Professional Dress?
Mar 18, 2014 14:01:38 #
Recently I attended two events where professional photographers were hired. One was a wedding and the other a first communion. In each case the dress was 'Sunday Best". The audience were asked to not take photos. All went well, the parents and audience photographers were sneaky enough so they didn't bother their neighbors.
My concern has to do with the "dress" for the professional photographers. They wore jeans, Tee shirts and old tennis shoes. I have seen this often over the years. I realize professional photographers don't really make much money but it seems they should respect the settings and dress according to the situation. As a photographer myself ( amateur ) it was disappointing to see. It felt disrespectful.
Maybe I'm over reacting. I would appreciate you comments.
My concern has to do with the "dress" for the professional photographers. They wore jeans, Tee shirts and old tennis shoes. I have seen this often over the years. I realize professional photographers don't really make much money but it seems they should respect the settings and dress according to the situation. As a photographer myself ( amateur ) it was disappointing to see. It felt disrespectful.
Maybe I'm over reacting. I would appreciate you comments.
Mar 18, 2014 14:09:57 #
DavidPine
Loc: Fredericksburg, TX
I completely agree. I'm sure they think it's an acceptable practice and a uniform statement but I view it as a lack of respect and unprofessional. I know the younger people will disagree. If I hire a Mercedes I want it to be clean and smart.
sandyjstimson wrote:
Recently I attended two events where professional ... (show quote)
Mar 18, 2014 14:10:05 #
Michael66
Loc: Queens, New York
sandyjstimson wrote:
Recently I attended two events where professional ... (show quote)
I am one of those live and live types. Wear whatever makes you comfortable. I live in jeans and try to get away with as much as possible.
However, you better dang well dress properly to fit in with the event if you are the hired 'help' and that that includes the photog. And that means not over-dressed either. If you aren't sure, ask when you write up the contract and keep in mind that there are different levels of 'Sunday best', each being legit; Tux, Suit or No jeans formal with a colored shirt. You don't wear a tux when everyone else will be wearing Dockers and sundresses. I do not have an issue if the photog wore sneakers, if they matched the attire. You are a photog after all and may have to do a little climbing or mud-rucking.
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Mar 18, 2014 14:11:49 #
If I were to hire a professional photographer to shoot an event I would expect them to come dressed to suit the occasion. For one thing, they would blend into the crowd better and be less distracting to the guests. For another thing, it would seem to be common sense and common courtesy. If you are going to sell yourself as a professional then you should conduct all aspects of your business in a professional manner, or stay home and let the real pros do it.
Mar 18, 2014 14:13:15 #
What you are describing sounds completely inappropriate, and certainly unprofessional.
Sometimes when I've shot high-brow fund-raising parties and convention events, I have found it appropriate to dress the same as the waiters and maitre d, in a tux. After all, at those events, I was just "the help" like the rest of them - any other mode of dress would surely have been viewed as presumptuous! Jeans & t-shirt would not have gotten me in the door.
Sometimes when I've shot high-brow fund-raising parties and convention events, I have found it appropriate to dress the same as the waiters and maitre d, in a tux. After all, at those events, I was just "the help" like the rest of them - any other mode of dress would surely have been viewed as presumptuous! Jeans & t-shirt would not have gotten me in the door.
Mar 18, 2014 14:13:18 #
This an interesting subject. I am not a professional photographer but I was/am a professional musician. Musicians do not make a lot of money either, except the rare few that have some celebrity.
Yet as a musician I have several Tuxes that I must wear for formal concerts. Is my music better because I am wearing tux? I don't think it is and I don't know that the photographers would be any less good at their job if they wore jeans and ratty tennis shoes.
However, it will affect the event and how it is perceived. And personally if it were my wedding and the photographer showed up dressed not much better than they would to do yard work or change the oil in their car, I would never hire them again and perhaps put the word out that the person is NOT professional and does not take the job seriously.
But that's just my opinion
Yet as a musician I have several Tuxes that I must wear for formal concerts. Is my music better because I am wearing tux? I don't think it is and I don't know that the photographers would be any less good at their job if they wore jeans and ratty tennis shoes.
