Everyone thinks they can be a pro! (RANT)

[JerryPH]

I will argue that it takes a LOT more to become a good photographer than using easy technology and the auto mode of a camera.

Anyone who thinks the above is not really aware of what it takes to become a "good" photographer. This is a good snapshot artist... and my dog can be taught to press the shutter button in auto mode... doesn't make it a good photographer... lol.

 

[abraxas]

Everyone can become these days a good photographer. There are 2 good arguments for this:

1: The technology is easy to use.
2: Auto - mode ON.

/ironic

Don't ya just love it?

 

[JerryPH]

Someone is paying too much attention to the Nikon commercials with Ashton Kutcher... lol

 

[stsinner]

Anyone who gets all excited about whether or not a person is "worthy" of the professional label is likely just getting their panties into a bunch because they are being defensive for one or more of a variety of reasons.

Relaaaaaaaax.

Ok, you can all go back to ignoring me and ranting and raving some more. After another 20 posts or so I'll try to say this again.

I agree.. What a bunch of crybabies.. Just do what you do and don't worry about anyone else. If you're good, if you're professional, you don't sit around crying about the competition. You just do good work, and it carries you far.

I'm not even good at photography, but I am an engineer, and this is no different than any other profession. I've seen the hacks, and they came and they go.. If your actions can't back your promises, you don't stay in business.

 

[mrodgers]

I will argue that it takes a LOT more to become a good photographer than using easy technology and the auto mode of a camera.

Anyone who thinks the above is not really aware of what it takes to become a "good" photographer. This is a good snapshot artist... and my dog can be taught to press the shutter button in auto mode... doesn't make it a good photographer... lol.

What do you define as a "good" photographer? Asking not just you, but anyone here.

I wonder this because I bought my first manual capable camera last Christmas. It was the first time I gave thought to actual photography rather than snapping shots.

BUT, I've had the same small digital camera previously since 2002. It had no manual settings, was full auto for shutter, selected 2 aperture settings only (automatically), and had ISO100 only. I use to ride a motorcycle, and I had the camera around my neck and under my jacket every time I went for a ride. Now, I'm sorting through thousands of photos from back then shot with my little auto digicam and I'm finding tons of landscape type photos that I love.

I didn't think about photography back then at all as I do now. I think about composition and the camera settings consciously (sp?) now. But, back then, I realize now that I was thinking about composition in the back of my mind without actually thinking of photography. So, was I a photographer back then or not? After all, I shot with a full auto camera. But, I find that the composition of the landscape shots worked quite well without me thinking in a photographer's sense.

A few of my landscape shots are uploaded to this . They are all shot back in 2003 on my motorcycle rides (though most processing was redone recently since I've started learning about photography here). All are shot with the thoughts that "this would be a nice photo" rather than specific shots of composition. Are these a "photographer's" shots or are they just a "snapshooter's" shots?

 

[abraxas]

What do you define as a ...

Since it's been my contention that this thread has been a whining and sniveling snobbery session from the beginning, maybe this could be better discussed in a new thread.

(BTW- good work).

 

[Battou]

 

[JerryPH]

What do you define as a "good" photographer?

1. Well, let's start very basic. Know the difference and interactions between ISO, shutter, aperture. Know how to set them in camera AND UNDERSTAND WHY. Knowing that P-mode is not the end all of creating a quality picture is really step #1.

2. Understanding exposure to me means complete understanding of the ZONE SYSTEM for digital cameras and how to consistently use it with your camera.

3. Understanding the basics of composition and being able to effectively apply the concepts.

4. A good eye,

5. Polished post processing skills

To me, practice and mastery of these 4 concepts is a starting way towards being a good photographer. Not a great one by any means, but one that won't completely embarrass themselves if they open a 10 page portfolio or 3 minute slideshow.

 

[abraxas]

Cool options. Needs a "My Dog" button.

 

[sabbath999]

...and my dog can be taught to press the shutter button in auto mode... doesn't make it a good photographer... lol.

Then you need to get a Border Collie. They are great photographers.

 

[stsinner]

and my dog can be taught to press the shutter button in auto mode... doesn't make it a good photographer... lol.

Got news for you, there, Jerry... Just as computers can pretty much beat the best chess player today, AUTO mode is earning its place at the top.. Unless you are doing, "artsy" shots or emphasizing something in a shot that most people wouldn't emphasize, AUTO is pretty smart.. I don't think I've ever taken an AUTO shot with my D50 that wasn't a viewable photograph.. I say viewable because some elitists believe that unless the entire background is out of focus or the picture isn't b&w, then the picture isn't good.. I think that the improved AUTO and program modes mean that the only thing that will matter soon is the composition, so you should get used to it.. I'm sick of wielding an expensive camera and being told that I'm no good unless I'm shooting Manual... Sometimes it's the eye... After all, isn't it sometimes your desire to document what you're LOOKING AT....??? Not everyone looks at life through a B&W/Sepia or Photoshop lens.... I kind of see things the way they are, which AUTO captures well...

 

[JerryPH]

Got news for you, there, Jerry... Just as computers can pretty much beat the best chess player today, AUTO mode is earning its place at the top.. Unless you are doing, "artsy" shots or emphasizing something in a shot that most people wouldn't emphasize, AUTO is pretty smart.. .... I kind of see things the way they are, which AUTO captures well...

I got news for you (lol)... an experienced photographer sees things BETTER than any camera, and leaving your creativity in the hands of some unknown engineer in Japan is cutting into the quality of the shots YOU could be getting.

If the camera is so smart, how about you try something simple... an easy white balance test... leave the camera totally in AUTO (including auto WB), take a pic... tell me WHY snow comes out looking 18% grey instead of white?

Take a picture of a stream in auto... then take a picture manually with the metering properly set and a slower shutter speed... why does the 2nd shot look SO MUCH better?

They may be smart... but those in the know understand that the camera can only get MAYBE 10% of what an experienced photographer can get out of the same unit set to manual.

 

[JerryPH]

Then you need to get a Border Collie. They are great photographers.

My friend has one... it's pretty dumb (doesn't come in out of the rain when called... lol), but OMG, can that dog ever herd any animal on his farm... sheep, cows even goes and herds the cats into the house at night!

Yeah, they've got some mad skills at that.

 

[Overread11]

guys you don't need dogs - you need cats!
http://beyondthecatflap.org.uk/

 

[PatrickHMS]

guys you don't need dogs - you need cats!
http://beyondthecatflap.org.uk/

Cats, who mess in a box, walk in it, lick their feet, then look at you like YOU'RE stupid.

lol