I've been thinking a lot lately. Oh about all sorts of things. I really feel a need to convey some of my thoughts on photography in particular.
It saddens me greatly when I find out a friend of mine has used a photographer that didn't live up to their standards. Perhaps I believe in an older system of business, I guess…where you forge relationships with your clients and don't try and convince them to buy something in order to make more money. I believe in being honest with my clients and humble and not making promises I can't keep. I believe in providing my clients with more than what they expect in the way of quality and service. It's why I ALWAYS retouch my photos before posting them up for purchase. It's why I don't make money off my prints but for the time I work.
I believe you cannot be a good photographer unless you invest time, effort, and money into continually improving yourself. Maybe you go to college, take some courses, read books, read magazines, take tests…however you best learn. But photography is an ever evolving industry. One that requires more time and energy than most people anticipate. It is NOT a career for someone who wants to make a little extra money on the weekends. It is a COMMITMENT!
It really irritates me when I see someone who has decided to take a hobby and make money off of it without investing anything into it. I'm angered at their deception of their clients and sympathetic to those who fall victim to their scheme. Especially when it is for a one-time thing like a wedding or newborn pictures. That is something the client can't have reshot…the day has passed and the memories are lost.
I feel fully confident that those who don't have what it takes will in the long run never make it. It just really gets to me when I see them taking advantage of people. I'm not claiming to be perfect or an expert. But I do know that I have invested every inch of myself into this business. I have invested my money for all of my equipment and software. I have invested 4 years of my life into gaining a college education in order to succeed. I spend countless hours every week researching the latest trends, the best equipment, how better to run my business, and seeking out the best quality products for my clients. Not to mention how much of my heart and soul I put into every single shoot and every single aspect of the business.
To anyone seeking photographers out there I would give them this advice: Really take the time to get all the information you can before hiring your photographer. Try to find past clients to get their input. Ask to see a FULL album - all the photos taken in a shoot. It is SO easy for photographers to display ONLY their best images and you may find overall they are only comfortable in certain situations. Find out how long they've been a Professional Photographer and if they have any education in it.
To my photographer readers I say this. Treat your clients with the same honesty, kindness, and respect that you would want from your photographer. Don't lead them along. Most people will still be willing to give you an opportunity to improve if you are honest with them.
Enough of the serious stuff. Here's something a lot more fun! I found this little video on youtube today and it has quickly become my new favorite video of all time! I absolutely love it! If you've got a few minutes - I highly recommend watching it.
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