Should I feel flattered or......

A few weeks ago I posted this image to my Flickr page and this forum.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7378/...f4e062b9_z.jpgsteps by runmonty, on Flickr

Now I am not overly attached to the image, but it is something that is not an obvious photo to take and required a little "out of the box" thinking at the time. A few days ago I saw that a local photographer that follows me on Flickr had posted the following image. According to the EXIF it was taken 2 days after I uploaded mine to Flickr .

Now I know that anyone can take any image they like and I know I am often influenced by other photographers myself, but I will confess to feeling a bit p....ed off when I saw this. To me it was a direct copy of what I had done. Am I being petty or am I somewhat justified in my reaction. I would appreciate honest opinions.

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/...7b86a8be_n.jpgMichelle Robinson_April (Olympus) 2014_41 by michmutters, on Flickr

I must confess, I see other people's images in my area and I go shot it. Now, it will not be a carbon copy. In this case, you should feel flattered, since you are the one with the eye. What's the old saying, "Imitation is the highest form of flattery!"

I saw this image a few weeks ago
http://www.msbphoto.com/img/v11/p126703759-4.jpg

So I went and did my own
https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2828/...c00cc557_b.jpg

Thanks for the feedback AT. I feel happier now I have vented.

For what its worth, I still prefer my image as in my opinion the decreasing width of horizontal bands (steps) are key to the comp. Maybe I am pissed because the other version got more Flickr "favorites" :laughing:

Your image is 1000x better. She has harsh light, dark shadows causing loss of detail.

I will go like your image :clap:

She must have run over there. She took it two days after you.

EDIT***

I went on here Flickr page and left a comment about you!!! :laughing:

Her 52-week Window portfolio is amazing!!!!













J/K

Great to see someone's got my back :thumbup:. I feel a bit uncomfortable about the comment though

I deleted it but it was there long enough for her to see it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by theantiquetiger

Her 52-week Window portfolio is amazing!!!!

J/K

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Ha Ha,

I do often like her street photography though. She is certainly prolific and creative.

I would lean towards flattered. It can be a bit hard to take if she ended up with more views/etc. I've gotten a bit put off when I've seen an image get page after page of likes/favourites/comments and something that I've done barely gets a blip especially when it's someone I've been out with on a group photo walk and my image is equally as good if not better and because I'm usually the one copied. And then I try to remember for whom I am taking the photograph and I feel better. You are an influencer. I think you should be proud of it. She obviously likes your work enough to follow your stream and use your images as inspiration.

Your image is much better lit and exposed, and gives a much broader context of the scene. Plus, she posted her photo in several other groups, so is trying to get more views. I agree with AT and Ig; it's obvious enough that you influenced her. That would please me.

Thanks Iggy & MB. I am feeling the positivity flowing over me. AAhhhh....

The more I think of it, the more I think you are right and will take it as a compliment - especially as I often like her images.

Iggy I was joking about the views - I can honestly say that part doesn't fuss me at all. I know I could get views and comments by posting to numerous groups but that just isn't my thing.