The real reason of this post is a bit of a let-go. I don't like ragging on other photographers, I really don't. But when I feel that people are getting ripped off, or should get better than they do. That's when I'll rag. And I'm not going to mention anyone in particular. To me, being a photographer is not all about owning a good camera and some editing software (of course those do have something to do with it, but I'll get to that in a minute.) It's about having skill. Knowing when to shoot, how to shoot, how to edit that picture. I have seen so many photographers over edit the picture. And I will admit, I did it way too much when I started editing. But when you have been doing it for a couple years than you should know how much editing is enough and how much editing is too much.
Now, on to the whole camera and software thing. You don't have to have the top line camera. I mean, mine isn't top line, it's closer to the bottom line, but it has to be good enough. I do think that in order to charge for your sessions and pictures, they should be decent quality. And I have yet to see anything less than a DSLR do that. (Feel free to prove me wrong, though) They shouldn't be gritty or pixilated, nor should they be to dark or to bright. If your photographs aren't thier absolute best, you shouldn't charge for them. That's why I don't yet charge. My skill is definitely getting better. But it's not advanced enough yet to charge.
All in all. For those that are photographers, check your work. I'm sure it's beautiful to you,and possibly to your clients, but get an outside source. Get someone to critique it, and don't be afraid of criticism, it will only build you up.
And for those looking for a photographer. Don't just pick the first one up you find. Look through their portfolio, visit their website, speak with them personally, ask to see prints (because they do look different on and off screen), and read reviews from past clients. You deserve only the best memories frozen in time! Till next time
