I spent a lifetime learning how to operate a camera and produce something that is decent enough to request payment.
It's always been tough to make money in photography. It's one of the few skills and talents that everybody thinks they have.
With the onset of the digital world it has became worse, because now the cost to entry is minimal. At least in the days of film, the cost of burning a 36 exp roll + processing = a chunk of change. Today you can take thousands of shots and edit with a button at no extra cost.
Also, the ability to send and post at the speed of light along makes it even easier to believe "i'm a photographer".
I spent 20+ years exploring large format B&W photography. I was of the mind set that not only did I have "see" what I wanted, but then I had to make the print. I loved my time in the darkroom.
When digital was in it's infancy....film and darkroom were the only way to make exhibition grade prints. Silver gelatin ruled the B&W world and Cibachrome ruled the color side....and it was expensive.
There was a talent involved.....digital upset the apple cart
Trouble is, all the equipment in the world does not make you a good photographer.
Yes, but that does not stop people from believing they are.
This doesn't excuse or fully explain the reactions of Mr Big Rig. Being a family friend with all of the gear doesn't give him the right to be an ass. Rude is rude. But he probably thought he was omnipotent.
Wedding photographers are going to have to find something else to differentiate themselves.
The ubiquitous nature of digital photography has cheapened photography with some good and some bad consequences.
When somebody sings well, the average person knows they can't. When somebody paints well, the average person knows they can't. When somebody creates fine furniture, the average person knows they can't.....therefore they are more inclined to open their wallet and buy something. With photography, to me, it's just seems people are reluctant to spend money on something they think they can do.
With a cell phone and Adobe Elements...poof! They're photographers. |
