bigwolf40 Loc: Effort, Pa.

O yes we have a lot of them on this site. At least we do have a few here that do know what they are doing and do give good advice and do it by example and not just talk...Rich

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

I would like to "ditto' that comment. I wasn't aware that Mr. Perry is now a member here. We can learn a lot from him and at his web site.

James R. Kyle Loc: Saint Louis, Missouri (A Suburb of Ferguson)

I have read somewhere (or over heard)...

"You buy an expensive camera ... Your a professional photographer.....

You buy an Oboe ... You Own an oboe."

Sage36 Loc: Northern Wyoming

If your avtar is an example....it really does take great shots. I love it, and I bet you were holding the camera when it took that shot.

MadMikeOne Loc: So. NJ Shore - a bit west of Atlantic City

Amen to that. Oh you forgot to mention that that first wedding shoot is the day after tomorrow!

jwestman Loc: Grand Rapids, MI

Just a thought. Some of us have taken up photography as a hobby. We ask stupid questions because we don't know any better and I suspect this forum wouldn't exist if it were just for the pros who already know everything there is to know and don't need to ask a question.

Yes, to use a couple of your examples, I am curious about lighting. My flash shots are horrible. I'm not going to replace you as the primary pro at a wedding but I am curious and interested in learning how to get better shots when my sister asks me to take candids at her son's wedding. And, yes I at least know enough not to get in the way of or fire off my flash when the hired pro is shooting.

I also know that I've spent way too much money on gear that I don't really know how to use... but I'm having fun doing it, learning in the process and after all it is my money.

I've gotten a lot from this forum and appreciate it very much - particularly the pros who are willing and generous with their advice!!

So brace yourself! I will probably be back with a stupid question. If it makes you angry, I apologize - please ignore it and move on. If you are kind enough to help, know that I and hundreds of others like me appreciate it very much!! j

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

I will second that emotion!!

:thumbup:

Yooper 2 Loc: Ironwood, MI

Huh??? My gear says I'm a pro. Am I wrong?

tinplater Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Of course none of the pros here were ever beginners, amateurs, confused or in need of guidance from mentors.

blackest Loc: Ireland

There is quite a lot to flash photography
http://strobist.blogspot.ie/2014/01/lighting-101-to-go.html

this a very good website and the 101 course is very informative

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7GDplcFYn-iakYtaExlT0Q4WjQ/edit" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"> https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7GDplcFYn-iakYtaExlT0Q4WjQ/edit

Is the 101 course as pdf its free to download and share. It is a very good read.

jwestman Loc: Grand Rapids, MI

Thank you!!

jim32736 Loc: Tavares, Florida

I wasn't speaking of myself so much, (maybe a poor choice of wordage) but the average person in general. Heck, I'll ask a stupid question if one pops into my head. But thank you for the reply. It makes good sense.

Steve Perry Loc: Sylvania, Ohio

I think the point many of us are trying to make isn't that amateurs and hobbyists shouldn't ask questions, it's that people who don't know what they are doing shouldn't pass themselves off as pros. I don't think it's right that people get a DSLR, take a few photos, and then - usually based on Facebook feedback - determine that they are amazing photographers. From there, they decide that sure, they can shoot a wedding and take a client's money and then come running to the nearest message board for advice.

I've had two professional careers as a photographer - the first doing weddings, portraits, that sort of thing, and now my current one doing landscapes and wildlife. The thing is, when I started out and decided I wanted to make a living at weddings, I worked as an intern on the weekends for a really great local photographer who showed me the ropes. This went on for at least a year before I booked my first gig (they came to me, I did not solicit the business) and even then that was done at cost and the client knew exactly what my experience was. Even after that I continued to work with my mentor until I was as booked as he was (always taking additional seminars when I could to get better).

The point is, I never considered just putting out a sign and telling people I was a pro until I was actually competent. And I think that's what the problem is now. People get the false impression they are good photographers from people who don't know any better on social media and they are off to the races.

Oh, and by the way - people get hung up on the term "pro" too much. I think most people think it means that the work of a "pro" is somehow better than that of an amateur. I can promise you that's not the case. Over the years I've seen a lot of amateurs who can easily put some of the, umm, "pros" I know to shame. The only difference between a pro and an amateur is that the pro has found a way to make money with his or her photos. That's it.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

We should start hearing questions about how to become a wedding photographer or how do I shoot like Ansel Adams pretty soon now that everybody has their new kit DSLR that came with 2 zoom lenses. LOL

jwestman Loc: Grand Rapids, MI

Then why not just ignore them instead of making those of us who aren't as brilliant feel unwelcome. See my earlier comment.