What’s Your Preference?

sabrina860 · #1 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010, 05:34 AM

This girl from another forum just got her first dslr last week. I helped her choose her camera and I've given her some info on shooting in manual, exposure, focusing, composition... basically everything she NEEDS to know. Shes posted some of her shots and they just look like average snapshots because she can only shoot in auto.

Well today she pm's me in a panic because she has a "shoot" tomorrow and lost all the links I gave her. She said she wants to "cram in as much information as she can" before her shoot. So basically shes one of those... I haz a DSLR, i'm iz a photographer now... type of person. She also now has a facebook photography fan page of her "services" and is charging $75hr for her "sessions". OK... enough with the quotes but its hard to take this seriously! I mean I just got my dslr a few months ago and learned SO MUCH and i'm studying and learning new things everyday. I never want to stop learning. I mean would'nt you want to be the best you can be before you start charging people for your services? I mean I wouldn't want to put my name or my services behind subpar or shoddy work.
Is it just me or do any of you get upset in people thinking just because they have a DSLR they are now instant and awesome photographers? Photography is a craft and a camera is just a tool. I can't take van gogh's paintbrush and automatically paint wonders... smh

nickbedford · #2 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010, 06:23 AM

Oh dear.

I'm in a somewhat similar situation. I've been doing it for a few months and absolutely love it. It's a passion of mine and every day I'm learning new things, trying new things, and getting some great photos. I'm getting some paid work (they come to me after seeing my work), and I'm also garnering respect from friends who have been photographing far longer than me, but I'm not going to start a business or anything soon.

I've been asked to do some paid shoots and they have gone very well but they were for things I knew I could deliver.

Unfortunately for her, it sounds like she is going to quickly realise she's not ready... Maybe you need to "wake her up to the fact" lol.

candidrachel · #3 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010, 06:57 AM

I don't think she'd listen! Its one of those kind of "carry on regardless" situations. She'll figure it out in her own good time. I think the more lectures she received (all good advice by well meaning folks) is going to go out one ear and out the other.

tuxcomputers · #4 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010, 07:16 AM

Why are people worried about such fools going into business? She will last what a month outside chance 2 months? Clients that choose these idiots will wise up after what 3 sessions of crap photos?

Do you really want clients that are only willing to pay $75 per session and get all photos on CD? If you have one that tries that on you politely tell them:

"I am a professional that has spent years honing my skills, I suggest you go with that other photographer, come back and see me when you are willing to pay a decent price for good photos."

jamesev · #5 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010, 07:43 AM

Dilema: Who's interest do you want to protect with action or in action (assuming that they will make a right bodge of the job(s))
1) the Photog - to at least give them a chance not to fall on their ***
2) the Client(s) - to prevent them losing a moment when they could have hired a photog who knew what they were doing
3) the Industry - by trying to prevent another weekend warrior blighting the reputation

on point 2) it could be argued that with many things these days the client should do their research if they are going to part with money and you get what you pay for.
and point 3) I'm sure many industries have suvived the cowboy and made the client more aware or the pitfalls by learning the hard way (just like plumbers, electricians et al)

nickbedford · #6 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010, 07:47 AM

If it's one thing I pride myself on, its knowing when I should refer someone to a professional instead of myself (whether it's photography or "build me a website" or whatever I get asked now and again).

Quote:

Why are people worried about such fools going into business?

For me, it's not the competition factor (of which there would be little when it comes to someone like this), it's the fact that we'd rather see them take it easy, master their skills then know that they are actually capable enough to do it professionally. Think of it like Yoda telling Luke not to go and save his pals

I know someone who recently picked up a DSLR and now has "Photography" listed as one of his services on his website. His photos aren't bad but he's not exactly up there yet by a long shot.

Jim Poor · #7 (**permalink**) 11-05-2010, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuxcomputers

Why are people worried about such fools going into business? She will last what a month outside chance 2 months? Clients that choose these idiots will wise up after what 3 sessions of crap photos?

Do you really want clients that are only willing to pay $75 per session and get all photos on CD? If you have one that tries that on you politely tell them:

"I am a professional that has spent years honing my skills, I suggest you go with that other photographer, come back and see me when you are willing to pay a decent price for good photos."

Amen! Plus, if you keep your eye on them around the net, you can score some good deal on their equipment when they throw in the towel!