Am I fixated about FPIs? (Patreon)

First the good news. Woke up to another FPI this morning, my 33rd. It’s an image featuring Athena Rose at White Stones created during Athena’s first trip to Cyprus. It was shot on 20 October 2021 and retouched by Alexander Fess at the beginning of this year.  It was posted on Purpleport a couple of months ago.  It’s my fourth FPI with Athena - all from that very same shoot at White Stones!

Now the more controversial part. A photographer who describes himself as a hobbyist had a real go at me on one of the forums on Purpleport and accused me of being fixated with FPIs.  All I had done was to post two identical images - both were my Images. The one posted by the model had the FPI rosette, the one I posted didn’t. I asked the obvious question.  it caused a furore of replies and a lot of heated discussion. I really didn’t expect this! 

To cut a long story short, I don't think I’m fixated about FPIs, although I do take pride in them.  I also take pride when I win images of the day or image of the week on Model Folio. Starred images on Model Folio are good too although less valuable in my honest opinion - incidentally I won one of those yesterday, it was an image from My first ever shoot with Athena.  Why? Simply because there are a lot more people on Purpleport than on Model Folio. FPIs certainly got me more exposure. Top models now want to work with me (some now tell me I‘m their best photographer) - it wasn’t the case a year ago when I only had two or three. They go the extra mile to do so.  It can be in terms of lower rates, or juggling their other commitments so they get to work with me - some have kids so it’s not easy. That’s very valuable. It means I can keep producing more and better work. That also makes it possible for me to offer my patrons high quality images and videos on a daily basis.

FPIs are not an end by themselves but I do feel I have every right to feel proud about them! They also encourage me to think I can aim even higher. Is that a bad thing?

I’d love to hear your views on this!