up a piece of paper from Picasso's table which had just a straight line drawn on it. "May I keep this?" the reporter asked. "Yes," replied Picasso. Delighted and emboldened, the reporter asked Picasso to sign the piece of paper, which he did.
The reporter reached out to take back the signed paper, but Picasso shook his head. "That will be one hundred thousand Francs," he said.
To echo Scott's point, the value was in the signature, not the drawing.
There is another possibly apocryphal story that Picasso was sitting in a Paris cafe when a fan approached and asked if he would make a quick sketch on a paper napkin. Picasso agreed and drew a dove. He the asked for a large sum of money. Flummoxed, the fan demanded, “How can you ask for so much? It took you only a minute to draw.”
To which Picasso replied, "No, it took me 40 years."
Any professional or expert will say the same: you are not paying for the couple of hours they took to study your case and provide a recommendation, you are paying for the years of study and decades of experience.
Inspiring stories!
My goodness... A TH-cam content creator/photographer that gets it! Wonderful!
He doesn't get it though. He doesn't get Annie Liebovitz has a name for her photography, which is very relative going for a photographic job. Unlike someone who he says takes bad photos but the parents are famous!
@@andrewsimpson5436 I get your point, but it's a minor one in the general point he was making.
So glad you do this kind of thing. Honesty is rare commodity in this day and age. Well done sir.
Enjoyed the perspective you shared here. More opinion pieces please. Most of the thoughts I hear from everyone else is primarily whining. Lol.
brutally honest. Respect.
I totally agree. Ad agencies make many different decisions when choosing every individual involved in their campaigns. Using a personsd name, over their talent, is just one of them. Saying that, I drink Haig whiskey (amoungst others) because it tastes good, not because David Beckham features in the ad campaigns. A customers decision to buy a product isnt always influenced by the names behind the advertising, but sometimes it is...
Very sharp and on point explanation. It happens a lot, especially nowadays with influencers in marketing campaigns. They offer (sell) the audience reach they have.
Well here we are talking about some one I didn’t know about. Good marketing design
I've seen the Burberry photos; they are as good or better than the typical ads they run. They've received more play for this campaign than any other that I'm aware of. It's the gift that keeps on giving. It's a genius business move.
Would love more videos like this. Absolutely agree on your very balanced view on this topic.
Enjoyed hearing you articulate your position. More of this, please.
You nailed it, Tim. It’s the way of the world.
One thing we should all learn from this, is that we are surrounded/dotted around, by brilliant people who are simply not well known. Those of us who recognize talent should take a moment to acknowledge unknown, brilliant individuals. Indeed, if one of the readers of this comment is brilliant at something, please accept the acknowledgement of your brilliance when it is offered to you. I love hearing about unacknowledged brilliant people. It makes a great TH-cam video.
Truth!!! Honest words and clear thought here. The more vids I watch of yours, the more I want to see. Keep up the good work!
As usual, concise, straight forward and oh so true. How courageous of Brooklyn to take the opportunity and put himself out there.
Very insightful and accurate take on the situation.
Very interesting points of view and well explained too.
This might be one of the best explanations on some of this I’ve heard and I had no knowledge of the shoot or the Beckham’s.
I am enjoying hearing your perspective. In this case I agree. He was booked in both cases for his name and following, it isn't right, but it is the way the world works, especially now with social media. I seen so many models bounced from the process base solely on the the number of followers they have.
Fair point was made.
I totally agree with you. This is how this (and a lot of other) business works. It’s not what, it’s who what’s matter.
He's clearly one of your subscribers, wanted to look pro and took your advice to rock up with a Phase One ;).
Love the opinion pieces - yes please for more!
Excellent explanation and one that people need to hear. Something is only worth (monetarily) what someone else is willing to pay. The market decides. These shoots weren’t artistic competitions.
I think you nailed it... It is what it is ...
The photography is irrelevant on both accounts, as you excellently suggest. As a photographer you know what good or bad work is. Its the same in any profession. Lets face it, does anyone getting a big campaign or a book deal, ever deserve it. Excellent post!
Appreciate the differentiated analysis rounded up with your personal view/opinion at the end. Please more of that.
Yes. Very interesting knowing what you think about these things.
This show how the whole world in operating, it is all about the name and not the talent and who make more headlines. Usual of the fashion world (I worked many years and get out too) it is all about the image. Your are right totally nailed the point. It is up to people, if we all stop creating idols may be we will all leave in a better world.
