Well, this is usually where I write my column as Nob Pagnotta, but today I want to talk a little about work.
I run a one-person company, and when my schedule gets tight,
I sometimes send other photographers to the shoot. In fact, I’d say I actively outsource when needed.
Of course, some people still lack the level of quality I expect.
But that part isn’t a major issue — I can cover it in the end.
The real challenge isn’t technical skill. It’s the attitude toward the work.
There are people who, somewhere deep down,
unconsciously look for the easy way out. And that mindset shows up everywhere:
- Poor judgment when choosing the right gear
- Low standards when selecting photos for delivery
- Sloppy framing and weak understanding of focal length or camera position
And above all, they make excuses.
Ironically, these are often the people who speak the smoothest.
Everyone embellishes a little to reassure a client — not just photographers. But photography is brutally honest.
The delivered images reveal exactly where someone stands.
I usually commission any photographer at least twice before deciding whether to continue working with them.
Once would be enough, honestly, but I give them some grace. Health, timing, and compatibility with the project all matter.
Still, you can usually tell after the first delivery if someone’s fundamental attitude is off.
It’s not about skill — their mindset shows through. And unfortunately, people like that rarely grow.
On the other hand, the ones who do grow share a few traits:
- They are humble
- They understand the client–vendor relationship in a healthy way
- They genuinely want to deliver more value than what they’re paid for
Even if their current quality isn’t there yet, I’ll commission people like that again and again.
Because if their foundation is solid, their skills will catch up quickly.
