The Top 10 Myths About Being a Professional Photographer
Since just about anybody can afford a digital camera these days, it’s not surprising that so many people want to make money as photographers. They mistakenly believe that the life of a photographer is glamorous and fun. This couldn’t be further from the truth.
Here are the top ten myths about being a professional photographer:
1. There Is No Training Required
Sorry to disappoint you, but you’ll need to take a basic class, if nothing else. Sure, you can teach yourself many photography techniques, but it’ll be in your best interest to take a class or two. Learning the fundamentals in a class will help you save a lot of time.
2. The More Megapixels, The Better
This isn’t necessarily true. 5 megapixels in a good camera is better than 8 megapixels in a cheap camera. Sometimes extra megapixels can be overkill, not to mention that they take up too much space on a hard drive.
3. Anybody Can Take Great Pictures With Expensive Cameras And Equipment
Nope. In fact, an expensive camera is just a waste when it’s in the hands of a beginner. It doesn’t matter how expensive a camera is – it’s only as good as the person who is using it.
4. Pro Equipment Is Needed In Order To Take Great Pictures
This isn’t true, either. Some great photographers use average equipment. Once again, a camera is only as good as the person who is using it. You don’t need the most expensive Canon camera in order to take good photographs.
5. Photography Always Documents Reality
People tend to believe that photographers can document reality with their cameras. They use this belief to argue that using Photoshop to touch-up photos is wrong since the photos are supposed to represent reality. They need to realise that images don’t always convey the truth. Even candid photos can be posed.
6. There Is One “Right” Exposure
While pros do prefer using some exposures, it doesn’t mean that any one exposure is better than the other. In fact, exposures can vary widely. It all depends on what kind of picture you want to take.
7. Photographers Consider 50mm To Be A “Normal” Lens
Some photography books report that a 50mm lens most closely matches what the human eye sees. The problem with this claim is that the eye and brain connection isn’t that straightforward. It includes subtle features such as near-constant reorienting and peripheral vision. A “normal” lens can be anything from 24mm to 80mm.
8. Shooting In RAW Is Ideal
Want to know a secret? Not every photographer likes RAW.
RAW shooting depends on a number of factors, including the lighting. Take a formal ceremony such as a wedding or prom, for instance – the lighting is dim. Flash might not be allowed, either. Photographers who use RAW even when they don’t really need it often become too dependent on it.
9. Photographers Work Their Own Hours
No. Professional photographers will often work when their clients need them to work. If you want to succeed as a professional photographer, you’ll need to be ready to work anytime. If you shoot weddings, for instance, do you think the bride and groom will wait until a time that is convenient for you?
10. If Everybody Compliments Somebody’s Photos, That Person Is Ready To Be A Professional
So your friends and family give you tons of positive feedback on your photos. Does this mean you are ready to start your own photography business? Sorry, but no. To somebody who isn’t an expert, any decent picture might look amazing. But by professional standards, they really might not be that great.