Posted by:
angsty
(
)
Date: October 29, 2010 10:49PM
Warning: I'm really bitchy right now. This may or may not suit you.
I can't remember if I've ever ranted about this before, but since it came up again in my life recently, here goes...
I'm a decent amateur photographer-- have been since I got my first 35mm SLR at the age of 14. My dad had a photo lab in our basement during my younger years, and I spent a lot of time watching him and learning from his books. Courtesy of dad's instruction, I enjoyed old-school black & white, develop-it-yourself photography from a pretty young age. Currently, I've got some nice photography equipment (still getting used to Digital and my D7), I know a lot about it (for a lay-person) and I have taken some very nice photos. I'm particularly good at composing flattering portraits, and I'm great with natural lighting. Every photo isn't perfect, but I've got a good critical eye and I know when I've got it right.
I have people who know me ask me to photograph events and family portraits all the time. If it's a friend or family, I do it for free because I love taking photos. I'm always looking for interesting subjects and I love making people I love look fabulous.
Otherwise, I refer inquiries to peeps of mine who are "real" photographers-- as in qualified professionals. I know a few qualified professional photographers who are very supportive of my amateur efforts. They give me great advice on equipment as well as critical feedback on my shots.
So, the reason I don't have a business, is not because I couldn't get business, but because I respect the art and I know enough to know that I take photos that are good for a hobbyist. I don't have the breadth or depth of knowledge, skill or experience that is needed to get great shots under less-than-ideal circumstances, thus ensuring that customers are happy.
So anyway, I stay in touch with a number of Mormon friends and relatives via facebook. I love these people, but I don't understand them. Ten years ago, they were all crazy scrap-bookers. I wasn't so into that (not that there's anything wrong with it, I was just more interested in producing pictures that stand alone). Following the scrap-booking craze by a few years, my scrapping friends finally saw the appeal of better photos and got into photography. They bought a lot of expensive equipment they don't know how to use and post their pictures all over the internet like they're freakin' Annie Leibovitz.
Over the past two years or so, several of these friends have started photography businesses, and I've looked through their portfolios. I've been asked for feedback, which I don't freely give because I don't think they really want to know what I think. Instead I point out the one or two photos that aren't bad, and I limit my feedback to those select few.
If I were to be honest, few of these photos are professional-quality, and by that I mean, they are ripping off people by charging for their work. We're talking terrible composition, bad lighting, under/overexposure, incorrect focus, bad photo editing, etc. I'm not overstating how bad these are-- we're talking photos that look like someone got into photography yesterday. Further, my friends are so unversed with basic critical theory that they have photos in their portfolio that are so flawed I'd be embarrassed to have anyone see them if they were mine-- and I'm not too picky about what I post-- sometimes I post my bad shots because they're funny, plus I'm not trying to attract business, I'm just posting pictures of friends and random stuff I attend.
So, I don't get it. Why are they in such a rush to start a business and make money when they haven't bothered to obtain even rudimentary skills? I'm a professional musician, but I wouldn't have dreamed of making a business of it after dabbling for a few years. I didn't even start teaching lessons until MY teacher started referring students to me. I can't see how photography, as an art and craft, is easier, or less-deserving of respect.
Why are all the bad "professional" photographers I know Mormon? Do they see it as a better alternative than a pyramid-scheme or other business venture by which they could take advantage of their friends and family? The lack of respect for good photography really pisses me off.
**The lone exception among them is my SIL-- she has really got an eye, knows how to work the Photoshop and takes great, professional photos. In short, she's a genius. If anyone lives near American Fork and wants a great photographer who won't charge an arm and a leg, contact me-- I can't recommend her enough, she'll make you and your family look like models.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/29/2010 11:01PM by angsty.