tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post7569091694095676489..comments2024-03-29T05:53:42.260-04:00Comments on Digital ProTalk: How Much Of A Professional Are You? Food For Thought FridayDavid Ziserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02674227631785266632noreply@blogger.comBlogger99125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-6906606535340928672010-11-17T18:39:59.630-05:002010-11-17T18:39:59.630-05:00David,
I agree with the majority of posters here ...David,<br /><br />I agree with the majority of posters here -- this feels like sour grapes from someone whose style and methodology are a bit behind the times, rather than a fair assessment of the situation.<br /><br />The woman in the video was clearly incompetent in a variety of ways, but that's about the photographer, not the equipment.<br /><br />Yes, the digital age means there are fewer cost and technical barriers to entry -- it doesn't mean that skill doesn't matter. People have always hired crappy wedding photographers (I did, unfortunately, many years ago) and they always will.<br /><br />My suggestion is that you let go of the purist "classic" mentality and realize that wedding photography has dramatically changed since you began.<br /><br />AnneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-5666014373412471912010-04-01T12:56:09.435-04:002010-04-01T12:56:09.435-04:00I agree, it's not the hammer, it's the car...I agree, it's not the hammer, it's the carpenter. But a few things strike me as totally unprofessional. She didn't know the speed of her two (kit) lenses. She used Wal-Mart for photo finishing! C'mon, Wal-Mart?!? I saw some good composition, but if there's blurring, how good is it? <br /><br />I shoot weddings (even better now after attending some of David's seminars) and I wouldn't have Wal-Mart process my photos if I was paid $5000. I also know my lenses (all 5 that I use at weddings) AND I know that most churches are rather dim inside. I have had only 1 minister allow flash during the ceremony - and I still couldn't make myself use flash then.<br /><br />Sorry, this gal is not a professional photographer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-50381032455010232042010-03-22T11:27:51.251-04:002010-03-22T11:27:51.251-04:00-Digital Photography in some cases has killed the ...-Digital Photography in some cases has killed the wedding photography market. The most successful wedding photographer I know shoots film and this has made him more money as a result for charging for negatives and reprints. I would also argue a lot of experienced veterans that have seen a decline in sales have reverted to doing workshops to supplement there income, in turn over saturating the market with to many photographers in the wedding industry. So the where the business goes is only going to be for the ambitious.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-44036597773476010892010-03-18T11:31:18.278-04:002010-03-18T11:31:18.278-04:00It seems that most of the comments have missed the...It seems that most of the comments have missed the point of David's post. -<br /><br />"Do you really know your gear, your lenses, your lighting? Do you really know what shots to capture at the wedding? Do you know how to handle yourself in an emergency situation like when your gear fails? Can you still capture the images? These are just a few of the questions real professionals know how to answer."<br /><br />Most of the people who have commented that the Rebel is perfectly fine for weddings have not addressed these questions. It is a question of professionalism and expertise. With the proliferation of 'good enough' cheap equipment it has lowered the barrier to entry into the market. Some people come into the market ill prepared to handle the demands of a wedding day and what to do when things are challenging. The client's wedding is too big a deal to mess up and clients don't care about excuses. I hear the horror stories when couples come for consultations and they talk about their friends or siblings who chose someone to photograph their wedding who they knew was not up to the task. I was at a wedding, as a guest, in July 2009 and heard the photographer say to the couple, "So what do think we should do? Do you want some pictures with the wedding party?" What? It turns out they never talked about a plan for the day and what was going to happen when. NOT Professional- it doesn't matter what kind of equipment they had. They never forget what went wrong and how things turned out. Just because someone has a 'nice' camera does not make them a photographer or a professional. I applaud those who clearly see that line and strive to prepare themselves and their gear to take it to the next level. <br /><br />Everyone does have to start somewhere. I don't think hanging out your shingle and offering to do something you don't know how to do is the best way to do it, even if you can afford pro equipment. I suggest actually getting to know a Full-time pro and asking to tag along as an assistant