Busted! Don’t Believe These Photography Myths!
There is a general perception that the demand for photographers is declining because of two reasons:
- Anybody with a camera or any other device that can take photographs using modern smartphones and/or new iPhones can do what photographers do; take photos;
- Photography is needed mainly for social network communication, and selfies are reducing the need for other portrait photos.
As professional photographers at FORDPIC PHOTO PRODUCTION, we want to get straight to the point and debunk these and other myths. We have listed three of the most widely believed myths about photography. Keep reading to know them.
Myth1: Anyone can take good pictures
Not true! The electronic device industry is doing everything it can to capture the attention of a burgeoning market, especially the youth. Competition between the camera manufacturing giants like Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fuji and the cellphone producers is growing more and more stiff, as social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat grow at a fast rate due to selfies and phone-captured photographs.
While anyone can take photographs, and with time can make a competent photographer, a good photo can be looked at as a piece of art; It combines professionalism and the creative imagination of the photographer. The photograph should tell a story. Period.
At FORDPIC PHOTO PRODUCTION, we combine the two traits above: journalism and imaginative composition. A LinkedIn photo should be different from a Snapchat photo. Corporate headshots require that one does a complete study of what the industry is, and what the profile photo should portray. We make a difference between a professional or amateur photographer and any person holding a camera, be it a $5,000 mirrorless or $100 camera from Walmart.
Myth 2: A professional photographer should know what the client needs
Not true again! The common assumption customers make is to think that the photographer will know what they need even before they discuss it. "Since he has covered many weddings, the photographer we are hiring should surely know what to do." Just because you saw very nice photographs taken by a specific photographer does not mean that the circumstances under which he took those photographs are similar. There could be a difference in the location, lighting, dressing or individuals in the wedding entourage. There could also be specific cultural rituals that require specific lighting or have ethics-related needs for the photographer to know.
I always ask customers to have a meeting with the photographer(s) to know the storyline for the overall photo session/project. Whether it is a wedding function or a commercial product promotion, you must know who you are dealing with. Coordination is key. The location of photoshoots may not be ideal or appropriate for good photos. So, this has to be discussed.
Myth 3: There is a standard cost for a professional photographer for specific photographs
Another mistake customers make is the assumption that there is a standard cost for a professional photographer for specific photographs, for example, weddings, family photoshoots (outside of the photo studio) or profile headshots. Different functions can have varying budgets for the photographer and videographer. A wedding can range between $1,000 to $12,000 or even more, depending on the set-up. A family photoshoot can range between $250 and $2,500. It is all about the concept and what the photos are intended for.
Our advice: Always have a serious, preferably face-to-face meeting with your photographer before the photoshoot.
Bottom line
Whereas anyone can take a really good photo with any camera, the professional photographer is equipped with a ton of ideas through the experience of judging the correct light intensity. A professional photographer is equipped to capture photos using the right features on the camera. What people sometimes don't know is that photography is an art, like music or poetry. The way a photo is presented is usually a result of unique artisanship by the creative mind behind the finger that presses the shutter. I remember in my Digital Film Production classes, our professor referred to a book by Murch Walter entitled "In The Blink Of An Eye" where it is indicated that every time your eye blinks, your mind is creating a scene that reflects your reaction to what you are seeing or thinking about. That is why such knowledge counts in determining the position, lighting and posture of your subject. So the myth of photographers being redundant is absolutely wrong.
At FORDPIC PHOTO PRODUCTION, we always have about ten minutes of explaining to our photo studio clients more about posture, dress colors, facial expression and the end story that the picture tells.
If you’re looking to steer clear of these myths, reach out to FORDPIC PHOTO PRODUCTION. We offer portrait, corporate headshot, family, baby, fashion, and event photography services. We serve clients across Barrie, Scarborough, North York, Toronto, Pickering, Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, and the Greater Toronto Area.
For a complete list of our services, please click here. If you have questions about photography, we’d love to hear from you, please contact us here.