So, I just got a friend request on MySpace from Rudy Torres, Photographer Extraordinaire. I accepted his request and checked out his blog. He had a post, that basically summarizes my feelings toward the industry that I'm in. He also included a video that gives you a visual as to what a lot of creative people have to deal with. Check out the video below.

Look... if you want to be treated as a professional, charge as if you're a professional. You think someones going to notice you in some magazine, on some website, or some other place, it's not going to happen. Not unless you've taken the bull by the horns and BRANDED the F**K out of your product, will you ever get noticed.

Do you think people REALLY look in the spine of the magazine to see who shot what? HELL NO, well, with the exception of another photographer looking to see how he/she can get taken for a ride just like you. Please, if you're going to be in the biz, know your rate. Don't change it for ANYONE. Trust me, I've been where you are, wondering what I should do in instances where people "promised" exposure, it doesn't happen. Hey, if you want to learn the hard way, be my guest. If you do, you won't get any sympathy out of me.

A memorable (and timely) rant from the upcoming feature documentary on Harlan Ellison, "DREAMS WITH SHARP TEETH".