I think he was a great match for Burberry's campaign, because his photos are *exactly* as good as Burberry's fashion.
I very much agree. And yes to more opinion pieces, not because I want this to turn into Sky, but because with a science background I know you build opinions based on research combined with your experience.
I like this video! Yes, more please. Life is not fair, that is for sure. I think many fashion photos look boring and do not excite me. The models look void of emotion and I almost hate it. I'm not a fashion photographer.
When A person buys an artwork. They're not just buying the physical artwork they are buying a piece of the artist that created the artwork. It's that "piece of the artist" that dictates the value of the artwork. It can be applied to all art,. music, poetry, painting and yes photography. The bigger the artist the higher the price.
More videos like this, please!
I used to get pissed off with nepotism, but now I don't, as most of the results of it are mediocre.
I realised that I was just envious. Not that I was any good, just pissed off.
A workmate had a favourite saying, "You're keeping a good man out of a job." He was a rude sod, though, he'd say that to anybody.
I agree, and yes, I would like to hear more opinion pieces. Please.
I can relate to this 100%. Have a celebrity in my family whose young daughter liked photography. Nikon wanted to do a ad campaign, and decided to use his daughter with his name and status. Gave her all the equipment she wanted and gave her national TV exposure and gallery exposure. I have worked successfully as a pro photographer for 30 years and have never got that kind of opportunity. That's life 🤣. It's who you are not how good you are.
Definitely more of this kind of video. Agree with you a 100%. Life is never fair never was. Are there better shutters? Yes. Did They get it ? No. Deal with it.
You make some really good points here. And yes please - more option vids.
Access is everything!
I think the biggest lesson I’ve learnt in my photography career so far is brand building is the key skill you need to learn. Being technically gifted is good but when Rankin, Glen Luchford (insert famous photographer here) they’re bigger brands than they are photographer, they get the biggest commissions because they are big brands and are celebs themselves and are on a level playing field with a lot of the celebs they go and shoot.
Most of the technical stuff is handled by their assistants
Well said!
the man says what they all know, but they praise him for saying what they already know. It's just great 🤣
The fact that what you are saying is/might be true doesn't change or invalidates the frustration of those angry with the situation. Just because the world is like that doesn't mean that you can't be mad about it. We see it daily in politics and sometimes happens that if enough people show disagreement things change a bit.
I do enjoy your opinions Scott and welcome more of them. A good perspective on this situation, however at the end you asked 'is this right' - No!!! Next question for you to address is what is 'right?' these days.
Spot on! I don't envy Brooklyn's position either, he can't possibly fail without being ridiculed. And yep, it's all about exposure and the name/number of followers. Shame that's the world we live in now but there you go *shrug*
"Dad, can I have $40.000 for a new camera?" No problem.
There's a lot of this goes on, like kids of famous musos get doors opened for them, but after that if their work is shit, they soon find out and the bubble bursts as everybody realises it.
Otoh, I enjoy it when a talented offspring of a world-famous-muso actually makes it work.
Everybody deserves a chance, just that theirs happens to be better.
good point, take any advantage that comes your way - most of us would have done the same thing.
More opinion pieces please. I feel it can help test one's own assumptions and opinions.
THIS! I've been saying this for years
Spot on! Yes
also the big names not do or always did top-notch work. I edited some fashion stuff from people really everyone knows, and they were exciting as a hand towel.
As Wilde said" the only thing worse than being talked about ... is nOT being talked about " BB was a genius move and if the photos had been mind blowing - Burberry would have probably sent him back to the drawing board as they weren't controversial enough LOL
Spot on really.
Hi Scott, can you release an e-course on getting yourself a famous dad please? Thanks
I like your opinion video. I'd like to see more.
The Burberry marketing logic is similar to many model agencies who have specific size requirements followed by the caveat unless you have a following in excess of x-thousand.
Yes please… more opinion pieces.
You should interview him
Beckham is where he is because of his last name. You are right he did get the job only because of his name. The add agency really doesn't care if the photos are good, their betting his name will sell the add.
The fact that "everyone" is talking about this proves the marketing department was spot on in choosing him. Burberry would have got 1000th of the attention they are getting if they'd hired anyone else. Incidentally, take a look if you like at the fashion phootgraphy in the FT's colour magazine, How to Spend It (great title!). It seems that blurry awkward out of focus pictures of fashion are cool. How the hell did that happen?
