Why people have a “problem” with amateur photographers.
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- Опубликовано: 5 сен 2024
- Film or digital doesn't matter, nor does camera brand or credentials.
Photography is about making things you like and documenting life; everything else is just an exercise in people pleasing.
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REAL professionals encourage amateurs. They don’t mock them.
@@derekprospero we're all out here capturing light and moments in our own way, that makes us just as different as we are alike.
I’ve noticed a lot of “gate keeping” in the world of photography.
I'll tweak that statement a tad by saying, secure people encourage others. They don't try to knock them down. The Photography world is full of egocentric people who seem to have a need for superiority over others.
I'm a professional in New Orleans- I've been helping amateurs learn the art for 43 years.
@@kerrid3481yes. They are afraid of competition.
To me the only difference between a "professional" and an "amateur" or "hobbyist" is whether or not you get paid. None of those labels determine if you are good or bad.
My first thought also.
Imo, true professionalism is purely a mindset and not a fiscal transaction.
Photography is low entry and a huge part is showing up at the right time and having a sense of composition. That's why it's not like it can be compared to any craft people need diplomas for. Thus it's just a lottery who gets a paid job or who even wants to earn money doing it.
You are wrong. Swindlers also get payed, at least once.
Don't forget, "professional" and "amateur" are not mutually exclusive.
In a parallel universe you soon realise that Gordon Ramsey, Curtis Stone or Jamie Oliver are not the only cooks on the planet. Plenty of mums and dads serving up wonderful food using an ordinary oven or frypan.
Indeed. My wife is a prime example. She runs rings around most so called chiefs.
But that frypan needs to be cast iron. ;)
My mom could out cook Gordon any day of the week
Half the time it's the cheap restaurants that give me more enjoyable food than the fancy ones..
Or, you make it yourself, for yourself, just the way you like it.
I went to a car show a few weeks ago and met a bunch of photographers there, everyone was really nice and helpful except 1 guy that critiqued my entire kit. He kept telling me I need to upgrade to a full frame sensor because my camera is essentially trash and he would never use it. I told him I've never made a dime on photography and I'm just a hobbyist and he said the reason I don't make money is because of my gear. I thought that stuff was reserved for the RUclips comments section but oh well. I just love going out to take/make photos. The other people I met there gave me some great tips for photographing cars and trucks which helped me out immensely.
I assume people like that are projecting their own insecurity and/or tribalism. What matters is you enjoy your camera and it's working for you, whether it's your cell phone, M43, APS-C, FF, MF, or whatever.
@@hanns1401 exactly! I don't remember her name off the top of my head but the last who was the director of photography for the ny times put out some of the most incredible pictures with her cell phone. I loved talking to the other photographers at that show, it's always a great time when you can bounce ideas off of each other and everyone appreciates our privilege of being able to take part in a wonderful pasttime
Damn, s.cks for him.
Its not about the tool, its about who’s using it.
Idiots will be everywhere
Moving forward, when someone starts acting foolish, ask them to show you their work. I guarantee you that the guy you spoke with is a horrible photographer.
If you're picking up a camera and enjoying it then nothing else should matter!
That’s when you’re a real photographer ❤
Interestingly while currently linguistically 'amateur' can be seen as 'low quality' or 'un serious', etymologically it comes from the word 'amare' or to love. Meaning that originally the word was used to describe someone who does the craft for the love of it rather than to feed oneself.
its still used that way .words still have meaning even though americans choose to ignore it , a whole comment section arguing about how each one interprets the word WHEN THE WORD HAS ALREADY A SET MEANING THATS WHY ITS A WORD
@@kwdwn Meanings change over time as well as new meanings get added to words. The dictionary is DEscriptive not PERscriptive meaning it is meant to tell you how people are using a word and not tell you how you're meant to use a word.
But something I've never understood is, where is the line between someone is using a word wrong and that word changing in meaning?
@@definingslawek4731 if you can get your hands on the book GARNER'S MODERN ENGLISH USAGE, you'll find there's actually a five stage model (that he uses, at least) to describe how a word changes from "an error" to "accepted." Definitely not worth purchasing the book unless you're an editor or something, but just saying there's a whole body of research behind it. Ultimately it comes down to popularity. When more people think it's right than wrong, a specific usage is here to stay. 😂
I'm an Olympus user and I've went to local photography group events where I sort of get shunned because micro 4/3 is inferior to them. I avoid those people.