and really see what it is all about. I know that I am willing when people come to me and ask for the chance and I bet many pros feel the same way. That is how I started and I am glad I did because there was so much more involved than I ever imagined. <br /><br />David is trying to get everyone, Rebel 'Pros' included, to make their photography better and make the industry shine. Think about it. He is successful and is sharing how he, as a professional, has made a living and creating amazing imagery. Knowing what to do and how to do it in a professional way helps everyone.Michael M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-1938691687498110352010-03-17T05:57:02.135-04:002010-03-17T05:57:02.135-04:00When all is said and done, it really doesn't m...When all is said and done, it really doesn't matter what we think about the subject, it's the customer who makes the final decision and in this economy price is the biggest factor they base their decission on.<br />As my husband pointed out, most people don't know the differnce when it comes to the quality of the pictures they get. They're used to seeing the results from an cheaper point and shoot camera. <br />Like it or not we may be joining the other industries that have fallen victim to mass marketing. Look at the garment industry, and the what the big box stores have done to the little guys.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-90940598245315276362010-03-17T00:26:47.230-04:002010-03-17T00:26:47.230-04:00David, I must say I have not ever posted a comment...David, I must say I have not ever posted a comment here but feel compelled to do so here. first off just because everyone out there can't afford your services for their wedding gives you no right to insult less expensive photographers shooting lower grade cameras. every bride should able to have great photographs of her wedding day but most cannot even come close to affording some of the higher-end pros. when was the last time you took your overinflated ego into a poor community & offered your wedding services pro-bono. I think you need to check yourself because your image is becoming more about the money & less about the customer. this post truly concerns me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-46518088882875995542010-03-17T00:07:37.972-04:002010-03-17T00:07:37.972-04:00Hey David,
Nothing to say here that hasn't a...Hey David, <br /><br />Nothing to say here that hasn't already been said.<br /><br />I am also getting a 5D Mark II next week. :)<br /><br />I know that i can take very similar photos with my now 40D, with the aid of Noise Ninja, and other programs....<br /><br />But I got my next 'tool' to make my upcoming future in Photography easier, just like in a year or two i will get the next upgrade equivalent.<br /><br />Take it easy on us, some time in the next 20 or 30 years we will be you, probably saying the same thing to our less talented photographers. <br /><br />And I will make you a bet if I could dust off my 40D then, I think I will beat the socks of those young whipper snappers, with there 200 mega pixel cameras just like you can right now with a Rebel now.Nathan Reichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07487494024086386117noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-88853157891283411792010-03-16T20:26:56.683-04:002010-03-16T20:26:56.683-04:00everyone a pro these days,i got $600 and all i had...everyone a pro these days,i got $600 and all i had was a 300d and a kit lens, the bride was delighed and gave me an extra $30, so now i have a website and all. my next wedding is next week and i have already increased my prices to $650.anyway all the info on how shoot weddings is on blogs everwhere. anyone can do it, well anyone with a 300d can. just press that button, lots of times:)<br />markAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-21852251583959138732010-03-16T20:20:08.720-04:002010-03-16T20:20:08.720-04:00I think everyone is missing the fact that not only...I think everyone is missing the fact that not only were the photos not of the quality that was displayed when she meet the client but her behavior on the show was less then professional and she clearly did not have any working knowledge. Those questions the judge was asking is something every photog should be able to answer before they shoot weddings.Saundranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-20676177492108551042010-03-16T16:47:09.494-04:002010-03-16T16:47:09.494-04:00Why do working pros worry about "Amateur Anne...Why do working pros worry about "Amateur Anne"? Our price lists are designed to filter out low-end customers that seek out "Amateur Anne".<br /><br />If any of you are targeting the low-end of the market and are hurting, shame one you!<br /><br />I agree 100% that equipment does matter. My studio specializes in portraits. My lens selection is specific for portraiture. I don't own a fast mid-zoom lens.