Photographer
Jun 27, 2014 10:42:30 #
Thombar wrote:
Never let anothers opinion get you down. Remember the old saying: "Opinion are like a**holes, everybody has one". Whether an "amateur" or "pro" shoot to please yourself and you will be a happy person. :D
And if all else fails, read Thombar's avatar. :lol:
Jun 27, 2014 10:52:13 #
Jun 27, 2014 11:01:07 #
Stage Light
Loc: Northeast
sandheinrichc wrote:
As an amature photographer, sometimes I feel like ... (show quote)
Most professional photographers will encourage you and help you. Like anywhere else there are those less helpful. Check your local area professional photography group; they usually have an associate member area for those wanting to learn more.
Jun 27, 2014 11:05:21 #
Stage Light
Loc: Northeast
Bobbee wrote:
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
Sorry for the over enthusiasm !! Love this.
Sorry for the over enthusiasm !! Love this.
I disagree. I believe most people are helpful. The unhelpful people get more press and seem to be the majority.
Jun 27, 2014 11:19:15 #
DavidPine wrote:
I know a lot of professional photographers. I have never heard a pro say anything untoward to me or any other amateur. As a matter of fact, all the pros I know have been extremely understanding, helpful and kind. You must have run across a normal run-of-the-mill jerk who would say anything to anyone to make him/herself feel better about not being a better photographer.
I agree with David. This is my experience as well.
Jun 27, 2014 11:37:45 #
Sand, there are many things that one can see when observing another person holding a camera that shouts "Newby . . . or amateur . . . or inexperienced" photographer. I don't know what was exactly but if all they said was "she claimed to be a photographer" then I really think you are being too sensitive. People say things, people make comments, people make conversation, people talk about other people and this is what people do.
The photographer you know might have observed the other person holding their camera incorrectly. . . Or heard the beep a camera makes when a camera is focused. These are some of the tell tale signs that the person doesn't exactly know much about photography. If the person being observed was doing something like this but had been heard bragging about all the years and years of experience they have I might think or say the same thing.
The photographer you know might have observed the other person holding their camera incorrectly. . . Or heard the beep a camera makes when a camera is focused. These are some of the tell tale signs that the person doesn't exactly know much about photography. If the person being observed was doing something like this but had been heard bragging about all the years and years of experience they have I might think or say the same thing.
sandheinrichc wrote:
As an amature photographer, sometimes I feel like ... (show quote)
Jun 27, 2014 11:41:27 #
Jun 27, 2014 12:12:54 #
Mac wrote:
The hell with what others think. Don't let others control how you feel about yourself. People who look down/talk down to others usually have low self esteem and do that in an effort to make themselves feel better about themselves. The best thing to do is distance yourself as much as possible from people like that.
:thumbup: :thumbup:
Jun 27, 2014 12:18:34 #
sirlensalot
Loc: Arizona
Just a few points if I may.
First, a while back I ran across a definition of a pro photographer. They were defined as someone who derived 60% or more of their income from photography.
Second, amateurs are as capable of pros of producing stunning and emotional images on both ends of the spectrum. I think the difference is the pro is under pressure to produce as a matter of course, while amateurs are not.
Third, pros are entitled to maintain an air of professionalism on behalf of their clients and their profession. If others see that as being a bit aloof toward amateurs, one answer would be to invest in the education, equipment, marketing, and time to survive in a chosen profession. This is different than talking down to or about amateurs.
Fourth, for the record, my experience is similar to the OP. I consider myself an amateur who has been paid for a few jobs on a donation basis. I was published, have not been displayed in a gallery. I have photographed as the sole photographer, second, and third. Never had a problem with any pro, but always introduced myself, discussed expectations, in some cases negotiated territory for shooting weddings, etc. In every case always felt the pro has the right to make decisions that benefit themselves on behalf of whoever is paying them. Yes, I have had my feathers ruffled a few times. Never saw it as a big deal. Have also learned much by watching and conversing with pros. Overall, found much more good than bad. Same goes for videographers. Stay out of their shot, and all is well. Lol
First, a while back I ran across a definition of a pro photographer. They were defined as someone who derived 60% or more of their income from photography.
Second, amateurs are as capable of pros of producing stunning and emotional images on both ends of the spectrum. I think the difference is the pro is under pressure to produce as a matter of course, while amateurs are not.
Third, pros are entitled to maintain an air of professionalism on behalf of their clients and their profession. If others see that as being a bit aloof toward amateurs, one answer would be to invest in the education, equipment, marketing, and time to survive in a chosen profession. This is different than talking down to or about amateurs.