Olympus forever!
Which is insane cos that's a great system lol at the end of the day it takes a photo - that's the intention and that's what you're doing
I _wish_ I could afford a 4/3 Olympus body and lenses, and can't wait for another decade to pass so I can afford one. In the meantime, I'm quite enjoying myself shooting and experimenting with 15-20 y.o. fixed lens bridge cameras with small sensors. Way more fun than using my "phone" 🤷
Those people are "camera man" not photographers.
I have had a few Olympus cameras and loved them. Ignore the people who think they are better than you.
I picked up a camera again about six months ago after not touching one for 10 years. I have two kids in elementary school. In my six months, I have gotten some decent architecture and street shots. But by far, my favorite pictures are those of my kids. If all I ever do is take good pictures of my children as they grow up, that will be enough.
What better subject for photography than family? It's the closest thing to a time machine we will ever have.
Facts bro pictures of my growing fam are the ones I enjoy taking the most
A true dad, you're to commended.
Getting paid for photography is something I will never want to do because it will make it commercial at that point removing any enjoyment.
My view exactly. I don’’t want to screw up a perfect hobby of more than 5t0 years.
So real, I wouldnt mind doing some gigs here and there to pay for equipment (fancy new toys lol) and I would love to shoot the bands I like but I would never do it as a primary source of income
Over 40 years earning my living [professional photographer] never had a bad day I have enjoyed every moment. So while you are going to the office or working at a factory. I was taking pictures. On my days off with my family I was taking photographs. Who had the better life.
Eh it's fun, I enjoy getting paid occasionally to gain experience doing something I enjoy but I wouldn't want to do it full time.
I tried to do professional work for awhile but I had to stop for exactly this reason. Afterwards I had to take a year long break from photography before I found any passion for it again
I’ve been a photographer for 30ish years. Sometimes I get paid, but usually it’s just me doing what I want and having no followers to give a shit because I’m an old man now and no one gives a shit what old men are up to. Anyway, I’ve been through the times where I’ve judged others, then thankfully matured to understand every photographer has something to offer, and we should always encourage each other. I look back at some of my old images I thought were crap because it was just me taking a silly snap to test a lens or something, and I am immediately brought back to a forgotten moment that meant a lot to me for some reason. Then I think “shit, I need to be more in the moment like this” and I wish I had done more of that instead of aiming for technical perfection or the adoration of critics.
Just like Vivian Maier - She never showed her pictures to a large audience. She has photographed for herself.
Well, things were different back then, no social media. Who knows, maybe she'd have an IG account, in these days and time, with a larger audience.
she was/is a fantastic photographer. ..........also note how lovely the images are- whoever did her developing knew what they were doing.
I think a lot of her film she never saw because she never developed the film.
Indeed
@@richardvallonjr.6716 My understanding is that she also developed her own film and prints. She was a nanny in NYC and would do this in her bathroom. Her later work, I don't know - it may have been undeveloped and been processed only years later and after her death.
I’ve got back in to photography after 20 years and a 20 year old dslr has unlocked so much creativity and passion for me it feels amazing.
😊😊😎😎👏👏
I still use my 5D from 2005 from time to time, and it still takes awesome pictures, and you don't need to worry about it as much if it gets harmed. I love my fancy new camera, but in the end, I can hardly tell the pictures apart if I do my job well. It's just a little more challenging to use, which is also good for teaching.
As an amateur photographer I said thanks to you, we love taking photos, just that. You get the point of what is this real love.
I love this so much. My core group of people tell me that I should be calling myself a professional photographer and I stop them and say that I am a journeyman photographer. I am always learning and always growing. The journey is what I am about not the word that someone wants to associate with what I do.
I love this!
Agreed. I've always said, 'Pro' does not mean better. There are several well known 'Pros' whose work and vision is far worse than many skilled 'amateurs' I have seen. Some people go pro without fully learning the craft whereas, there are so many people who don't earn money from photography but have been mastering the art for decades. Now, someone who is a classed as a master photographer, who has won awards and teaches others for instance, is another matter entirely but...saying that, often my fave photos are from people just documenting life and not caring about likes because its real and in the moment..
