Being a photographer for the past 7+ years has taught me so much. However, when I started doing professional work for people, I realized there were reoccurring questions or requests that didn't annoy just me. No, it annoys all photographers and every photographer has gone through them. So I thought for this week I would list the top 5 things to never ask or tell a photographer.
1. Never ask a photographer to do work for free.
Ever since I became a professional photographer people still ask me to do work for free. One time, a school asked me to do a full high school photoshoot for 2 hours, however they couldn't pay me. PLEASE NEVER ASK A PHOTOGRAPHER TO DO A SHOOT FOR FREE.
2. "I bet I could take amazing photos with an expensive camera like yours."
Please. Just. No. Never say that. Being a great photographer takes time a practice. Just because you have an expensive camera does not mean you can be an amazing photographer. Photography is an art form. A lot of it has to do with the actual photographer and the eye they have.
3. "Can you edit all of those 300+ pictures and post them on Facebook tonight?"
This happens all of the time when I was/am with school or camp friends. I'm sorry, as much as I would like to post them all tonight I can't edit all 300+ pictures that were taken and post them tonight... especially for free.
4. "Photography is so easy! All you have to do is click a button!"
Again, no. Just no. Can you explain what all of the different settings are that you have to know about on a camera? You can't just click the button. You need to know how to setup your shot in what kind of lighting, what your subject is, how fast it's moving, the list goes on and on. Ask a photographer to give you a camera in manual mode next time and you will see what I mean.
5. "If you come, can you bring your camera?"
Most of the time I personally don't mind someone asking me this, however I don't want to have to carry around my camera 24/7. Especially when it is something active we are doing or I just want to hangout.
These are just some of the top things to never ask or say to a photographer. So please, next time you talk to a photographer think to yourself, is it worth asking or saying? Photography is an art form and takes a very long time to master. You can't just pick up a camera one day and be the best. The most important thing about photography is the photographer not the camera.
