“Never play for your peers…”

Was listening to Joe Rogan talk about becoming successful as a stand up comic.

He says it starts with an “ember”. A fire, passion, which drives us to work hard. You know, the “D” word….discipline.

But one thing he warned about and I found most interesting is the idea behind playing for your peers.

In other words, creating jokes that other comedians “get”.

The problem he states, besides this ruining any real chances at success, is most folks don’t get the jokes.

Are jazz musicians the same? Me thinks so.

You don’t see arenas packed with crowds to hear the best jazz bands.
Do you? Lady Gaga, yes. Jazz, no. (think small clubs filled with smoke and arrogance)

Gaga plays to her audience. A comedian who speaks to their audience and makes them laugh has a chance at success.

“It’s very problematic to play for the comedians. Because comedians like weird shit…”
Sez Joe….

I can say the same thing about photographers and photography. Call me a capitalist profiteering swine, but whenever I see ANY kind of photography with impact, I ask myself:
“Yes, but can it make money??”

Is there a game plan?

Or is it simply appealing to our peers. Depends, I guess, what you want to achieve.

Yours in photography and success,
Robert Provencher

“If you want to be a profitable and successful photographer, then study profitable and successful photographers.”