What Constitutes a Professional Photographer

The barrier to entry is so much lower to get into photography these days. Even when I got into photography I was able to at a much lower price than if it was 10 years earlier. To be honest, if professional digital cameras had still cost over ten thousand dollars then I would not have got into photography to the level I am now. My first digital SLR camera was the Canon 20D, at that time the entry level prosumer model. For all intensive purposes, it is a fine camera for shooting weddings in good conditions with the proper lenses. The first thing I did was purchase a good lens and get the proper training from professionals before I shot my first wedding on my own. Does it bother me that anyone can get a digital camera and consider them-self a professional? Yes, but only because I know that people are placing their trust in these newbie photographers and getting subpar work.

Conditions are not controllable. On occasion, a wedding is held at an older church which does not allow in door photography, yes it exists. This is a good question to ask before you choose your church venue. However, a professional can get around this. I don’t mind this at all, so long as there is some sort of indoor lighting. In other instances, the DJ (God bless them) turn out all of the lights in the reception hall and turn on their two little DJ lights. Your Photographer must be prepared for those situations as well. I would rather adjust then throw a fit and get the DJ to turn the lights back on. We all know that it’s more fun to dance in a darker room anyway. Your wedding photographer should have more then just a camera and a lens. Lighting options, extra lenses, extra camera bodies and the list goes on. It’s your special day and it can not be repeated, the photographer should be prepared for anything to happen.

I found this video on a blog that I read, it made me laugh because of how true it is. Many so called professional photographers do not even understand the basic functions of their camera. As a consumer I suggest that you ask some questions to get a feel for the photographers knowledge of cameras and lighting. What kind of equipment will they be using and is it kept up? You are hiring a photographer for your wedding, you have the right to ask questions and get intelligent answers to those questions.

My favorite line from the video: “Where is your 24-70?” Even Judge Joe Brown knows the go to lens for wedding photographers. This was the first lens I purchased and the lens I use most. I laughed out loud when I heard him say that.