Which comes first - Business or knowledge?

<p>I've just read a rather basic question that was posted in the past week. <em>Basic </em>is the key word here. It was a question I would expect any serious enthusiast to know the answer to. </p>

<p>I expect to see many of this level of questions here, and the answers to each one help me to grow in my pursuit of photography. My confusion came when I looked at the OP's home page. This is a page which advertises an array of professional photographic services. This is not a unique circumstance.</p>

<p>So many questions arise for me. Mainly, does it seem to others that there is a large group which find it acceptable to advertise as a professional, and seek the knowledge required later? Would we feel comfortable if our doctor signed on to perform our open-heart surgeries, then went on a forum to ask where the average human heart is located?</p>

<p>In years past, did wedding, portrait, (etc.) photographers hang out their shingle without being truly up to the task? Has the internet age made it possible to sign on to any job, thinking that we can learn how to accomplish it if we can only get someone to hire us?</p>

<p>I realize the question of what constitutes a professional has been contemplated here several times before, but what is your feeling regarding the level of expertise required to begin advertising?</p>

<blockquote>In years past, did wedding, portrait, (etc.) photographers hang out their shingle without being truly up to the task?</blockquote>

<p>Yes, as a matter of fact I know of someone personaly who decided to become a "Wedding" photographer and (believe me) this guy didn't have a clue about cameras, film, lighting literaly anything. And today, 17 years later he's still in business. He would tap me for information almost every week. I'd just laugh and tell him what I knew and now he can do a really good job at it.......go figure. His first clients didn't get the best work though......</p>

<p>This is a syndrome related to the easy availability of high quality digital cameras with a high degree of automation. Anyone can pick up a prosumer-level DSLR and make technically acceptable pictures under normal circumstances.<br>

This initial success, and Canikon advertising makes them believe that they can do the same under any circumstances, and voila, you have a "professional photographer" who doesn't know anything.<br>

I know two people who have purchased top of the line pro cameras and claim to be "professional photographers" who have never taken their cameras out of green box Auto mode.<br>

Being a professional is about being able to deliver the goods, on time, on budget, without drama. Not about what gear you own.</p>

 

<p>Thanks for the response, Cyr. I think the difference we're seeing is that your friend was slightly unusual in his approach 17 years ago, but would be your average new entry in the market today.</p>

<p>Did you look at their photos? If so, how did they look? It's certainly possible to master the vision part of photography and get by with a few simple settings. Ellen von Unwerth, a top fashion photographer, has talked about not really understanding how to do what she has done. The incredible Italian photographer Mario Giacomelli talked about keeping his camera on a single setting and not varying it. He was quite skilled as a printmaker and compensated for his lack of knowledge/interest in the technicals of the camera. </p>

<p>It's not limited to photography. Bass player Percy Jones, who has worked with people like Phil Collins and Brian Eno in addition to putting out his own amazing recordings, can't read music.</p>

<p>It seems that it's certainly possible to be quite knowledgeable about photography and still not be able to produce anything viable, based on photo postings by some people who talk endlessly about the technical stuff.</p>

 

<p> Charles, it seems manufacturers' approaches have changed completely. Years ago, a camera's aura of intimidation was seen as a plus; part of what gave it greater value. Today's cameras' removal of that sense of mystery also diminishes the value of a pro's experience and knowledge, in many peoples' eyes.</p>

<p>If intimidation is what made pros valuable, then it would be a pretty pathetic career.</p>

<p>Good points, Jeff. I did look at the photo's on this particular website. I see what I would consider overall acceptable images (in my extremely humble opinion!), but also images where experience would have led to better composition, and some additional technical knowledge would have led to more natural colors, and more pleasing lighting.</p>

<p>A more frightening thought, though, is what would be the end result of conditions changing (event moved indoors, subjects showing up dressed in all white, flash restricted...) to the point that the shooter is not prepared, or has no experience with that set of conditions?</p>

<p>I'm in absolute agreement that technical knowledge is not the end-all. We've all seen people in many walks of life who are book-smart and have all the 'theories' down-pat, but can't put it all together to be successful in real-life!</p>

<p>I think the argument is that a knowledgeable technician would be better prepared for practicing a business than a layperson. He ought to do a better job, too.</p>

<p>What do business people do anyway?</p>

<ol>

<li>They take risks. They invest their time and money in projects they believe will earn their investment back and more.</li>

<li>They accept responsibility for their own affairs, for many even when things go against them. Obstacles make up the stuff of thousands of "war stories" of entrepreneurial conflicts won and lost.</li>

<li>They work with and respect people. They may use equipment, but they have to depend on other people to make their living.</li>

<li>They see their relationship with their customers develop over entire projects. This relationship begins with point of interest and moves through through contract, project design and execution to finished result. When things go smoothly according to plan most people pay according to their obligation as well.</li>

<li>They work with and respect the law. One of the things entrepreneurs will tell you is that they had no idea how much work goes into satisfying legal and accounting requirements governing business practice. </li>

</ol>

<p>There's not much in this list that tells you to be an expert photographer before you can do the other things. In fact, I find that in the first few years serious technicians are too preoccupied with their gear and mastering their skills to be much good at business at all. </p>

<p>You are likely right in thinking that there are photographers who should not be asking for money for their work. Just be careful to separate the things successful business people have to do from the things award winning photographers do. (Yes. The ideal is for both disciplines to be in the same package.) </p>

<p>There will always be competition for work. As for your clumsy competitor - if he fails then there is more for you to do. You have it backwards. His failure does little damage to the profession. In fact it makes you look good by camparison. You will stand or fall by what you do, not by what he does. </p>

<p>BTW: Are you a business person yourself? There is a point in technical development when the budding technician thinks he just just about all the worthwhile stuff there is to know about <em>everything</em>! The other guy - the one asking about things you feel he ought to know - if he is actually successful - the day might come when he will be the one to make you close your doors. A fantasy, but something to keep in mind. Stupid questions don't always expose stupid people.</p>

<p>If you love photography, knowledge comes first than anything.</p>

<p>Anyone making money in photography should be applauded and supported and never questioned on whether they know enough to be considered professional. Who cares, they got money in hand? Wish I could say the same.</p>

<p>And I certainly wouldn't compare their knowledge requirements to a surgeon's. Don't know anyone whose life depends on a photographer's expertise unless that person happened to be piggy backed to a sky diving arial photographer who doesn't know how and when to pull the rip cord. R.I.P. on that one.</p>

<p>It's not easy making money as a photographer. Employment statistics prove this.</p>

<p>But yeah, even I get a bit jealous when I see someone beat the odds. That's human nature.</p>

<p>Business is the proper application of ones knowledge.</p>