Fourth, for the record, my experience is similar to the OP. I consider myself an amateur who has been paid for a few jobs on a donation basis. I was published, have not been displayed in a gallery. I have photographed as the sole photographer, second, and third. Never had a problem with any pro, but always introduced myself, discussed expectations, in some cases negotiated territory for shooting weddings, etc. In every case always felt the pro has the right to make decisions that benefit themselves on behalf of whoever is paying them. Yes, I have had my feathers ruffled a few times. Never saw it as a big deal. Have also learned much by watching and conversing with pros. Overall, found much more good than bad. Same goes for videographers. Stay out of their shot, and all is well. Lol
Jun 27, 2014 12:32:16 #
Bobbee wrote:
I like doing photography, I love shooting people. ... (show quote)
I love shooting people too! But I almost got caught the last time, now I just take their picture... :mrgreen:
Jun 27, 2014 12:34:33 #
avman
Loc: Normal IL
sandheinrichc wrote:
I have found here that most of the pros that fequent here are pretty nice, but out in the world I have found way more that are not, I have met some pretty rude and full of them photographers. I mean I get that you know that you are good, but come on.
Alas, these self righteous photogs are the ones who give "Professional Photography" a bad name, to which the rest of us have to rectify to eke out a living
Jun 27, 2014 12:44:43 #
wj cody
Loc: springfield illinois
anyone with a film camera who makes pictures is a photographer.
anyone with a digital imaging device who makes images is a digital imager.
now, having said that - it doesn't matter what the name is, just so long as you enjoy doing it, whether pro or amateur. you'd be surprised the number of professional photographers who are just hacks - and yet they manage to make a living from it!
anyone with a digital imaging device who makes images is a digital imager.
now, having said that - it doesn't matter what the name is, just so long as you enjoy doing it, whether pro or amateur. you'd be surprised the number of professional photographers who are just hacks - and yet they manage to make a living from it!
Jun 27, 2014 12:54:15 #
wj cody wrote:
anyone with a film camera who makes pictures is a photographer.
anyone with a digital imaging device who makes images is a digital imager.
now, having said that - it doesn't matter what the name is, just so long as you enjoy doing it, whether pro or amateur. you'd be surprised the number of professional photographers who are just hacks - and yet they manage to make a living from it!
anyone with a digital imaging device who makes images is a digital imager.
now, having said that - it doesn't matter what the name is, just so long as you enjoy doing it, whether pro or amateur. you'd be surprised the number of professional photographers who are just hacks - and yet they manage to make a living from it!
yep. as I stated before, the difference between pro and amateur, it the ability or desire to network with, advertise to, go out and secure, or what ever, customers. As stated, there are many advanced photographers that are "Amateurs" and many Pros that either are very good at selling or are fortunate to get clients. This is not a slight at those, like me, who have a good general and technical knowledge of photography and may or may not have a great artistic eye. It is just saying that we have been able to develop a client base and maintain it. With that comes a responsibility to constantly try to improve our product to the customer (because if we don't, someone else will) and to be aware of their needs and wants and find a way to deliver it. As an Amateur, the only ones we have to satisfy is ourselves.
Jun 27, 2014 12:56:08 #
I shoot over 25 weddings per year as a videographer, for over 10 years .......
I've worked along side some very good pros as I work the Central Coast of California, Santa Barbara - Paso Robles, destination weddings usually very high end.
I would say it's a 50/50 split. 50% of the pros are nice people and I love working side by side with. 50% are just butt heads, into themselves and frankly I wouldn't want them to shoot my daughters wedding.
When a couple is going to get married they hire the venue first, then the photographer ........ somewhere towards the bottom they get to the videographer and of course by that time they say they are way over budget. For this reason my wife and I decided to start offering combo packages, bringing in a 3rd shooter for the ceremony and portrait time and offering both video and stills for a good price. Though I been around weddings for years, shooting stills is rather new, love this site as I've learned much and I now feel capable to go do the stills though I will still have another shooter snapping as well, one that has been doing stills at weddings for years.
I always offer advice when asked at weddings. I even lend LED lights to those with the iPhones shooting pictures, they really appreciate the help and frankly when you see people coming together for the selfie jump in there and snap along side, that's where the action is. The guest gather and I benefit from simply being nice and helpful.
I've worked along side some very good pros as I work the Central Coast of California, Santa Barbara - Paso Robles, destination weddings usually very high end.
I would say it's a 50/50 split. 50% of the pros are nice people and I love working side by side with. 50% are just butt heads, into themselves and frankly I wouldn't want them to shoot my daughters wedding.
When a couple is going to get married they hire the venue first, then the photographer ........ somewhere towards the bottom they get to the videographer and of course by that time they say they are way over budget. For this reason my wife and I decided to start offering combo packages, bringing in a 3rd shooter for the ceremony and portrait time and offering both video and stills for a good price. Though I been around weddings for years, shooting stills is rather new, love this site as I've learned much and I now feel capable to go do the stills though I will still have another shooter snapping as well, one that has been doing stills at weddings for years.
I always offer advice when asked at weddings. I even lend LED lights to those with the iPhones shooting pictures, they really appreciate the help and frankly when you see people coming together for the selfie jump in there and snap along side, that's where the action is. The guest gather and I benefit from simply being nice and helpful.
Jun 27, 2014 13:00:59 #
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