The dying art of being a photographer, rather than a Instagram sensation. Also, knowing how to use

Dec 19, 2017
4 min read

In today's world of multi-social media accounts and never-ending updating of one's statuses. I've noticed a growing trend with people, mostly younger ones (late teens / early 20s) that consider themselves photographers, with no skill set whatsoever. They, like most in society, are just following trends to become recognized on social media. AKA. . . "Instagram or Facebook Famous"

For the love of me, I couldn't figure out what was so special with their pictures!? I was really left perplexed!? Then, after about a month or so, it hit me like a ton of bricks. . . THERE IS NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT THESE PICTURES! They just simply take one, on their phone, upload as quickly as possible and hashtag the heck out of it (which I am guilty of as well. You know, because algorithms) and add their location. But what is killing me, is their over use of the Instagram filters.

I think what was bothering me, the most, was that these pictures were getting so many "LIKES"!? There's nothing great about them!? I beat myself up, trying to take the best picture I can, every time I pick up my camera. Maybe it's my old school way of thinking, but I actual set up each shot, in my head first, before I click the shutter release button. Check the composition, aperture, ISO, angle that I want, Field Of View, you know, the things you check, as a photographer, before you actually take a picture!?! But do I really need all these "LIKES" or "HEARTS" to make me feel better about myself?! I am totally comfortable, in my own skin, when it comes to my photography skills. I'm putting myself out there, every time I post a photo. Letting my guard down, for any type of criticism a pixel-peeper is willing to make. I don't need that instant gratification, like others do, to make me feel accepted. I'd rather a friend, or family member tell me that my picture is garbage. To me, it's so much more than just clicking away and saying "Ahhh, I can fix it in post editing" Which I have heard from several so-called photographers, while they where with clients. WHAT!?!? I know if I was the client, I wouldn't want to hear that. Not at all! You're the one who's suppose to be the professional, or at least somewhat knowledgeable with the equipment you're using. Which is another quick mind-blowing subject in itself. Which I will touch upon now.

So. . . you call yourself a "photographer", just because you can take pictures, with a fancy camera?! My kid can do the same thing. No, really he can, I've seen him do it before! Doesn't make him any less of a photographer, than someone claiming to be one, ammarite?! Sorry if I sound a little bit arrogant and cocky, the way I opened in this paragraph. but this is something that totally irks me to no end. I've had too many encounters with, once again, "photographers" not knowing how to use their camera, or even know what I'm talking about, when trying to help them out.

One instance this happened was at a wedding. I noticed the photographer getting a little frustrated with their camera settings. "It's all wrong. I'm just not getting the shots right!" I overheard them say to themselves. I interjected and asked if there was something I could help with. They asked "What are you, a photographer, or something?!" I replied "or something" I asked what are you looking for in the shot. They explained to me, that they wanted that real blurry background effect, when photographing the bride & groom. "Oh, you mean BOKEH" I said. They looked at me with head half-cocked to the side, like a dog hearing a high frequency. I looked at the lens and noticed it was just the kit lens that came with the camera, as a bundle. I explained that the lens wasn't really capable of getting the desired result, because of the aperature settings on the lens.

"And you know this from just looking at the lens?!" I said "Yes, everything you need to know about the lens is right here" pointing to the base of the barrel, at the 18-55mm f/ 3.5 - 5.6 "Everything you need to know is right there" The person exclaimed, they really had no idea what the numbers meant. Palm to face.

I then went into a little depth about setting the picture up, photo composition, ISO setting, Shutter speed vs. focal length of lens. Again. . . looking at me with glazed-over eyes, like I was Stephen Hawking explaining theoretical physics, or something. No idea about what I was even remotely talking about!?! This was basic stuff too. After that, I just handed the camera back and wished them good luck, on their photography endeavor and went straight for the bar. I hope the bride & groom didn't pay an exorbitant amount, for their pictures, that's all.

So, in closing, I kind of feel like a dying breed of endangered species. Just waiting to bid their time on this planet and fade into extinction. I take pride in my work and I would like to think it shows, with my pictures, that I capture. So, before you go and call yourself a photographer, please, please, PLEASE. . . I BEG OF YOU. . . before you even pick up a camera, educate yourself on the equipment you plan to use. Trial and error is the best, I think, to learn your camera and it's capabilities. And if you, as a potential photography client, ever hear the photographer say "Oh, I'll just fix it in post-editing" be very wary! One more thing I have to say. More like advice. STOP TRYING TO TAKE PIX OF THE MOON WITH YOUR PHONES!!!! Your phone is not a camera. Thank you for taking the time to read this rather lengthy diatribe.