Anyone With A Digital Camera And Facebook Is A Pro

[Designer]

They do not ask me anymore.

I've never been asked my opinion, even in the areas in which I actually know something.

I mean specifically me, not an open invitation to everyone here on TPF.

Apparently I am not perceived as one who knows something.

 

[Gary A.]

I tend to qualify my remarks with ... as a former pro, I judge photo using a professional baseline ... then I say my piece, but I always try to say at least one positive comment. Usually the photog/person-with-camera starts to qualify the image, but it was dark, I only had one lens, it was a point and shoot, et al.

 

[CherylL]

A friend's daughter is getting married next year. The bride and groom are thinking about their photo options and are considering buying a "nice" camera for one of the groomsman and other guests to capture their big day. They figure why pay for a photographer and they will have a "nice" camera after the wedding. Of course my friend is trying to talk them into hiring a pro. I wonder if this is a new trend? Many years ago it was the disposable cameras on tables at the reception.

 

[smoke665]

re considering buying a "nice" camera for one of the groomsman and other guests to capture their big day.

I wouldn't turn my camera over to anyone!!! That's just asking for trouble.

 

[Vtec44]

People pay me to take photos. I get asked all the time about what I think about this and that photos. Like someone said, there's no need to rain on someone's parade. You'll come across as bitter even if the photos are bad. I tell them that all photographers are different and the important thing is that they like the photos. I don't critique or post my opinion because it's professional courtesy. I like to say that we all shoot differently and I have my way of doing things. It's not that I'm better or worse, I'm just different.

 

[nerwin]

Facebook photographers are typically a 16 year old girl who got a DSLR for their birthday and instantly think they are a professional photographers and therefore creates a fan page and makes up a silly business name and shares every single photo, doesn't matter if it's blurry, out of focus or what not. Because it was taken with a DSLR, it's professional artistic quality.

Okay...I guess it bothers me too.

My cousin hired someone like that to shoot their wedding. Their images were processed using free malware infested editing software, half were selective color and mostly consisted of poor composition. I brought my D610 + 50mm with me because why not and they ended up using my photos and I'm not a wedding photographer.

 

[zombiesniper]

I see it as any market.

If you are a good photographer, ensure you are priced high enough that you only attract the clientele that appreciate the value in what you do.
Let those that are going to haggle every penny go to the InstaFaceChat photographers and be happy you don't have such pain in the ass clients.

There's room for everyone. Stop fighting for space with the bottom feeders and you'll be much happier.

 

[smoke665]

@nerwin In our area I see them going up into middle age.

@zombiesniper In my case It's irrelevant as photography is and will, remain a hobby. I do feel sorry for the misguided individuals that pay for poor quality photos, but even then, like everything else, it's "buyer beware".

 

[nerwin]

@nerwin In our area I see them going up into middle age.

Well I live in Vermont, it's full of hipsters.

 

[runnah]

Much like the plains of the Serengeti, the natural order of things will sort themselves out. Weaker photographer with be mauled and eaten by the stronger.

 

[smoke665]

Much like the plains of the Serengeti, the natural order of things will sort themselves out. Weaker photographer with be mauled and eaten by the stronger.

True, but unfortunately it seems there are 3 more that pop up for every one that gets eaten.

I've seen another disturbing trend. Customer A sees "Unknown Photographer" on FB, and hires them for shoot. Customer A has no knowledge of good or bad, receives prints, and they're better than customer's cell phone, so they post glowing report on "UP", on FB. Customer B see's this and the cycle continues. Eventually the "UP" is getting glowing reports, because even if the customer knows the photos are bad they're afraid to admit they've been had, and will post recommendations simply because everybody else "says" they're good.

 

[nerwin]

It's a very similar thing when trying to sell prints. People want them for cheap or FREE.

I hate it when I get contacted from someone who is interested in a print and I tell them the cost and they either don't respond or they respond in a negative manner. "Why does it have to be so expensive? All you did is press a button".

Yep, that's all I did is press button. Then why don't you do it?

 

[runnah]

Much like the plains of the Serengeti, the natural order of things will sort themselves out. Weaker photographer with be mauled and eaten by the stronger.

True, but unfortunately it seems there are 3 more that pop up for every one that gets eaten.

I've seen another disturbing trend. Customer A sees "Unknown Photographer" on FB, and hires them for shoot. Customer A has no knowledge of good or bad, receives prints, and they're better than customer's cell phone, so they post glowing report on "UP", on FB. Customer B see's this and the cycle continues. Eventually the "UP" is getting glowing reports, because even if the customer knows the photos are bad they're afraid to admit they've been had, and will post recommendations simply because everybody else "says" they're good.

True but along with being a quality photographer you also want quality customers. Chances are the folks who are sourcing these facebook pros are the ones who want everything for dirt cheap and will complain about what they get anyways.

 

[SquarePeg]

True, but unfortunately it seems there are 3 more that pop up for every one that gets eaten.

I've seen another disturbing trend. Customer A sees "Unknown Photographer" on FB, and hires them for shoot. Customer A has no knowledge of good or bad, receives prints, and they're better than customer's cell phone, so they post glowing report on "UP", on FB. Customer B see's this and the cycle continues. Eventually the "UP" is getting glowing reports, because even if the customer knows the photos are bad they're afraid to admit they've been had, and will post recommendations simply because everybody else "says" they're good.

This is rampant, I agree. All of the crappy cell phone photos have made the crappy dslr photos look better than they really are. As have the filters and trends toward either overly contrasty or overexposed “styles”.

But, on the other hand, from the consumer’s perspective, if they can’t tell the difference between a good photo and a poorly lit or overexposed or soft photo, then why should they pay more for something they don’t care about. If the super expensive perfume smells the same to you as the drug store bottle, would you pay more?

 

[Gary A.]

People pay me to take photos. I get asked all the time about what I think about this and that photos. Like someone said, there's no need to rain on someone's parade. You'll come across as bitter even if the photos are bad. I tell them that all photographers are different and the important thing is that they like the photos. I don't critique or post my opinion because it's professional courtesy. I like to say that we all shoot differently and I have my way of doing things. It's not that I'm better or worse, I'm just different.

You are too kind. But ... you are also saving yourself from an argument and people saying you're full of yourself.