The same can be said for Steve Irwin's son. Even now, the name Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, holds sway decades after his death. And you're right, it's not good but it is exactly what any of us would do, whether as agency or photographer.
I don’t know about the Burberry campaign, but I did see the book and was unimpressed by the photography (personal view). But for more talented photographers to complain about it, the opportunities that Brooklyn received is more of a reflection on those photographers!
The difficult part for Brooklyn’s future is he might someday wonder if he’s getting work because he’s good or because of his dad’s fame.
I’ve seen it in my current field (military), where many younger Troopers decide that their background or familial legacy will see them treated with kid gloves and ‘propping up’. Shame when that bubble bursts.
this is life and to boost your income you use anything! now people will go to that barber just because Brooklyn Beckham done that campaign, for those who love David now that place is a landmark!
It's true. I am an amateur who ocassionally shoots something not bad. And if I was offered the chance to publish a book and make money out of a hobby that I like, I'd take the chance for sure.
Well, Scott, as we both know, opinions are like assholes; everybody’s got one and they all stink. That aside, I was in the music recording business from the time I was 14 and learned very early, it’s not necessarily how good you are, but it’s who you know that’ll get the attention of major producers and record labels (shows you how old I am).
So, I totally understand and fully agree with your analysis of the Brooklyn Beckham issues you’ve spoken about. And, yes. I would like to hear more of your opinions, as I believe you’re a fair minded person who isn’t ruled by ideology.
Yes to opinion pieces. The thing is, if anyone was talking about Beckham's photography, they were doing so 7 years ago when he did the Burberry campaign and then had his book published. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place, but I haven't seen any videos 'about this', not since the social media storm in a teacup in 2017.
There is nothing wrong with posting an opinion piece about this minor moment in celebrity history from a few years back, blowing the cobwebs off the archives of the facile non-achievements of nepo-babies, in the same way that one might offer opinion of Lady Jane Grey's brief attempted career as an abseiling instructor. I'm looking forward to Tom Kerridge giving his opinion about young Beckham's follow-up career as a chef, or some designer discussing Brooklyn's current career listing as a 'designer'.
One could argue David Beckham was signed by some football clubs because replica shirts with his name on would bring in significant revenue for the club, not necessarily because he was a fantastic footballer.
The history of photography is chocked full of photographers who made it big for no other reason than they were friends with the rich and famous. It's not going to change because folk bitch about it or cry about unfairness; nothing in life is fair. I'm a pretty ordinary photographer and I also turn up to shoots with a P1, a lot of us do; we hire them because it meets client expectations.
I thought he'd given up on being a photographer? Let's face it, he's a fantastic chef these days...
Well, as a photographer, I was a great plumber.
100% right
I totally get that the Burberry job was based on a clear marketing strategy. Was the marketing strategy the right one? Probably not. In the end it got attention, but probably also diminished the Burberry brand.
It's an unfortunate part of our psychology. Brands and names often matter far more than anything else. And to the people who booked Beckham for the shoot, what matters to them is whether they'll get back more than what they put in. And having a big name attached to the shoot greatly increases the likelihood of that happening.
Life magazine plonked Frank Sinatra ringside for Ali V Frasier and ran a full spread including the cover. It’s just business.
with anything in life, it's all who you know.
I'm afraid, no matter however much people like to console themselves with the thought that life should be about fairness and meritocracy it very seldom is and it's a truism that 'who you know' usually trumps 'what you know' in most of life's endeavours irrespective of the prevailing societal system at that point and location in time; it's just human nature!
The art world has always been a bit 'meh' about photography, particularly here in the UK. This story likely reinforces a lot of that prejudice.
I think the way to roll with it, is to say "was I really in contention for that job?" If not, why waste energy getting angry about it?
I hear what you are saying and agree with your analysis, but I think you should take this further and consider the consequences of such nepotism and disregard for merit. Should I sit back in a plane if BA decides it is good marketing to let Brooklyn Beckham fly the bloody thing? You don’t need to answer that. Nepotism is a race to the bottom and any acceptance of it at the expense of merit is disastrous in the long term and I don’t need to crash and burn in a plane to realise that.
