Why do so many think this way?

[FoG]

Sadly seeing their name in print or mentioned in credits is enough for some they think it is a step to fame and fotune they can say oof my image was in so and so.... sadly also it no longer requires too much skill and ability to take a great shot (lord knows I prove it often) but if you have any sense with PP you can turn a mundane image that uyears ago would have ended up in the bin into a competition winner.


TO me the truly great togs have the ability to Sooc blow you away with little or no PP

[fletch]

Originally Posted by FoG

TO me the truly great togs have the ability to Sooc blow you away with little or no PP

To me the really great togs have the ability to make you think they don't do much PP when actually they are at it like crazy but can do it quickly and efficiently.

[Gonzo13]

It might just be me, but I think that it is a supply and demand thing. Back in the day when you had to pay for every shot not as many people took pictures. Now you just make an initial purchase and you have a way to take pictures for years. So there are alot more people taking pictures.

It might be kind a naming thing too. As a nursing student I have heard many people say they were or are nurses. Which would lead some to believe them to be an RN when in fact they were an LPN or a CNA even. Who would you want taking care of you. Most people call themselves photographers but they omit the hobbyist, amateur, and professional titles. I call people out on the nursing thing maybe some of the professional photographers should do the same thing in your profession.

[BEGM83]

Originally Posted by calmaxgan

candleman's points 2 and 3 are exactly what I was going to say. Because it is so accessible to more people now, the assumption is that getting a good shot is easy and straightforward... after all, don't they also think having a good camera means getting a good photo...

Everyone has to start somewhere and every one was/is a beginner at first and it is a good thing that photography is more accessable. Why shouldn't it be?

If someone is starting out/hobbying then why begrudge them a bit of 'glory' in a good picture? Not everyone wants to turn it into a business so not everyone will be charging or want to charge the rates of a pro-photographer.

Just my twopenneth.

[PowerPix]

Originally Posted by fletch

I suspect the main reason people don't say that to mechanics is because the mechanic would tell them to f@%# off.

.......and then chase them with a wrench...



The general mentality is: "Point, press shutter.......why would I pay someone to do that when I can do it myself?!?!"

My thing is, women pay to have their nails done (something simple and DIY). You can pay me to press a shutter button (and do the 1000 other things that go into a photo). My only excuse is:

"I know more than you, AND...I can do it in style. Any questions? Check please..."

[Jim Bryant]

This is so true of today's wanta be's. I've seen so many postings here of wishing they had the faster lenses, pro bodies and extra gadgets. Well.....folks if you would start charging for your images, that gear you want will come quicker.

Originally Posted by candleman

1. because so many amatures do stuff for free..
2. every Dick, Tom, Harry and their respective pets each have a digital camera..
3. its now a digital world.. in peoples minds its just a digital file that costs nothing to produce
4. copyright is not valued (see how many people steal movies and music off the internet)

[Jim Bryant]

This is so true.. But in order to educate customers, photographers need to educate themselves first.

Originally Posted by drummingpariah

It's the same with anything people enjoy. Nobody expects a plumber to work for free, or for publicity, because you KNOW that plumber doesn't enjoy having your old toilet-water spraying all over him. On the other hand, some people enjoy working on cars and will happily help for free (or cheap). I'm one of those people.

I see the same thing with computers, and my argument is always the same: "I am a professional, and I will get you professional results. I am consistent and reliable. Your co-worker's nephew may enjoy working on computers, and may have even fixed a few, but I can promise that the quality of work is worth the money I charge."

I say this with utter certainty, because it's the truth. Many people don't even know what they're supposed to consider when looking for a computer repair person, or a mechanic, or a photographer. They know they're paying for a result, and don't realize how important the process affects the result. If one mechanic tightens down your head studs for $50 and another replaces your head gasket for $500, and both stop the leaking radiator fluid when you drive it out of the shop, which is a better deal? Which would you go with? How do you know which is the better deal?

If you're a freelancer, you have to be willing to deal with these kinds of customers on a regular basis. You either need to educate them on how the industry actually works, and let them see the value for themselves, or build a solid enough reputation that customers don't need to know specifics (like IBM as a computer manufacturer: they're extremely reliable, well-built machines that are extremely expensive, but still sell like hotcakes on reputation alone). Most freelancers aren't in the position to expect that, so customers are going to compare you to the rest of the 'photographers' they know: kids, college students, stoic people still shooting 35mm exclusively, etc. Your people-skills will be stressed again and again.

Be firm, and value yourself, and explain why you're valuable to customers. Educate them.

[Jim Bryant]

I fully understand your feelings on the subject as I was there when I first started out 40 years ago. But, were you given your photographic gear, software and computer hardware free? At least offer someone a print and charge them at least 75% over of what it cost you. If you explain the cost of gear, time spent editing and pping behind the computer, they would be happy to pay for it. In order to educate folks on pricing, you need to educate yourself. If you give it away how do you expect to upgrade to the next dSLR model or faster lenses?

Originally Posted by BEGM83

Everyone has to start somewhere and every one was/is a beginner at first and it is a good thing that photography is more accessable. Why shouldn't it be?

If someone is starting out/hobbying then why begrudge them a bit of 'glory' in a good picture? Not everyone wants to turn it into a business so not everyone will be charging or want to charge the rates of a pro-photographer.

Just my twopenneth.

[BEGM83]

Originally Posted by Jim Bryant

I fully understand your feelings on the subject as I was there when I first started out 40 years ago.

So why begrudge a beginner the same opinion?

But, were you given your photographic gear, software and computer hardware free?

Computer stuff, yes, Photoshop came with my laptop Camera, no. Its a hobby. I purchased my camera because i wanted to take my hobby more seriously.

At least offer someone a print and charge them at least 75% over of what it cost you. If you explain the cost of gear, time spent editing and pping behind the computer, they would be happy to pay for it. In order to educate folks on pricing, you need to educate yourself. If you give it away how do you expect to upgrade to the next dSLR model or faster lenses?

Fair comment, and tbh the odd bits i have done people have either paid me a token gesture or paid for a night out or whatever.

I have no desire to upgrade just yet because, well, my D60 does me just fine (WOOHOO I remembered it (see other post on other forum for explaination on that one!)) and my main job pays for my hobby - as it does my other hobbies. When, or rather if, i want to take my photography to the level of one of my other interests then yes i will research into costings etc. But as it is nothing more than a hobby - as it is with so many people - a little bit of glory and a few free drinks does me fine at present


I realise my attitude towards it doesn't do the pro's any favour but at no point have I, or do I, ever claim to be one. I don't have the time lol This may in fact be the case with a lot of hobbyests and amateurs. It would be an entirely different kettle of fish if i were deliberately setting out to make money from my photos. Im not. When i reach that point i'll pre-warn you before I come begging for some advice

Anyway i realise im being a contrary mary about this but just to show you there are reasons behind why people don't charge.