Certain threads prompted this question....
Apr 23, 2013 09:34:10 #
How many times have we seen variations of this thread:
"I'm a wedding photographer and I've got a gig coming up in two days and I don't know what lens to bring...can someone help?"
You can substitute the word "wedding photographer" for "senior portrait photographer" or any number of other variations but that's not important to my question.
The question that always comes to mind is this: "in what other profession would people think that it's acceptable to just "wing it" and hang out a shingle because you had the money to buy some gear?
I can't think of one.
Plumber?
"Hello Plumbing company..I have a real problem with my pipes"
Plumbing company: "no problem...do you mind if I learn on your job? I've never done this before but I do have the pipe wrenches...hopefully everything will go ok...."
Doctor?
Lawyer?
Car Mechanic?
Why do people think that this is acceptable when it comes to providing a professional service like photography?
Anyone who's seen a REAL quality portfolio (not a wanna-be portfolio) realizes what kind of skill level is involved.
For the record: I'm not better than anyone else, nor am I arrogant for recognizing this,...I'd never attempt it myself.
"I'm a wedding photographer and I've got a gig coming up in two days and I don't know what lens to bring...can someone help?"
You can substitute the word "wedding photographer" for "senior portrait photographer" or any number of other variations but that's not important to my question.
The question that always comes to mind is this: "in what other profession would people think that it's acceptable to just "wing it" and hang out a shingle because you had the money to buy some gear?
I can't think of one.
Plumber?
"Hello Plumbing company..I have a real problem with my pipes"
Plumbing company: "no problem...do you mind if I learn on your job? I've never done this before but I do have the pipe wrenches...hopefully everything will go ok...."
Doctor?
Lawyer?
Car Mechanic?
Why do people think that this is acceptable when it comes to providing a professional service like photography?
Anyone who's seen a REAL quality portfolio (not a wanna-be portfolio) realizes what kind of skill level is involved.
For the record: I'm not better than anyone else, nor am I arrogant for recognizing this,...I'd never attempt it myself.
Apr 23, 2013 09:40:20 #
there is a lot of truth there !
most people don't realize what is involved in being a good photographer
most people don't realize what is involved in being a good photographer
Apr 23, 2013 09:45:05 #
A good subject. That's why at every opportunity, or when the subject comes up, I tell people that I have taken many thousands of photos during the course of my life but I am not a photographer. There is a shit pot full of difference.
If you have to ask, you ain't there yet.
If you have to ask, you ain't there yet.
Apr 23, 2013 09:48:31 #
I blame most of the issue on the advertising claims of "Pro" gear. Young people especially seem to fall into this group as they are used to the "instant education" system the internet has spawned. Just because you can buy (not really) "Pro" gear, does NOT mean you are a "Pro" in any sense of the word.
Apr 23, 2013 09:49:35 #
rpavich wrote:
How many times have we seen variations of this thr... (show quote)
YOU know MY feelings on this matter and I 110% agree with EVERYTHING you say, I have said it many times before and been shot down and abused for my bluntness, perhaps with others also stating the TRUTH people will begin to understand.
Apr 23, 2013 09:52:25 #
donrent
Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl
The way I see it, If you have to ask "HOW", then you're not ready to "DO"............
Seems like a lot of people forget the "LEARNING" stage...
Seems like a lot of people forget the "LEARNING" stage...
Apr 23, 2013 09:55:51 #
donrent wrote:
The way I see it, If you have to ask "HOW", then you're not ready to "DO"............
Seems like a lot of people forget the "LEARNING" stage...
Seems like a lot of people forget the "LEARNING" stage...
Most intelligent outlook +1
Apr 23, 2013 09:55:51 #
donrent wrote:
The way I see it, If you have to ask "HOW", then you're not ready to "DO"............
Seems like a lot of people forget the "LEARNING" stage...
Seems like a lot of people forget the "LEARNING" stage...
Are you referring to "paying your dues"?
IF so...I heartily agree.
Apr 23, 2013 09:59:52 #
rpavich wrote:
How many times have we seen variations of this thr... (show quote)
Didnt you know buy a top of the range dslr and lens and your a pro.
Prat more like
I agree with you 100%
Apr 23, 2013 10:01:44 #
creativ simon wrote:
Didnt you know buy a top of the range dslr and lens and your a pro.
Prat more like
I agree with you 100%
Prat more like
I agree with you 100%
Hahaha
VERY very funny and true
Apr 23, 2013 10:02:06 #
rpavich wrote:
How many times have we seen variations of this thr... (show quote)
I pity the couples at those weddings
Apr 23, 2013 10:04:02 #
RixPix wrote:
I pity the couples at those weddings
Actually I pity couples at all weddings who.......... in fact NO I don't, if they are either too tight, thick, stupid etc to check photographers, prices, terms and conditions then you get reap what you........
If they only want to pay for a man with a van and not a proper removal company don't complain if half your possessions are smashed and not insured
Apr 23, 2013 10:05:26 #
Every great photographer starts somewhere. I started taking photographs of chamber banquets, yacht club events and even wedding receptions with a D40 (Nikon's intro DSLR) because I said, "Sure, I'll take pictures! No charge." THAT was "winging it!" I got some amazing photos, even with my restricted gear, but I've been buying better cameras and lenses every year, and continue to shoot events. The better I get, the more questions I have--about lenses, camera settings, lighting, posing, backdrops. I'm also charging, so there's more pressure to do it right. As an "apprentice," I appreciate all the help I can get from the "master plumbers" here on UHH.
Apr 23, 2013 10:14:56 #
Mormorazzi wrote:
Every great photographer starts somewhere. I start... (show quote)
And that is what it is all about, I am happy to admit I DO make mistakes still and always will.
But as sooooooooooooo many people here know rarely a week or so goes past without
"Hi, I have just bought a camera and want to do weddings what do I need"................
Or
I have been taking photographs for a year and my mates say they are great and I should sell them, how much shall I charge"
The questions in themselves appear and sometimes are fine, but it is like the early days of computing, I have been into IT since CP/M and MS/DOS I was using spreadsheets before most knew whet a computer was, then came along home "toy" pcs and everyone thought they were Bill Gates
Apr 23, 2013 10:18:39 #
AMEN.
It also drives me crazy when someone posts a lousy photo and people praise it to no end. How are they going to learn if they can't take or don't want good constructive critisizm?
It also drives me crazy when someone posts a lousy photo and people praise it to no end. How are they going to learn if they can't take or don't want good constructive critisizm?
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