We in the photography world have heard the argument time and
again. Professionals claim that amateurs are ruining and undermining their
business. Amateurs disagree defensively. In this new age of ever expanding
availability of technology, the not-so-age-old profession of photography has taken
a hit as more people peer out from behind a lens. Is this really such a bad
thing? Is there a way to avoid this seemingly inevitable conflict? What can we
do?!
First, we can recognize and accept that professional
photographers are considered pros for a reason. They generally have years of experience
and have trained their brain to see the nuances in the scene before them. And they
have a stunning portfolio to show for it. These people eat, drink and breathe
photography. Sure, your picture may be well positioned and properly focused. A professional
photographer in the sane image will read the light to know the correct exposure,
will study the surroundings for the best background and lighting, will know to
wait one…more…second for the right amount of twinkle in the person’s eye. In other
words, a professional photographer knows what to do to make a photo
instead of just snapping a pic. This is why they are able to charge
considerably for their time and effort, because they know how to get the perfect
picture that you have paid them for.
Second, we can recognize and accept that amateur
photographers are probably pretty good but just lack the final finesse and
experience of a pro. Amateurs are always in the process of improving their
skills and equipment to support the new skills. They may be quick to recognize
the potential of a scene, but don’t know quite how to get the shot pictured in
their head. Amateurs are often relatively recent into the world of photography,
although there are some people who stay at the amateur level for years because
they never feel the need to go pro. Amateurs fill that important place between
taking a million pictures so one will come out good, and making one good
picture. Instead an amateur can take nine photos and build up to making the
tenth good.
This all sounds fine and dandy until the issue of charging
for services comes up. As I said, there’s a reason why professional
photographers charge as much as they do. The problem comes when an amateur
doesn’t charge for their services. For example, a couple on a budget is more likely
to hire an amateur photographer who only asks for dinner in return, versus the
professional who will charge hundreds for a session. Sounds like a no-brainer
to this budget conscious girl! But they charging food only for mediocre photos,
the amateur is taking away a potential client of a professional who would have
otherwise paid for a session of great photos. Obviously, not good for the
professional. But what about the amateur? They have to gain experience through
practice so they can qualify as a professional sometime down the road. I feel
that by not charging (much) for a session and having a disclaimer about the
quality of your photos, an amateur should be able to practice without offending
a professional.
I am an amateur photographer. I accept this and highly doubt
I will become a professional. I’m okay with this! I enjoy shooting for fun, for
my portfolio, for the wall. But I also enjoy doing the occasional photo shoot
for someone that I know. It gives me great practice and free dinner while
giving them a budget break and decent photos. I’m sorry if this offends you as
a pro, but tell me, how’d you get your experience if not by doing the same
thing? So please, let me practice improving my skills while you go make some
amazing photos.
Further Reading:
It’s Time for Pro Photographers and Hobbyists to Call a Truce
It’s Time for Pro Photographers and Hobbyists to Call a Truce