<br /><br />On the few wedding weddings I do book, I make sure to hire a second shooter that can cover the mid-zoom range that I'm ill-equipped for. <br /><br />I will not work without limitations on a wedding. You're putting yourself, your business, your reputation at enormous risk for failure. <br /><br />When you decide to step-up your price list, please do yourself and your client a favor by investing in the proper gear.<br /><br />The ability to shoot clean at and above ISO 1600 and faster than f4.5, with multiple strobes all produce real, tangible, PROFESSIONAL results.Makeahttp://www.focal-pointe.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-45403186403844182372010-03-16T15:23:56.684-04:002010-03-16T15:23:56.684-04:00I love the information you provide in this blog, b...I love the information you provide in this blog, but you're argument about professionalism relating to type of camera is laughable given that you are completely fine with using consumer grade lenses.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-62369685757611362472010-03-16T13:37:23.634-04:002010-03-16T13:37:23.634-04:00OK, The video is very damning..so it's worth t...OK, The video is very damning..so it's worth the entertainment. However, David you often come across in many of your posts as an elitist..I'm not saying you don't know what you are talking about because you do! My work is because of your work and I'm glad for it. But, for those who don't know what was going on in the video perhaps it would have been better to explain so those who feel they are professionals could understand why they have a long way to go.<br /><br />That being said...I encourage my clients to have an engagement session with me before their wedding (I don't give it away free because I want them to have a vested interest in the process) but I do use a discount on it as a booking incentive. had this bride and groom done that they would have seen the work ahead of time and been able to head of an ugly situation. <br /><br />No if I was the photographer..there would be no way I would have gone to court. That was a career killer..but it's obvious she did not care that her career has just ended. And I can't think she would have been good at all.<br /><br />Folks..that's why blogs are so important. Yes, it's easy to put your best work on a site..but your potential brides and grooms will continually check out your latest work...that gives them and it should give you comfort.<br /><br />Now David, I do employ your techniques at weddings but there is no way I could charge your rates...it would not fly around where I live. About 60% of my brides opt for an album (which I use zookbinders) but the other 40% are scrapbookers. There is a HUGE market of people who have made albums all their lives and want to make their own...so I think one needs to be aware of what many other brides and grooms want. I have yet to have one bride not make prints or an album...I don't do ANY paid advertising and I am still booked at the rates I want. I scour the trade mags and attend conferences...I just think that the whole paradigm is shifting as far as types of products offered verses wanted. I have more and more brides who opt not to get an album but would rather purchase the jpgs AND get custom created canvas collages that I create using Simply Canvas.<br /><br />Yes, no argument here about how horrible the video is and how very very unprofessional it all was..but I urge you to blog not out of anger but out of an eduction...<br /><br />-Holly (Life's Joyful Expressions)Holsterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02141738594611894965noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-10243511752110367222010-03-16T13:25:44.395-04:002010-03-16T13:25:44.395-04:00Some things haven't changed. You still get wha...Some things haven't changed. You still get what you pay for. People who misrepresent themselves will be discovered. Business deals made without contracts wind up in court. Professionals are expected to deliver pro results and consumers need to do their homework, not take revenge for their remorse after deciding that cheap is better. But a couple questions too:<br />Are pro-ams with entry level bodies charging $1000 for weddings really taking business from higher priced pros? Would those brides really have paid 2-5 times more if the cheap wasn't available?<br />Isn't this as much about consumers of art and photo services terribly unaware of the real cost and actual value of pro photography?<br />Has the lack of art instruction in our schools made for less informed cosumers with respect to art?