Almost anything new - whether by happy accident, incompetence or genius - is better than the fomulaic "make no error" images that abound in all areas of advertising now.
You question is it right? It is right. Because in this context there is no right or wrong. Or more objectively, if the goal was to sell more Burberry, then it was definitively right. So you have been corrected. Thank you. :p😊
Whether we like it or not, we are in a business. I have shot projects where I could have done it with my eyes closed, and I was selected not because of my artistic approach, but because I am a professional, I'm fun to work with , I can deliver, no-one else was available. And I got paid handsomely for it (obviously within my small market rates). Do I care that I didn't really really really really care about the shoot like something that I get to create a treatment for and execute? NOPE!!! I got paid.
The client will find, and should find, whatever means necessary to market their product/service, and I'm the first to tell a client that maybe spending that money for my service, might be better spent on a different combination of marketing tools for a higher ROI. Does it hurt when someone chooses another photographer over me when I could have done a better job...totally, but maybe that fotog was cheaper, or brought in different value that I couldn't. It. Is. Just. A. Business.
Simply we are not living in the "fair" world, which would be even less fair if there is socialism aka much more nepotism and if you protest -> restrictions on you. So yes, this is what is it, less we complain, better and maybe some of us will one day become this David Backham of photography, who knows.
No one's work is really evaluated and selected on the merits. It all (and I mean all, not just photography) goes to the in-person, the political connection, the pretty one, the most connected. It is never really about talent.
I look at it the same as when people criticize Kendall Jenner because they don't think she's a good model, ignoring the fact that the purpose of modeling is advertising and she doesn't need to be as good as other models if her name alone makes up for that.
For Brooklyn's Burberry campaign the photos aren't terrible, but I'm assuming someone else handled all the editing and retouching. I'd also imagine it would be hard to take a truly bad photo when you are working with professionals models, hair and makeup artists, stylists, a creative director etc
At the end of the day, it doesn't matter why he got the job because nepotism will happen. Is that the takeaway, along with accepting it because that's our world?
You're nearly there. The takeaway is that is how the world works and it's easier to get gigs if your name or brand has value. Knowing this if you want to get gigs it pays to make connections and develop your name or band. How to do that? Well - that's the hard bit.
its not what you know, but who you know. with his parents he has highend contacts.
Worst case, Brooklyn Beckham might cry himself to sleep on his diamond-studded pillow, wake up, and blow his nose with a handkerchief worth more than your car. And that's just the way it is, lads - no point spilling any more milk over it.
Brooklyn Beckham will have much further reach and influence than anyone else that shot the campaign! Definitely a smart strategic decision made by the marketing department !
In this instance and in many others the quality of the pictures really doesn't matter! Influencer involvement does! Kudos to him! By any means necessary do what you ❤️
I guess the point I take from this is, one should know the context or why he, or anyone else, was chosen for a giving campaign should be sufficient to stop the complain and criticism but, I guess that is not going to stop it, is it?
It's fashion. Nothing makes sense, is moral, or fair in that world, if you want to be a part of it you should not complain. I had a friend when I was younger who got into it and I knew right away 'nope' its a world populated with all sorts of arseholes and egos... best avoided
Nepotism. It happens. It's life.
I like fashion photography but a lot of it is pretentious. I would also point out that the audience for this stuff is not made up of people who care about sharpness or composition. The fashion public is looking for striking imagery and famous faces and things that represent a brand. I'm sure the magazine staff talks about sharpness and color science, etc, during their production, but people who buy fashion magazines and who consume fashion advertisement are focused on the fashion, not the photography. I agree with you that his work is not so bad that it's offensive.
Of course it was a marketing decision to make that book and not an aesthetical decision. But beside of the photography the art direction and layout is horrible! It really didn´t have to be like that. And about the Burberry campaign I have seen a photo or two and they are not as bad as the photos in the book. But do you really think Burberry would take the risk to have bad photos? For sure there were some assistants on set to make sure light, camera settings and model poses were correct so Beckham just had to press the shutter.
Didn't know about this until this video, so it wasn't possible for me to care about it. Now that I know about it, I still don't care about it. :P
I like this opinion peace.
"this is captalism at its finest" a.k.a idiocracy
100% Didn't matter who you were as a photographer or how good you are you were never going to get that job unless your initials are BB. Have to give them credit for the marketing strategy, pity it sucks.