IS THE PHOTOGRAPHER GREATER THAN THE GLAM?-The ego trap of collaboration.
- Ashanta Artistry
- Jun 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 4
As a makeup artist and hair stylist, I often find myself on sets surrounded by egos. No corner of the creative industry is immune to someone outgrowing their humility. Whether it’s the stylist, glam team, art director, photographer, or talent—once someone has spent enough time in their craft to gain expertise, it takes real self-awareness not to let ego take the wheel.
In my experience, the artists who most often fall victim to their own hype are photographers. Don’t get me wrong—some of my closest colleagues and dearest friends are photographers I have deep admiration for what they do. Yet no other area of production has made me feel more undervalued or taken for granted.
***PAUSE a little moment for my photographer friends this post does NOT apply to. If the shoe does not fit don't put it on and walk around... I'm not talking about you, Love you***
Ok, resume, I say this with love and candor: photographers hold immense creative power. The way they manipulate light, frame a subject, and capture fleeting emotion can feel like magic. Lighting can transform the mundane into the extraordinary. Composition and angles can reveal beauty and emotion we didn’t even know were there.
But here’s the thing: photography—at its core—is a medium built around what’s in front of the lens. The subject. The raw material. A photographer can light it brilliantly, compose it creatively, and capture it at just the right millisecond… but they can’t change the subject before them. And that’s where the rest of the team comes in.
Great glam and styling don’t just complement a photo—they shape it. They set the tone, build the character, and influence how the subject comes alive. A well-executed hair and makeup look can elevate an image from good to unforgettable. And that’s not even touching on the emotional and psychological support happening behind the scenes.
The best collaborations have a flow of energy that moves both ways. Glam and styling inspire photography, and photography, in turn, brings out the best in the artistry that came before the first shutter click. When ego leads, that symbiosis is lost. But when mutual respect takes center stage, magic happens.
My favorite studios and projects are those where egos are absent and no one is treated like a minion. Everyone is purposeful, and everyone’s time, energy, and talent are respected. Where someone’s name falls on the call sheet doesn’t make them more or less of a human being—no one is more or less deserving of respect and kindness.
So here’s to the crews who check their egos at the door, who uplift one another’s talents, and who recognize that every frame worth remembering is the result of a team effort—not a solo act.
Shout out to some of my favorite photographers I've worked with. They've always treated me with me with respect and kindness. I have felt valued for what I brought to the table and admire the talents and gifts they bring. Together we've been able to create amazing experiences and beautiful images:
(In alphabetical order so no favoritism is attached lol) Ben Cope, Bettina Niedermann, Jackson Davis, James Dipietro, Jerome Shaw, Jonny Marlow, Kim NewMoney, Leah Huebner, Matt Kallish, Matt Marcheski, Stephanie Girard, Tandem Photography.
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