So yeah, you've heard it time after time, here and there and everywhere, LOL. Why is everyone and their mother a photographer? Lately it seems to be that if you are part of a social network or even just look at a newspaper you see the many ads of people doing photography. Then again you also hear many of the so called "Real Photographers" put down all of these "Newbies" as if upset we are all mixed in the same pool. I read one of my favorite photographers old blog posts and he talked a bit about this recurring issue. I actually borrowed the above pic from his blog.
Well here is my opinion on this sujbect. I believe I am a "Newbie". To me, most of us are unless you have been around, without any interruption for more than ten years. Yup, back in the day when there was no digital and it was all in film. If you think photography equipment is expensive now, you have no idea how much more expensive it was back then. Most of us "newbies" are a result of many different things. Equipment (even though it is still super expensive to me) it has got a lot more affordable to where as before to own a SLR camera was just like "WOW"!! SLR cameras, whether entry level, semi pro or pro are so much more affordable. Plus with the internet being so available to everyone right at their fingertips, advertising and showcasing your work is just so much easier than it was back then.
I hear about photographers having a problem when new photographers are starting out as if they are about to get their thunder stollen. LOL. I've also heard of photographers being upset that the new photographer in town is selling 50 "edited" images on a cd for $25, which by the way is really cheap. They complain how it is hard to make a living out of this with people taking away business by offering this. I say no way!! I say the more the merrier! lol.
THere are so many wonderful outlets for us "newbie" photographers to get our work out there and showcased, it is just unbelievably wonderful! Everyone has a different style. That is the beauty of it! I say instead of focusing on the increasing number of photogs and b*&#*ing and moaning about it, I say continue working on improving your skills and have fun with it. At the end of the day, it is the customer who ultimately decides who they want to go with and what style they like.
Is Photography competitive? Ummm yeah! But then again, it always has been. Have fun with it and keep your focus on the one thing that inspired you to do this to begin with--whatever the case may be, it is different for everyone. Maybe you were inspired by a fellow photographer, maybe you were inspired by your own children. Whatever that case may be, don't focus on the negative, ALWAYS FOCUS ON THE POSITIVE. And photographers, talk to each other, we can learn so much from each other, not just in the photography aspect of it, but with real life experiences. Most of the time you will find out what unbelievably awesome some of your peers are.
FOR THE NON PHOTOG PEOPLE out there, you definitely got your work cut out, lol. You have so much to choose from, so many talented photographers with their absolutely awe-inspiring work. Definitely do some research. Look at the photographer's work but also look at the reviews they have received. Talk to people who have done past sessions with that photographer and ask how it was. Set up an appointment, ask to meet with them (with no commitment) simply to get to know him or her. Definitely don't just base it on the price, but do take it into consideration. Remember that photography isn't as easy as it looks and even though natural talent plays a part, it also involves lots and lots of investing time into the education part of it (not talking about a just a degree, but of workshops, books and such). Most of all, make sure you are comfortable because this is the person who will be capturing your memories, whether it is for a wedding, your first newborn portraits, boudoir pics for a special someone or anything for that matter. Most importantly, always remember to smile! :D
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