I came across an article today that was a very interesting read. It was meant to be shown to photographers, but I actually feel this is a good read for the public to clue them in on the industry of photography. Let’s face it, custom photography is not cheap!
Why go to a photographer *cough, cough* who charges $50 for an 8×10 when you can hop onto a place like Craigslist and get a whole session for $50 that includes 100’s of high resolution images on CD that includes a full copyright? With all the new fancy cameras out now, why not just go out and buy your own Canon Rebel for $500 and take your own pics?
I’ve been shooting and perfecting my craft for over 20 years now. I’m a great photographer (Not modest am I?), but I’m not the best writer. So I’ve never been very good at trying to explain why there are such differences in the cost in photography. But the truth is, you get what you pay for when it comes to photography.
There is a WORLD of difference between a good portrait studio and a cheap burn and shoot photographer. One excerpt from the article says, “there is always going to be a place for the new pro, the part-timer, and the person who serves special niche markets that can’t afford top of the line products” and I fully believe that. But I also think the public really needs to understand the difference and know what they are getting themselves into. In my opinion, important dates and milestones (weddings, maternity, first birthdays) only come once so you shouldn’t take any chances.
One Comment
I like your article, clear and to the point. Your writing abilites are just fine, btw. Now, I’ve been freelancing for over 30 years doing stills, portraits, copy work, nature, and journalism. Why? Because it’s a hard market and I find if you don’t have the finances, patience, or persistance to develop your craft, then you shouldn’t quit your day job. Am I a professional? Only when I’m getting paid! Sure, I’ve done weddings. Anyone with a camera has done weddings. Did I get paid? No..it was a gift. Was it professionally done? I hope to think so. But I wouldn’t do it on a full time or part time basis, because I’m NOT a professional wedding photographer. And from what I’ve learned from this experience, I wouldn’t want to be. Most people not in the business have no clue what’s involved in providing a sucessful shoot.
I tend to use the term professional photographer loosly. I prefer freelance photographer because that’s really what I am. Yes I do a professional job and provide what the client expects. But I don’t do it day-in and day-out. And I didn’t quit my day job(lol). My clients, if and when I decide to accept them, are very demanding and if they want cheap, I decline. As the saying goes, “good work isn’t cheap, and cheap work isn’t good”. In fact, my best advice to any aspiring photographer is to avoid Craigslist and start out as an assistant with an established professional. The people posting on Craigslist are looking for cheap. That would be like hiring a private pilot to fly me somewhere. I’ll be damned if I’m going to put my life in the hands of someone that doesn’t fly every day and isn’t listed in the journal of professional pilots(or whatever trade publication they use). And it really does suprise me how many people are will to hire just about anyone with a camera to shoot their wedding. It’s a hopefully, once in a lifetime event. Why would you trust that to Uncle Bob?