THANK YOU! I completely agree. Some people love my photos. Some don't, but to look at them years later and remember the love and joy surrounding the event means everything. The moment probably won't be back.
I'm a dad photographer and proud. Competition over the community. We can all rise together. If someone has to put someone down to make themselves feel better: it's sad. I hope they find true healing in a way that doesn't have to hurt others.
@@Reggiebphoto it’s a wild world to live that way. I hope they find something.
Dad photographer here as well. My only competition is against my own shortcomings, which I very much enjoy slowly but surely overcoming with practice.
A great photo is any photo that fulfills the purpose for which the photographer intended. The purpose could be to capture a moment important to you. It could be to make money. It could be to get praise on social media. It could be simply to satisfy your need to take photos. And you can only criticize someone else's photos once you fully understand the intended purpose for that photo.
Good perspective.
I'm remembering my good friend spending an entire day in the darkroom working on ONE negative, dodging and burning, using numerous sheets of good photo paper to finally get the image the way he wanted it. This was 1972. The lesson he left me with was this...."only two things matter when shooting pictures...framing and exposure."
Today's phones and digital cameras do a fantastic job of the exposure part, although the cameras have a pretty high learning curve if you venture into the manual settings. Ansel Adams was famous for his patience. He would put the camera on a tripod, frame the scene, and wait for the light to change, sometimes for days.
I told my wife I didn’t feel like a “professional” photographer and she pointed out I enjoy it and get paid for it. Not sure that makes me a professional but I’ll take that definition. All my favorite shots I’ve never been paid for tho. Doesn’t make them any less my favorite.
A professional does photography as a profession(makes money off of it), an amateur does photography because they love it, they are not mutually exclusive.
@@utahnl I think enjoying it is the difference between a job and a career.
@@utahnlthe word you're looking for is "hobbyist", not amateur.
All amateur (non-moneymaking) photographers are hobbyists. "Professional" equates to money making in a commercial sense.
You can be a professional and still be a hobbyist. It can be a side job. You can have a full-time photography job, and shoot things outside of your paid work for your own enjoyment.
I know a bunch of legit pros that still use 10 year old dslrs. I used a 5dii up until 4 years ago. I still use glass from the 90's...i get weird looks from these kids with kits that cost 5 times what I'm using. Some of these people grill me and i feel like i have to tell them my accomplishments for them to say it's ok for me to use what i use lmao. I don't even do it professionally anymore. I love photography much more just doing it for myself. I don't miss weddings one bit lol
I use 10 year old a6000 for almost a decade now and most of the time i use my phone's camera. I know what you mean when people who just started photography 2-3 years ago only thinks you need an A7mk4 or canon R5 to take good photos when in reality you don't. I have seen people like you before and i know the photos you take with that old gear are on whole different level to what people who are starting out with their shiny sony A7s. I have more respect for people who use older gear because they know how to use it to their advantage from one's who only think you need the latest and greatest.
@@TakashikuuboI can hardly tell a difference in the photos from my 5D from 2005 and mirrorless from 2019.. one just takes more skill to use effectively. But slowing down and thinking it's a good thing, too. Or forcing you to use a tripod when you probably should be, but are using crazy iso because you kind of can these days - to the lament of fine image quality.
I've loved photography for over 20 years now, and ultimately it's really just for me. I haven't posted my work on Instagram or anywhere else in around 10 years now haha, and frankly I haven't felt motivated to truly edit my photos for maybe just as long... Which is maybe a separate issue, potentially around burnout and loss of drive, as editing used to be one of my favorite things. But now I've got thousands and thousands of photos from my trips and hikes and everyday life that I hope to one day edit and share, but if that doesn't happen I still enjoy going back and looking at them myself. And while I have done some paid work here and there for friends and family, mostly events (weddings, family sessions, headshots, etc.), I don't want to make photography my career. It has and probably will always be a passion of mine, and it just brings me joy capturing those moments and memories... That feeling of nailing an awesome shot or creating art.
Now I won't lie and say I don't also enjoy the gear aspect and have GAS sometimes haha, but it's typically for $200 lenses or vintage glass to adapt, and that is also just a lot of fun for me to explore and experiment with as another aspect of the photographic process.
