What Is A Professional Photographer? | 5 Things A Professional Photographer Does That You May Not Realize
These days, everyone has a camera and it is easy to call anyone a Photographer 🙂 There is nothing wrong with this – but there is a difference between someone who has a camera and does it as a hobby and someone who does it as a profession. All professional Photographers had to have started somewhere and doing it as a hobby, figuring things out is important. But the main difference between someone who does it as a hobby and someone who does it as a profession is EXPERIENCE. Like most things, the more you do something, the better you get at it. You learn not only the technical aspects of taking pictures – but all of the other variables. So, what is a professional Photographer? Here are 5 things that a professional Photographer does that you may not realize. As well as some family portraits from Stefanie’s session at Bernal Ranch Park 🙂
There Will Be A Process From Start-to-Finish
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One of the first ways that you can tell a professional from someone who is just starting out is that they will have a process. These processes are developed over time. And someone who has a clear and easy process, from start-to-finish, has spent a lot of time developing it 🙂 Their pricing structure, all of the deliverables, and all of the little details have been taken into account. Every Photographer has a process that is slightly different than the next. And these processes aim to make things seamless between the client and the Photographer. Things such as photography contracts, and retainer fees are examples of processes that are carefully thought out.
A Professional Will Place You In Good Light
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When it comes to taking pictures, a professional will place you in the best possible light. Generally speaking, this means soft and flattering light that makes you look your best. A professional Photographer will understand the best times of day for pictures, the best areas for pictures, and when it is needed to add light to a scene. Entire books have been written on this subject alone – but a professional keeps this in mind at all times.
They Will Communicate With You Throughout The Session
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Another thing that is developed over time is the ability to communicate with clients throughout the session. In my experience, the ability to communicate with clients is the most effective way to make them feel comfortable. And it comes in many different forms. For example, explaining how the session will progress helps keep clients comfortable. I’ll often let clients know where we will be starting the session and the different areas of the park that we will move to during the session. I will also communicate different poses for clients; and provide feedback as pictures are taken. Saying little things – such as “that looks great,” and “now you are looking right at each other – perfect” are examples of things I will say as pictures are being taken 🙂 Taking the time to get to know clients as we walk from place-to-place is important as well.
The Images Will Be Consistent And Have A Style
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When you look at a professional Photographer’s images, there should be a level of consistency. The images should be balanced and a clear style should be easy to see. When you first start taking pictures, there is often times not too much rhyme or reason behind it. You’re just taking pictures with little thought behind it. Over time, you develop a style that you develop. For example, I LOVE candid images that look and feel natural. I do not aim for the perfectly posed image that is over edited so that it looks flawless. I like creating images that capture genuine moments and expressions. And I have developed a style that enables me to do this. HOPEFULLY this is a style that is easily recognized in my work 🙂
A Professional Will Have An Online Presence
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Last but not least, a professional Photographer will have an online presence. Even though I do have a physical office/studio – this is not needed. Most Photographer’s “store front” is their website. A website will provide examples of their work and information for clients. And it is separate from social media sites like Instagram, Facebook, etc.! Along with having a website, they will also be present on review sites, online directories and be members of different associations. All of which you can see online 🙂
Hopefully this gives you a start to answering the question of what is a professional Photographer! Now more than ever, there are a TON of Photographers out there. I encourage everyone to support different Photographers who may be starting out and to stick with a Photographer who may be developing into a “professional.” The friends and family members who gave me the opportunity to gain experience; and the clients who have supported my business as I have grown throughout the years have given me the confidence to jump in “full-time.” And I cannot emphasize the importance of this.