<br />As many have said, this discussion ought to have much less to do with what camera body was used, and more to do with the harder questions. Gear does not make art or artists.Briannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-52160626727523020742010-03-16T12:11:08.124-04:002010-03-16T12:11:08.124-04:00The word "Professional" in photography c...The word "Professional" in photography can simply mean a person who earns at least 51% of his/her living being a photographer. It does not in any way, shape or form allude to his/her skill sets. I do believe that after shooting hundreds of weddings as the "Pro Photographer" alluded to she would have already naturally upgraded to a Pro body and lens. By not doing so suggests she is either very cheap or uninspired to grow and learn. She did not even know a Fast lens when the judge asked her. On the other hand, although I would not do it myself, a Canon Rebel (especially the newer ones) can take excellent pictures with great IQ provided a 'good' glass is used. Lastly, it still comes down to the person behind the camera and lens. I would BET that if David Ziser was provided the Canon Digital Rebel with the stock 18-55mm lens, the bride would have had tears of joy after seeing the final results!Edwardsonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-86520338900063994882010-03-16T10:25:09.437-04:002010-03-16T10:25:09.437-04:00I don't care.. I still think a Canon XT or sim...I don't care.. I still think a Canon XT or similar model IS NOT a wedding camera.. no matter how good you are at taking pics! :-) The better you, the MORE important the gear becomes....<br /><br />Really, the biggest point is the fact that a lot of wedding photographers out there on cragslist do NOT know their equipment, cannot shoot in manual mode ..hell don't even know what shutter speed, aperture and ISO means!?!? <br /><br />Like Bryants Photography said, we need to educate the customer/clients. :-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00474362726777246841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-9017767552328609402010-03-16T08:19:12.126-04:002010-03-16T08:19:12.126-04:00David, your position surprises me very much. It se...David, your position surprises me very much. It seems completely at odds with your book and your blog. All I need to be a pro is expensive gear? I think not.<br />I challenge you to look at any "professional" image and tell me what camera was used. Your brand is the image you produce, not the tools you use. In Iraq, I carried my M-16 in a Pelican case. Does that make me a sharp-shooter?Martinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14060390981677909084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-64100024764882231242010-03-16T06:39:58.073-04:002010-03-16T06:39:58.073-04:00I am not a professional photog but have followed w...I am not a professional photog but have followed with interest. I do run my own business as an Architectural designer so I still have to deal with the mix of art and technology on a daily basis. My two cents - to me it's all about attitude and this is what I think David is trying to say. If you are going to bring a profesional attitude to anything, you are not going to use the cheapest tools you can get away with. If you expect your clients to take you seriously, take it seriously yourself. I get it that the gear doesn't make the photographer, but neither does a poor attitude. I think having enough confidence in your own abilities to invest in the right gear will set you apart on it's own. I wonder how many of these "rebel pros" think to themselves "at least if it doesn't work out, I haven't wasted too much money". <br /><br />As for the comments that "digital rebels are better than anything digital from 2000", the market rightfully only cares about what the standard is right now. To try and convince your clients otherwise is ripping them off.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02278520075416933419noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-25597383766449050602010-03-16T00:07:05.876-04:002010-03-16T00:07:05.876-04:00The Mamiya C33 was fine for film
The Rebel is fine...The Mamiya C33 was fine for film<br />The Rebel is fine for digital<br />If your good your good if you suck you suck<br />Let the free market place determine who stays in businessSteve Lackohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15272181329028094470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-58637664862985047652010-03-15T21:57:43.561-04:002010-03-15T21:57:43.561-04:00"I've got my Canon Rebel or Nikon D50 and..."I've got my Canon Rebel or Nikon D50 and some business cards. I've got my Facebook page, I like shooting pictures, I've got my blog, etc. , etc., etc. I must be a professional."<br /><br />I hope someone would not think of themselves as an actual 'pro' until they fulfill the definition. BEING PAID TO DO IT. That is where the problem is. Someone may offer a good 'amateur' photographer money for a wedding and they say, 'sure, why not'. So they step into a pro world before they become a 'real' pro.