I think the rise of youtube gear reviewers, influencer street photographers, etc., has kind of changed the game the last ~5 years and brought some of that trendy hypebeast culture to photography. Which is not necessarily a bad thing as it allows more people to find and get into it, but like you said it also leads to a lot of elitism and pretension, consumerism/materialism, tribalism, and a propensity for technicality over creativity.
Anyways, an interesting topic and video! I really like your commentary and discussions.
do what you can to get those photos seen. If something happened to you, your family would have loved to have seen all of yoru work
thank you I needed to hear this, I get so caught up in trying to improve and be better that it actually hurts more than it accomplishes.
Great sentiment. I have thought about this a lot lately when I see people shitting on film photographers, like the endless "film doesn't make your images special" or "I used to shoot film, never going back to it" like, dang man just let people enjoy what they enjoy.
And I absolutely agree a lot of pictures made by amateurs will in the long run matter more than a lot of commercial ones. Not all, in either category, obviously.
Some of the greatest photos ever have been taken on affordable, old, beat up cameras.
Mine have been taken on my phone, I don't always carry my dslr 🤷
this is my absolute favorite photography related video I have ever seen.
Thank you.
I went back to film. Cause I wanted to learn the chemistry more than taking the photos. Cause taking the photo was easier on digital. And I found out I’m a better darkroom printer than a picture taker.
The term amateur photographer came about when photography was first invented and people that were highly knowledgeable, as knowledgeable as professionals (people who were paid to take portraits at the time), experimented with the medium and the various materials they could print on. I loved reading the early history of photography because it changed my perspective about the word amateur and made me more comfortable being called one :) I think just like you said, for some reason the word is used in a negative connotation today and people mock those who are not deemed “professional”
You are the photography voice of reason , bravo
Thankyou.. People ask me why I bother with a YT channel , I point out that it is just a creative space for me enjoy my work. Nothing else. If I had to keep up a channel just to stay monetized the joy would be gone.
a term professional photographer is just what is implied - you do it as a job. whether you're a certified photographer or not, that's based on your education in the field.
Yeah that’s how I’ve been treating the term. After seeing my photos, people ask if I’m a professional and I answer hobbyist since I don’t do this for a living.
When i started back somewhere in 2018-2020, I watched a lot of youtube to learn as much as possible. Especially in 2020 i worked close with someone who was in miss Norway and had a lot of fun. I really enjoyed every aspect of what i was doing. From editing to shooting to just talking about photography! But i felt all the videos i watched were all about how to get the clearest and sharpest and most high quality picture, I have thrown away so many good pictures due to a bit of noise or motion blur, that i now love and I'm currently working on editing. Stuff that I now realize only adds to the pictures. I have started posting again on social media, not to specifically get a lot of views but to hopefully make it into a job someday, and I feel like caring less about the "quality" of my pictures have really woken up my love for photography again, as I had a 3 year long break where I only photographed every now and then, feeling extremely discouraged due to the equipment I had. Only thing I care about now is maybe getting different lenses for different styles not because I feel like I need it to show what I want to show or what I can do.
Well said. Take pics of what you like and if other like them good but your focus is how photography makes you feel.
I think you are absolutely correct. I am a dad, grandpa and semi pro photographer who helps out my daughter on occasion as a second shooter and I don’t give a crap what anybody thinks about my photography or the camera equipment I own.
Great channel. Finally someone raw and authentic. Not afraid to talk his ish!
I know a lot of amateur photographers that turn out better work than so called “PRO” photographers …..
Pro photographers consistently deliver the images clients need. A job well done. Every time. Amateurs are usually into pleasing images, and luck. Nothing wrong with that. Photography can be a wonderful and rewarding hobby ... why bother with what pros do for a living... 😊
@@sonofoneintheuniverse I’m not a pro and photographed 5 weddings,no complaints,photographed motorsport,mainly motocross for some of the best riders in Europe all over Europe and for the biggest teams in Britain….consistently,every time,job well done as you say….For me the term “PRO” is banded around far too loosely in photography….you can find an amateur to do what a lot of pro’s can do quite easily in photography….there are a lot of bad “PRO PHOTOGRAPHERS” out there…..
