.jpg)
After I got done with editing and such; I turned to a few websites for pointers and stumbled into an argument about what a "professional" photographer is. It seems that someone with some years under her belt and high prices was "schooling" a new photographer whose prices were lower and portfolio thin.
I have seen this argument a lot. I'm a "real" writer; I don't blog. I'm a "real" photographer; I'm not a "Mom With A Camera"
What makes these self-proclaimed people any more "real" than anyone else?
I don't consider the person with 5 minutes experience any less "real" than the person with 50 years experience. We all gain experience each time we do something more than once, but what it takes to be a "real" (insert job profession here) is what is behind your actions.
drive
passion
eagerness
learning spirit
using 100% of your ability
passion
eagerness
learning spirit
using 100% of your ability
That is what makes the difference in being "real" or not. Don't ever let your lack of experience keep you from proclaiming that you are a "real" writer, "real" photographer, "real" artist, etc. If it is your passion...that's as "real" as it gets!
9 comments:
I've stumbled across these discussions myself and they crack me up. There's plenty of business out there for everyone. I don't get the disdain for letting newbies into the industry.
There are so many photographers out there that are generous with their time and advice; I've also come across those who have snubbed me, even shoved me (at a photography event) because I'm not worth their time.
If that's truly the case, then why the need to be rude, argumentative?
I love what I do; others love what I do; I get calls for photography work - THAT's what makes me a professional photographer. I'm damn proud of what I've accomplished this year!
Here here! I agree with you whole heartedly and it is something that I believe I needed to read!
Saying hello from a link on @NirvanaMama twitter stream LOL
I agree! I felt very insecure after a portrait studio photographer gave me a lecture about "real" photographers... ones that go to school for their art, take out a small business loan to get the best equipment right off the bat, etc. Then I realized most of the photographers I "follow" on blogger have NO formal training and started out taking pics of their kids with their entry level canon Rebel. And I LOVE their photos!
Love it! That is all I can say. Love. It. :)
Awesome! My husband and I have this discussion all the time. His dad has a degree in photography (1970ish) and my brothers wife has a camera she bought and tons of willing subjects and paying clients.
My wedding pictures courtesy of his dad are very formal, very stiff, very staged. I hate all but one of them. Thankfully I had the good sense to put disposable cameras on the table for people to take candids with.
My middle brother on the other hand has a ton of fun, quirky, very them engagement pictures and wedding pictures taken by a "mom with a camera and no formal schooling"
Guess whose I love the most? Shoot I wish I could get paid $75 to be a mom with a camera for an hour but that's not my goal or my talent but it doesn't make her or you any less "professional" than my FIL.
Wow who knew I had a pent up rant inside me over that? I'm excited you get the opportunity to do this, you will rock the photo world!
The real factor is what you make it. Its whatever you want it to be! Good for you!
Professional photographer = has been paid something at some time for their work - If someone gave you something to compensate you, or comp you, or barter with you, your photography has value to someone else.
Joe McNally is a fantastic Nat Geographic photographer and so down to earth, I could not imagine him 'being condescending' to another photographer - we are all learning and are at different phases of our growth
Eileen
http://www.eileenludwig.com
Yes, yes, yes! I just stumbled your post, I love it that much.
Honestly anyone who feels the need to distinguish between "real" and "not real" has too much time on their hands and not enough passion and joy in their lives!
Post a Comment