<br />However, if someone educates themselves on all the steps necessary to pull off a huge task of photographing a wedding, then why not! Even if they dont have the most up-to-date equipment. All I hear in this market is "You have no idea what youre getting into" or "This is a once in a lifetime event and you arent 'pro' enough to shoot one". What ever happened to positive reinforcement??? I was petrified to shoot a wedding. All I heard about was the horror stories. Then I met a wedding photographer who I was trying to intern with, he looked at my portfolio, and said with a smile 'GO FOR IT! You know what youre doing and they are a blast. Just do what you do.' End of story. That is all I had to hear. <br /><br />I feel like most pro wedding photog's hate the way the market is going because sales are down, and who do they blame? Not the camera manufacturers who are making inexpensive solid DSLR's but the novice photog who bought one. Welcome to the 21st century. The days of being pro meant you spent thousands of dollars on equipment are done. GET OVER IT & STEP YOUR GAME UP.<br /><br />In closing, the last time I checked, running a blog like this one is considered a business where the readers are the actual clients. Even if they are not paying for a service, they are essentially driving the site. And the first rule of good business is that the customer is always right. Well since the 'customers' on this blog are mostly photog's I would recommend putting an end to telling them their cameras are inadequate. I would encourage them to get the best out of their equipment by educating themselves further about their gear, not laugh in their face for assuming that their Canon Rebel is a good photographing tool. <br /><br />That is all.LMWnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-83438891987184910052010-03-15T18:11:56.824-04:002010-03-15T18:11:56.824-04:00Here is a monkey wrench thrown in! Ken Rockwell...Here is a monkey wrench thrown in! Ken Rockwell's has the same link and here is what he said.<br />For those of you outside the USA, remember that this "Judge Joe Brown" show is comedy- and fight-themed TV show set in a pretend courtroom; it's not real. The show is for entertainment only, although Judge Joe Brown is a UCLA grad who has served as a judge elsewhere. Go Bruins!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-8989964437738506062010-03-15T16:37:14.203-04:002010-03-15T16:37:14.203-04:00It has stirred up a heated discussion, good argum...It has stirred up a heated discussion, good arguments on both sides. Having said that why are the majority of heated comments from anonymous posters, do they not have the conviction to add there name to the post.<br />Its the photographer that creates the image, but seeing many people on a tight budget being openly ripped off by backyarders as we call them in New Zealand really is upsetting, it does nothing for the industry at all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-17906556817232459932010-03-15T16:24:52.883-04:002010-03-15T16:24:52.883-04:00I am a 'Pro' and I visit this site to educ...I am a 'Pro' and I visit this site to educate myself further and pick up tips. Lately all I get is... Buy this book, join this seminar, let me plug this piece of equipment that is paying me for advertising... <br /><br />And if you dont have the proper equipment that I recommend you use, then you shouldnt consider yourself a 'pro'<br /><br />fyi: I shoot with 7D'sAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-18722570526254516292010-03-15T15:45:03.104-04:002010-03-15T15:45:03.104-04:00I've been a big fan of this blog for sometime ...I've been a big fan of this blog for sometime as David gives some great advice and can talk a lot of sense. <br /><br />But I'm afraid this is not the case with this post. Everybody has to start somewhere and they cannot always afford the best equipment. Anyway, David, isn't your blog aimed a budding photographers wanting to get into the trade, especially wedding photography?Pete Shipstonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16534751123551387011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-49534287503312212832010-03-15T15:38:25.876-04:002010-03-15T15:38:25.876-04:00I have mixed feelings about this. I used to love ...I have mixed feelings about this. I used to love using a Tiger Woods analogy before his, er, problems. But it illustrated my feelings on ability vs equipment. Give me the finest set of Calloway or Titleist Golf Clubs and the most expensive titanium golf balls and I will continue to hack my way around a golf course without a one iota of improvement to my game. Now give Tiger Woods a $50.00 set of Spalding clubs from Walmart and I'd wager good money he could still shoot a round of golf under par. Yes, equipment can affect the quality of one's work but only if they already have a strong foundation and understanding of their craft, game, etc. Ability first, equipment second.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17534827.post-42722214363738207772010-03-15T15:07:45.969-04:002010-03-15T15:07:45.969-04:00Next time you visit your doctor, take a look at th...Next time you visit your doctor, take a look at the kind of stethoscope he/she is using. Is it the $15 nurse's model or the $150 Littmann cardiology scope? Now decide what influence the type of scope will have on your relationship with your physician.Danhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04524249232159478521noreply@blogger.com