Indeed
Thank you for sharing this. Such an inspiration! I love photography. I’m not a pro, but I enjoy being creative and expressing what speaks to me. I also enjoy sharing what I’ve learned and that’s why I started my channel.
Honestly this is why I’ve stopped interacting with most photography groups on social media. If I’m just out shooting some prime therapy it’s not the point that I use the “correct” lens’s or “professional” settings.
I've been a professional photographer for nearly 20 years. My favourite photos are of my kids i took on my phone. I've captured these great moments in life that are awesome. They're not the sharpest or highest resolution but they're brilliant. Everyone loves them. Last few years ive made a photo book for my wife of the year. They make you laugh and cry.
You’re right, even with 10 year on photography, I really never take it seriously, I love this hobby, I have two cameras and one of them I got it second hand, and film cameras that I got second hand as well.
I try to upgrade my work every chance I have, I love practicing, for what? Just because 🤷🏽♀️ I don’t like to post it on instagram because I feel like I’m going to become addicted to the comments or likes, as if o want someone to notice.
I post it on vsco, I find great inspiration from others and I can check my progress on my own photography.
Thanks for making this video 🤙🏼
My main complaint is a review on line of a piece of equipment clearly designed for enthusiasts is trashed by people saying it’s junk because it doesn’t cost five thousand dollars. There are many good lens, and bodies that can be purchased from major companies at consumer prices. The vast majority shoot family photos on cell phones. I tell people on line whatever you use to make images if it pleases you that’s all that matters. Be happy and enjoy your camera.
This is it right here. As a news photographer myself it’s so fun to interact with other photographers because they’re passionate, and in my book passionate is more meaningful than pushing knowledge and standards. Photography is photography, credentials be damned
I have several bad memories of people being rotten to me for no reason. I'm just out shooting while on vacation and they approach me to begin insulting my gear or technique. Even had them invade my personal space and look through my viewfinder! So I appreciate this video. Thanks.
Tony Northrup made the comment that the difference between a professional photographer and an amateur is that the former has to get an acceptable image, whereas the amateur may not. But the amateur may be producing generally better more original work. Or comment like that.
It's so much fun opeing up the eyes of others to photography and making it more enjoyable AND helping someone who just getting started that're hungry to shoot and shoot everything they see can be a reminder to do the same and still be as curious about the world as the first time I picked up a camera. This was/is such a great video and subject to talk about!
A couple years ago I got my first camera that my friend gave me, a canon eos3. I always wanted to take pictures and after learning how to shoot film I couldn’t stop, I took pictures of everything and took it wherever I went, I fell in love with photography. I later got my hands on a Nikon N60 and had a blast using it as my primary camera. Less than a year ago I got my first digital camera, a Sony a6400 I wanted something nice but nothing crazy, I got it new and did make a horrible financial decision but I could care less I love the camera and take it everywhere. I rarely ever upload my pictures to social media or anything but I love sharing them with friends. Throughout the entire time I’ve been doing photography especially in the later half I’ve had so many people ask and tell me that I should do it professionally but I just like taking the pictures for me and the people around me. I have photo books filled with all my film pictures and every time I look at them I can’t help but smile, as much as I want to do photography as a “professional” and make money off of it, I don’t want it to kill my love of photography and start looking at it as a job and something I HAVE to do, I just wanna take pictures.
Great video and a reminder to just get out and shoot and not worry about whether it will work in social media or here or there, just shoot for the enjoyment. This is why I still like blogs. I can post any and all images and it’s more about shooting and sharing the work than it is the likes it receives, great video, much appreciated
I've been shooting film and digital for the past 40+ years. I come from a family of pros, that was their craft and their livelihood. I chose a different profession and still have shot a lot, develop at home, but it's just my hobby. I only share my work with my loved ones and that's it. No IG, no RUclips or anything else. Photography for me is just mental therapy, peace and enjoyment. That's it
Honestly I don't know how I ended up on professional photography youtube, and so far things were putting a bad taste in my mouth, but this video has relieved some of that and inspired me a bit. I think photography is so interesting as an art form, and i love just taking photos on my phone. I was more into trying to do art with it as a tween, but as someone who is a painter and digital artist I started to aim for taking clear personal reference photos more than trying to make art of the moments themselves. Seeing your example photos while you were speaking on how much photography can mean to the individuals really started to make me rethink it.
