Photography is rapidly becoming a booming hobby/business for many people, and sadly, it looks like competition goes hand in hand with it. Since everyone has different tastes and needs, I’d like to believe there is room for everyone. Some, obviously don’t feel the same and feel the need to belittle and bash on a public level, while the jabs were not aimed at me specifically, I feel the need to stand up, not only for myself, but for my fellow photographers.
I did not get into photography to make money, it never has been or ever will be the driving force behind what I do. I chose photography for one simple reason, I love it!
I did not buy a camera one day and start charging people the next, I have put in countless hours of reading, watching tutorials, taking classes and most importantly, taking and editing photos. I am always learning and striving to be better. Do all of my pictures turn out great? Of course not, and if any photographer ever says they never take a dud, they are lying. The point is, when I take a dud, I try to figure out exactly what I did wrong and how I can change it. I don’t keep making the same mistakes, putting them up and telling others how great they are. Which is why I have entered numerous competitions and put my work out there to be judged, you never know how good you truly are until you have been judged by professionals who are honest about your work.
When I said I believe there is room for everyone, I honestly mean that, we all have our strengths. I have told potential clients the names of other photographers. In this area, if you want sports photos, go to Klontz Photography. For newborns, see Erica Finnan, her work is gorgeous! Ark Photodesign, does lovely wedding work. There are other great photographers in this area, we all have Facebook pages and/or websites, go and take a look at their work. If you like what you see, leave them some love.
I’m kind of a jack of all trades, I shoot everything, with the exception of newborns, while I have in the past, I just find them to be too stressful for me. There are plenty of other photographers who can do a far better job at newborns than I can.
If I had to pick a specialty it would be Seniors, I love senior shoots!!!
I do shoot weddings, but I keep it limited to small weddings.
If you hire me for a shoot, you get me, not a student, or someone shadowing me to learn about photography. From the shoot to the end product, it’s me. Which is why I do not take on more than 3 clients a week. I pick and edit each shot myself and pride myself on my turnaround time.
If you’re in need of a photographer, please look around at all the local photographers, don’t just take cost into consideration, look at the work, is it clear? Can you see the subjects faces? Is it something you would want to see on your wall in 10 or 20 years from now?
Do you want someone who just takes on shoot after shoot because they are only in it for the money? Or do you want someone who truly loves what they do and wants to make you look your very best?
There are lots of choices and room for everyone!