Misconceptions About Photographers

Over the past years we have heard many stories about photographers and a great life they lead. It seems like a laid back, creative and fun profession. Set the scene as you like, take a couple of snaps as you like and there you have it. If you are good enough, you may even be praised into an artist. How hard is that? Well, it’s a lot harder than you might think. If you are a photographer, you will know what we are talking about. Today, we are listing the most common myths and misconceptions about photographers and their work. If you are thinking about getting into photography seriously, you should learn about these first.

Only Expensive Cameras Make Amazing Photos

Let us get this straight: a good camera can do wonders, it gives you the artistic flexibility and  makes the job easier, but is it the only factor when it comes to quality of your photos? Your camera is just a tool and regardless of the equipment you are using your experience and technical skills play a big role too. You create a scene, you adapt your camera to your needs and you make a shot, so having a high-end camera doesn’t necessarily mean you will have better photos. As Ansel Adams used to say the single most important component of a camera is the twelve inches behind it! Conclusion: Photography is all about capturing the moment and not about using overpriced gear.

Excessive Use of Photoshop Is Ok

Don’t get us wrong, we love Photoshop, it’s a great tool with endless possibilities for photographers and artists. What we are against of is the extreme use of it, and we are not the only ones who think so! Did you know that landscape photographer of the year 2012, David Byrne, was stripped for his title because of excessive use of Photoshop? Too harsh? Or is it? See the photo here and decide for yourself. We retain that the excessive use of Photoshop can bring to misinterpretation of the photo and that’s not the point. Photography should be an art, honest interpretation of what you see and not a manipulated graphic design, right?

Anyone Can Be a Professional Photographer

You love to get exquisite shots every now and then, you have a passion for photography and nice mobile camera in your hands, but does that really make you a professional photographer? Being a professional photographer requires much more than just a pure love for photography. Almost all professional photographers we have encountered that making high-quality photos requires a lot of knowledge, practice, experience, patience, time and is far away from easy and simple. Having a DSLR cannot help you grow into a professional photographer overnight. It’s a great start but not the ending of your journey because professional photography takes a lot of skill.

You Can Photograph Everything You Want

Well, that’s not exactly true. There are some rules you might consider reading before you start taking your shots. Have in mind these rules vary from state to state! Let’s begin with the common ones. Did you know that you cannot take photos on private property if you are asked not to? Same goes for some government buildings and offices. If a security guard asks you politely to stop taking photos, you should probably stop. Try not to ignore the signs or instructions on private properties. When it comes to photographing people you should not take advantage of them on private locations, such as in their bathrooms, yards. It would be useful to take these things in consideration when you are about to take photos.

Amateurs Can’t Make Great Photos

One of the biggest misconceptions we’ve heard so far is that amateurs can’t make good photos. Naturally, some photographers are more gifted than others, but still that statement is just unacceptable. It doesn’t mean that if you take photos as a part of your passion you can’t make exquisite work. Despite being an amateur doesn’t label you as a bad photographer even if you don’t have much experience behind you. On the contrary, every amateur photographer is capable of taking some of the most breathtaking photos. And there will always be some professional photographers who make ‘’not so imposing photos’’( to be polite), but who use the right marketing strategies to succeed.

Being a Professional Photographer Is Glamorous

Most people would imagine that being a professional photographer is all about glamour and excitement. But is it really? What about times when no work comes in or when the weather is impossible for shooting outside? What about needy clients who expect miracles or tell a photographer how they should shoot? Stressful, isn’t it? All these things are making life of a photographer quite difficult. Not all of them are having the chance to travel around the globe, to afford expensive equipment and marketing team to build a clientele. So, before you start claiming their job is glamorous, think again.

Photographers Don’t Need to Have a Marketing Strategy to Succeed

For every photographer, whether a professional or amateur, an effective marketing strategy can make a huge difference and serve as a great way for gaining more customers. Yet, many photographers still don’t know all the advantages of a marketing strategy. They are not aware of how much it can help them in spreading the word about their work. Photographers often forget about the power of social media platforms which are essential in creating a buzz in the modern world. Sometimes creating beautiful images it’s not enough to make it among the others.

What other misconceptions about photographers have you heard? Share them with us in the comment section.