However, it will affect the event and how it is perceived. And personally if it were my wedding and the photographer showed up dressed not much better than they would to do yard work or change the oil in their car, I would never hire them again and perhaps put the word out that the person is NOT professional and does not take the job seriously.
But that's just my opinion
Mar 18, 2014 14:14:14 #
sandyjstimson wrote:
Recently I attended two events where professional ... (show quote)
No, blending in means dress as the others do.
I actually own a tuxedo for those black-tie occasions.
Just because you are an "artist" doesn't give you freedom of expression in your attire. You do need to be comfortable, but jeans, tee-shirts and sneakers at a wedding? Come on!
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Mar 18, 2014 14:15:50 #
sandyjstimson wrote:
Recently I attended two events where professional ... (show quote)
You are not over reacting. A photographer need not be in formal attire but they should be wearing a suit and tie. They can always remove the jacket if they feel uncomfortably warm. If I were running the affair I would have thrown them out. And asked them to return when properly dressed.
Mar 18, 2014 14:20:46 #
I agree with the posts I have read here. You should dress to fit in and not a distraction to the even. Dressing too casual will draw attention to you as will dressing too formal. Find out what the guest attire is and dress accordingly. If in the wedding scenario you are tasked with getting some candids, it helps if you blend in.
Mar 18, 2014 14:22:25 #
boberic wrote:
You are not over reacting. A photographer need not be in formal attire but they should be wearing a suit and tie. They can always remove the jacket if they feel uncomfortably warm. If I were running the affair I would have thrown them out. And asked them to return when properly dressed.
Unfortunately, by the time the photographer shows up to photograph a wedding the bride and groom aren't left with much choice if they want photos of the event. No doubt there are some photographers who realize this and figure they can get away with unacceptable standards because of it. I'd be interested in finding out if their finished product reflected the same low standards.
Mar 18, 2014 14:30:13 #
sandyjstimson wrote:
They wore jeans, Tee shirts and old tennis shoes.
Worst of the worst.
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Mar 18, 2014 14:39:10 #
Bottom line is it is a sign of disrespect.
As I mentioned earlier I am a professional musician.
I have performed with some well known Jazz greats, and one that was notorious for his temper on the stand. I never had problems with the guy as it was his band and he was paying me and my job was to earn my money.
What makes us professional photographers? I think it is how we perceive ourselves in the position of photographer. If I went to see a doctor that wore tattered old blue jeans and a tee shirt I would turn around and go to someone else.
It may not seem fair but we are often judged by appearances. Why not be the best you can be
As I mentioned earlier I am a professional musician.
I have performed with some well known Jazz greats, and one that was notorious for his temper on the stand. I never had problems with the guy as it was his band and he was paying me and my job was to earn my money.
What makes us professional photographers? I think it is how we perceive ourselves in the position of photographer. If I went to see a doctor that wore tattered old blue jeans and a tee shirt I would turn around and go to someone else.
It may not seem fair but we are often judged by appearances. Why not be the best you can be
Mar 18, 2014 14:44:26 #
sandyjstimson wrote:
Recently I attended two events where professional ... (show quote)
Suit and tie where there are no conflicts with religious beliefs or the wishes of the client.
In informal settings (like location photography) a pair of nice slacks and a dress shirt. For beach photography, a pair of work pant (with utility pockets) or shorts and a TASTEFUL short sleeve shirt.
You are a professional... you should look the part. :D
Mar 18, 2014 14:46:51 #
sandyjstimson wrote:
Recently I attended two events where professional ... (show quote)
I too agree with you and the majority of responses. Dress appropriately for the event.
Mar 18, 2014 14:50:31 #
Of course it depends if you need the work.
If the people around see you and like you, you may get another job from it.
If you don't care about getting more work, then God Bless you and dress the way you want, but I need the work so I will dress appropriately!!!
If the people around see you and like you, you may get another job from it.
If you don't care about getting more work, then God Bless you and dress the way you want, but I need the work so I will dress appropriately!!!
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