I was sitting at the ball park last night watching my great niece slide into home, when I heard her dad ask the photographer on the field if she caught the photo. The photographer replied, "No, the camera didn't know where to focus because too much was going on." Are you kidding me, you are a trained professional or is she. I looked at her camera, it was a simple Canon Rebel with a big lens on it. She didn't capture the moment because she isn't a true photography that has studied and learned the craft of photography. She is someone that simply loves photography and thinks because she can push a button she is a professional photographer. If she knew her camera and the art of photography she never would have blamed the camera. She had it on a preset. A preset is for those that point and shoot, it doesn't make you a professional. As a matter of fact, the professional cameras don't have presets. You have to work everything from your shutter speed to your aperture, your ISO to your focal point and much more. People please beware of those "Professionals" out there. Ask questions before you pay your hard earned money on a want to be.
Here are a few questions you can ask before you choose a photography.
1. How many years have you been a Professional Photographer?
Changes are they will tell the truth with this first question and explain they are not a professional but have been working with photos for how ever many years.
2. Where did you study?
If they haven't taken any type of class, they won't know how all the settings on the camera and lighting works, among so many other dynamics that go along with photography.
3. What type of camera and equipment do you use?
Even the less expensive cameras and equipment take good quality photos, if you are paying a Professional you would expect them to have a camera to suit the bill. The point and shoot digital cameras are not professional, they are for hobbyist.
4. Ask to see their work.
When you look at their work, notice the backgrounds, are there distractions that shouldn't be in the phone like a telephone line. Are the color tones appealing to the eye. Are the photos in focus? Have the photos been photo shopped? This point is subjective so make sure you like the photos before you move forward. Remember a professional will not get upset with the questions, they appreciate that you want a true Pro.
Finally, if they tell you they are part of a Photography club, like the PPA, Professional Photographer's Associate, don't be overly impressed. Most clubs you pay your monthly fee and you are a member even if you don't have a clue.
