In this day and age, the cell phone is pretty much the exclusive means of communication for everyone. The odd thing is that it's hardly ever used to make phone calls. 

Cell phones would probably be named more appropriately as a texting device. In addition to texting by phone number, the one that started it all, social media like Instagram, Facebook, TicToc, Snapchat, Threads, X (formerly known as Twitter, haha), etc. all have messaging features. Together, these have virtually replaced all voice communication.

I rely heavily on various texting apps to set up photo shoots - from communicating with models to arranging locations. Like everyone else, I rarely use it to make voice calls.

Cell phones are also the major tool used in today's dating scene. They are used to help both sides gauge the interest of the other. They are also used by both men and women as a means of portraying dating market value and assessing that of the other. This is done by seeing who will text back first, who will wait longer, or who will double text, leaving on read or unread (but reading the notification), and low investment one word replies. It is also used to convey a sense of busyness (I didn't have time to text you back for 2 days or even weeks) to increase one's portrayed social value. It has a certain type of subcommunication that goes beyond the words that are typed.

It wasn't always this way.

As a photographer, and not someone looking for a date, this can slow the progress of getting to a shoot to the point where I lose interest. I'm not in some huge hurry but It is important to keep the conversation moving. It can become an inconvenience to the point where I feel it's just not worth it to me. I don't need to be a part of using cell phones as a way to convey social value which really has nothing to do with creating awesome images.

This can happen because I am a male photographer who primarily works with female models. Therefore I may at times get treated, out of habit, the same as any other guy in their inbox. The thing is, I am not the same as any other guy in their inbox. I'm not on the roster. I'm not just some source of free attention. I am not looking for a date, only a great photo shoot. And everything I do is towards that end.

Let's be reasonable. When having a conversation to arrange a shoot, replying somewhat promptly is often necessary, and not an unreasonable expectation, to carry the conversation to a good stopping point. It can also be seen as a (professional) courtesy. If communication with a photographer is treated the same as communication with a date or potential date, photo shoots often times end up not happening.

As a photographer (and in general), my time is valuable and I choose to spend it where it will be more productive. If I go silent, now you know one possible reason why. That doesn't mean I'm not down to shoot. What it does mean is that I'm on to other things. Get back to me when you are serious about doing a shoot...or don't.

Moving on. Next...