Ok, we all have that friend (or a friend of a friend) that buys a DSLR and then opens a photography business. Please do not be THAT PERSON.
Don’t do it. I’ll repeat it again: don’t do it.
Please for the love of all that is good do not buy a camera, think this means you’re a pro, and that your pictures will miraculously transform into Ansel Adams shots. Yes, professionals use DSLR cameras (which stands for Digital Single Lens Reflex). In fact, that is what Obama’s photographer uses now.
When you ask kids in elementary school what film is they have more than likely never seen a camera that even has film, and insinuating that you have seen a camera with film makes you old. You should buy a digital camera over film (for most cases), and I would actually encourage people to buy a DSLR to get some good pictures over point and shoot cameras. However, getting the camera does not make you a pro any more than buying a scalpel makes you a doctor. Want some more examples? Buying CS5 doesn’t make you a professional marketing designer, buying a Mac Pro doesn’t make you a pro film editor, Googling something doesn’t make you a lawyer, buying a canvas doesn’t make you Picasso, balancing your checkbook doesn’t make you a CPA, buying scissors doesn’t make you a barber and homeschooling your kids doesn’t make you a teacher. Some people will get upset with me on the last point, but what makes you think that you know how to teach if you never were schooled in the proper methods to teach kids? Likewise, if you never learn how to use the camera properly, what makes you think you are a professional photographer?
I digress—you are not a pro photographer. Chances are, you will never be a pro. Don’t start a photography website claiming to shoot weddings and engagement photos. If you do, you will make a fool out of yourself and we’ll laugh at your photos secretly that you took of your friends for free. If you really want to get into this business, you will need to train under a pro for many years to learn the best way to shoot weddings and the proper gear that is needed. Whatever you do, never shoot in full auto mode and claim to be a pro. Any person with an IQ higher than that of a rock can shoot a subject using your camera in full auto mode. Running around with your DSLR camera trying to make you look sophisticated is such a joke. Starting in full auto mode is ok, but claiming to be a pro and keeping it in full auto mode proves that you are a phony.
The reason why DSLR pictures are good is the glass in which it is shot through and the sensors used to capture the image. I read an inept article from someone the other day saying that if the iPhone gets to 12MP that people will no longer buy DSLR. Wrong, you couldn’t be more wrong. You can never replace $3,000 worth of glass and optical technology in a $20 camera that is in your phone. Stupid. After a certain point, megapixels mean nothing if the glass sucks and you are shooting with a crappy camera.But this article isn’t necessarily about the practicality of the purchase, it is more about the mentality of the purchaser.
Shooting with a DSLR takes practice. Most of the time, it takes around 15,000 shots with the camera to get familiar with how to use it properly. Today, there are many great videos and self-help books that can really help you with photography basics. Another beauty of shooting with digital is that you can see instant results of what you are shooting to find out what does and does not work. How does that saying go? Practice makes perfect!
Owning a DSLR will not make you the god of photography.
Owning a camera makes you, well, a camera owner.
Some people think when they get a nicer camera the stars will align and they will be a pro with their shots. All of a sudden, they will take a picture of a dog on the street corner and it will transform into a masterpiece that represents the struggles of mankind as we cope with overpopulation. Then a picture they take of their kid will be interpreted as a young child discovering the sense of self while harmoniously interpreting wisdom and love. The picture of the stranger will be viewed as a beloved individual challenging the oppression of society and gender roles in the pursuit of power. Suddenly, that picture you take of the sky will be gorgeous. The picture of their friends transforms into Engagement Photos By Jeff.com. You get the idea.If you want to enjoy photography as a hobby, by all means go for it. Just don’t pretend to be something you are not. But then again I feel this will be an uphill battle since we live in the day of botox and fake online diplomas.
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Today's Blog was brought to you by the Letter J and H, for my wonderful friend Jeff who had something to share.
Thanks ♥
