We all do a little bit of self promotion. But every time you try and subtly mislead your market or indulge in a little bit of self aggrandising you raise a knowing smile from another professional photographer.
At one time or another, I've probably been as guilty as the next man. But, y'know, you live and learn...
1. Post Magazine Cover Shots...
…of a magazine you have a small feature or single image in. You didn't shoot the cover did you? No, thought not. So why not just annotate the image that was included with the name of the magazine and the publication date?
2. "Widely Published"
A model you once shot submitted some images to a magazine competition. Or a magazine used your content to fill up some space. 'Widely Printed' is the term you're grasping for.
3. Releasing 'Sneak Peeks'
Unless you've just wrapped the Pirelli calendar or shot Pippa Middleton riding Shergar the chances are nobody is actually dying to see your shoot except the model and the makeup artist. And they probably already had a sneak peek on the back of your camera. Get a grip.
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4. Publishing Editorials...
...in obscure online-only PDF publications. Have a look at their readership figures. Realise it's actually less than your own Facebook page gets. Wonder why you bothered.
5. Making Vague Status Updates About Amazing but Highly Secret Projects
We really, really don't care. The most exciting projects are the ones that are realised and in the can. Why not shout about those instead? At least we can judge for ourselves whether they're exciting and amazing and unique and envy inducing...
6. I Only Shoot Natural Light
Because you don't understand studio lighting. Taking commissions only outdoors during daylight hours must be seriously impacting on your earning potential.
7. Adding Lens Flare, Blur etc in post…
…and then claiming against all the laws of physics evident in the frame that it was created in camera. I'm a photographer, I understand light and there is no way on earth that's real. Just admit it and move on - it's all good. Same goes for calling retouches 'cross processed' - Did you dunk your screen into a bath of C-41? No? Ah, so you just tweaked some purple & green hues then and ramped up the contrast.
8. Posting HQ Fashion Editorials in with their own work...
...and making it highly ambiguous that you didn't in fact take those images. Nor could you.
9. Using Images Taken on a Training Course
You may as well Fed-Ex your camera to the tutor and just have them take it for you
10. Asking for Critique/Giving Critique
…then stick your head in the sand and ignore what's said because you weren't really expecting real critique. Or, when giving critique, art may be subjective but your work is terrible. Please shut up until you can offer an informed opinion.
Speaking of which - feel free to add your own to the list :)