Touchy or Passionate? | A Photographer's Take On A Question
Recently at IHF a member asked the question:
First before I share my answer let me say, I am sooooo tired of people using photography as a "back up" job or way to make a quick buck. I am tired of people buying DSLRs just to keep them on Auto mode - total disservice to your camera and yourself! Go back to a PNS if you are looking to shoot on auto or "running man." I get upset with those thinking that I became a photographer because I could not do anything else or was bored or am the typical Mormon housewife with a DSLR (goodness knows I am anything but typical - ask my mother-in-law).
The next time a Tom-Dick-or-Harry asks me what camera I shoot with because it "gets really good photos" I might scream - okay, no I'll say a Nikon and that I am a professional in a polite manner - but on the inside, you bet I'll be screaming! Same thing goes for the semi-pro who thinks that if they know my ISO, Shutter speed, or aperture (f/stop)- smile outside, screaming inside.
It's not that I don't want to help others, I do - so much! It's just I don't want to waste my time on those not willing to apply what I have taught.
I chose photography because I have had a passion for it since I was young (just ask my mother about the time I begged for a digital camera) and well, I am good at it - or so the clients think so, and really, clients are my top priority. If my clients are happy, I'm happy.
Okay... so here was my response to the above IHF question (remember still screaming on the inside):
I must say, that I simply have the most amazing clients. Each one of them has been such a joy to work with. Recently, I was really astounded at the amazing compliment I was given by a repeat customer. She has no idea how much her kind words meant to me... or how much more that made me thrilled to be a part of capturing her family and memories on print.
I must say, knowing my work will be there for years and maybe even after I am gone is so awesome. It is my legacy to the world - and I love every darn second of it... I eat it, I sleep it, I breathe it.
Heck, my husband even rolls his eyes every time he hears me say "can you see the photo in this?" or "whoa look at that amazing light right this second." Yep... I am a photographer... even down to my DNA. I survey a room and find the photos. The moments that make life work. Not a hobbyist, not an enthusiast, not even a casual family friend with a good camera - by gosh... I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER.
"I am unemployed. Am I good enough to start a photography business?"
First before I share my answer let me say, I am sooooo tired of people using photography as a "back up" job or way to make a quick buck. I am tired of people buying DSLRs just to keep them on Auto mode - total disservice to your camera and yourself! Go back to a PNS if you are looking to shoot on auto or "running man." I get upset with those thinking that I became a photographer because I could not do anything else or was bored or am the typical Mormon housewife with a DSLR (goodness knows I am anything but typical - ask my mother-in-law).
The next time a Tom-Dick-or-Harry asks me what camera I shoot with because it "gets really good photos" I might scream - okay, no I'll say a Nikon and that I am a professional in a polite manner - but on the inside, you bet I'll be screaming! Same thing goes for the semi-pro who thinks that if they know my ISO, Shutter speed, or aperture (f/stop)- smile outside, screaming inside.
It's not that I don't want to help others, I do - so much! It's just I don't want to waste my time on those not willing to apply what I have taught.
I chose photography because I have had a passion for it since I was young (just ask my mother about the time I begged for a digital camera) and well, I am good at it - or so the clients think so, and really, clients are my top priority. If my clients are happy, I'm happy.
Okay... so here was my response to the above IHF question (remember still screaming on the inside):
Personally, the only person that can answer the "good enough" question is you. And well, clients I guess. :)
I do have to say that if you choose this... be in it for the long haul. There are so many start up and fall offs that it is sad to see, and can really hurt the industry. For example those who charge $50 a session and give every single photo on a CD - and then fall away without even a peep and give a lesser quality product... those kind of people really twist the common consumer's view on what it is we do and tend to make the consumer feel entitled to our work instead of thrilled to be a part of it. We make art with our cameras - this is not some "take a photo and slap it on facebook" kind of job - it is a "take a photo, cull the photos, edit the photos, cull the photos, perfect the photos, print the photos, interact with clients, keep in touch with clients, thank the clients" type job. 24/7/365!
There is more to photography than having a passion for it. Passionate people quickly burn out and move on. You have to eat it, sleep it, breathe it, LIVE it. Yes, how cliche right? But honestly, if it is not on your mind 100% of the time... or you are wavering in what path you'd like to follow, I'd say put your time and energy towards something you can see yourself in for the LONG HAUL.
Having said that, if you do choose photography as your path -- get ready. There are going to be some long nights and rough days in your first year. You won't only be proving yourself to clients, but also to others in your area in the industry - you'll be building lasting relationships with clients, other photographers, and vendors. You'll be proving that this is your career - not just your hobby or passion - your intended career in life. That you are going to make it work come heck or high water. That no matter how the industry changes you are willing to adapt, learn and grow as a photographer and artist. That you will let nothing sway you from your dream of providing life long memories in a shutter moment form that will be treasured and displayed by couples, families and loved ones.
I must say, that I simply have the most amazing clients. Each one of them has been such a joy to work with. Recently, I was really astounded at the amazing compliment I was given by a repeat customer. She has no idea how much her kind words meant to me... or how much more that made me thrilled to be a part of capturing her family and memories on print.
I must say, knowing my work will be there for years and maybe even after I am gone is so awesome. It is my legacy to the world - and I love every darn second of it... I eat it, I sleep it, I breathe it.
Heck, my husband even rolls his eyes every time he hears me say "can you see the photo in this?" or "whoa look at that amazing light right this second." Yep... I am a photographer... even down to my DNA. I survey a room and find the photos. The moments that make life work. Not a hobbyist, not an enthusiast, not even a casual family friend with a good camera - by gosh... I AM A PHOTOGRAPHER.
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