Everyone is a photographer-

….until it is discovered that they are not.

Let me explain…..

Just because someone has a “good camera” or a phone that takes good pictures, it does not mean that are professional photographers.

Just because someone takes good pictures for work, their social media or for fun doesn’t automatically mean they are a professional photographer.

What is a “real” professional photographer?

1. They use legally binding contracts–like real ones, drafted by attorneys. Not just one they got for free from the internet
2. They conduct themselves in a professional manner.
3. They are trained, educated and continue to educate themselves and always striving to improve, no matter how good they may already be.
4. They do not shoot in automatic modes. They know the exposure triangle and shoot in manual mode because they know that is how to get the best results.
5. They understand lighting and how to use it.
6. They know how to edit or they use a professional editing company to edit
7. They are not deceptive in their advertising. Meaning that they do not steal other photographers images to advertise themselves. Yes, this is a real thing, unfortunately.
8. They belong to professional organizations.
9. They do not use the built in pop up flash in their camera–because for one professional cameras do not have pop flashes. 2. Because they know these flashes are harsh and do not produce professional results. 3. They use OCG–off camera flash.
10. They know how to pose their clients and they plan out the shoot prior to the day off. They are not just walking in and snapping, contrary to popular belief. Shoots have to be planned out and prepared for.
11. They understand composition. This ensures your pics will not have things such as Port o pots, etc in the background.
12. A real professional will sit down with you and go over your needs, get your thoughts, ideas and vision. If they do not feel like they are a good fit for you, THEY WILL TELL YOU and probably recommend another pro for you.
13. IF YOU MAKE A SOCIAL MEDIA POST ASKING FOR PHOTOGRAPHER SUGGESTIONS, THEY WILL NOT BE ONE OF THOSE “PICK ME ‘S” THAT RESPOND TO YOUR POST. Thats because a pro knows that photographers are not all a one size fits all for everyone and they will not try and fight for attention in your comments.

I have been reading tons of bad experiences people have had on Reddit lately. These are people that used non professionals, to save money, and then took to the internet to complain about it.

Basically, complaining about getting what they paid for because they did not work with a real pro.

How to avoid this happening to you? Hire a real professional. Spend the money. You can not recreate an entire wedding or important events in order to reshoot them because you are not happy with the images. For the rest of your life, you will back at those moments, in regret, every time you look at those bad photos.

How do you pick out a reputable pro?

1. A real professional will not offer 500 photos, or an insane amount of them , for one like 50 bucks. People that do that are literally working themselves into the negative. Not to mention, what are you going to do with hundreds of pics??? Especially, if they are bad one?
2. Research them thoroughly. Ask to see their prior images that they took. How is the background, are the images crooked, to exposed, is the background appropriate, are the pictures to dark, to bright, are the faces of the subjects blurry. This is an indicator of the quality of their work and/or if their style is a good fit for you.
3. Ask for real references from past clients.
4. Ask around and see if other people have used them or even heard of them.
5. If they do not use a legit contract, run! Contracts protect both you and them both. Without one, you will not have a legal leg to stand on if they do not fulfill the terms listed in the contract.
6. Do they claim to be a part of a professional org? Reach out to the org and confirm
7. If they use a camera with a pop up flash or if they rely on their pop up flash, they are not a professional. Pro cameras do not have pop up flashes, remember. Pro s use of camera lighting. If they claim to be “natural” that means they use no type of artificial lighting. It’s ok if thats their thing but look at their pictures closely. Natural lights produces a flat lighting effect. Make sure you like that before you book.
8. They do not shoot in automatic modes. They shoot in manual mode. This indicates they know the exposure triangle. There are some faux photographers out there that have no clue as to what the Exposure Triangle even is, much less know how to apply it.
9. Do google image searches on the images that they are using to advertise. These photos should not belong to other photographers. This is false advertising AND copyright infringement. True pro photographers do not need to steal other photographers images.
10. Verify their formal education they may claim to have. Some photographers are purely self taught and there is nothing wrong with that. For those that formally studied though, you should be able to verify it.
11. A real pro will take the time to listen to your wants, needs and expectations. They are also more likely to tell you what is attainable versus what is not. ( a non pro is more likely to promise things they cant actually deliver)
12. If your gut is telling you something is off or not right, LISTEN TO IT!

So there you go…hope that can be helpful to someone.

Peace & love,

Tiffany