It also reminded me of a photo album i have from my great great grandfather, all from the 30s and 40s and taken apparently all by the same person (a great uncle who was a teenager and young adult at the time). They're really playful and fun, some candid, some posed, and plenty of annoyed faces that say "really? another one? put the camera down!" It's pretty magical to see all these years later. No one in the photos is still alive, but they're right there, as lively as ever.
I dunno, I appreciate this video for giving me a bit more inspiration to capture what's important to me
This video showed up as recommended a few days ago. I've never watched a video of yours before, so I was hesitant, thinking the title was just click-bait. I'm glad I finally broke down and watched it. You are right on the money.
Side note, I already subscribe to One Month Two Cameras, so that may be how the algorithm got me.
Definitely needed to hear this today ❤
I consider myself a fan of Ali from OMTC. She may appear to some to be a Mom photographer, but she has photography in her blood in a way most of us can only dream of.
I'm not a Mom & Dad photographer simply because I don't have children or other relatives to photograph - I'm an amateur photographer for sure though.
With my professional work (non photography related) demanding more and more of me, I don't get to photograph as much as I'd like to. But, every couple of months I volunteer as a concert photographer at a recurring event documenting the entire 6-7 hours long event (no pit - just moving around within the crowd). It's something I always look forward to, and I get to document memories for both myself and complete strangers.
I have no doubt some people will have problems with my photos, but that's fine. I'll continue to create them for myself and the strangers - it's not like there is a lot of love coming my way in other ways, so why should photography be any different...
I do adore having people both in person and online adore my photos and methods. 🥺✨
It is of course inconsequential in whether I take photos or not and how I take them. 😤👌
I've been a beginner and made a living from photography. I've been formally trained, published, blah blah blah. One thing I have learned is a good eye is a good eye and that can be anybody regardless of camera, education or titles people give themselves. I am and always will be just a "Photographer" taking pictures of whatever catches my eye. Any add on labels don't mean anything, never did!
Just for fun... I have been a hobby photographer for over 50 years (yeah, I'm ancient!) started with film - and processed my own Colour & B/W photos back in the day - fell in love with digital in the early 2000's and finally started editing RAW a couple of years ago. Never wished to make money, get famous, whatever. Just enjoy taking pictures of things that please my eye. Maybe that is why I've not stopped?
I do watch a couple of 'pro' 'tubers, who, incidentally, have targeted the amatuer and manage to do a great job of sharing tips without looking down on us plebs.
Loved this video, thanks for making it, great respect from this grandad photographer!
ETA: You got another subscriber, just because of this!
@the_rat_run Whippersnapper! Actually, we may be close, and I'm also a granddad. I still have some photos I took with the family Box Brownie when the circus came to town in the late 1950s. They're in an envelope from the long defunct camera shop in my home town. I developed black and white film and printed in the darkroom in the 60s, but never colour. Nowadays I'm mostly digital, but still shoot film occasionally...
I'm not sure why this video came up in my suggestions, but Dee is spot on and I'll be back!
Great video.
I love photography as a hobby, I find it a great, fun way to escape, relax and be creative, I love being in the moment, creating interesting compositions.
I don't use social media or share many of my photos with anyone and don't need what I do to be validated by anyone else. All that matters is that I'm enjoying my photography.
2:58 Spot On! I have been in this ego-driven profession since 1980, and my most fond memories of this art is when it was not a source of income, but for the pure joy of photography. To this day I see work from amateurs that outclass anything that I could have ever done.
Thank you for putting this out into the RUclips-verse. It is a very positive viewpoint and a good reminder for us to continue to take photographs for ourselves.
I picked up a Fujica ST801 for a steal on eBay last year, and shooting it has been great! Just went and shot some model train dioramas last weekend, can't wait to see how they turn out
If I could like this video more than once, I’d like it 57 times
Well said. I think those who put down others are insecure about their own skills or are threatened by other photographers. Putting others down is how they build their own ego and try to limit competition. I think no matter how skilled we become as photographers, we need to remember that there was a time when we were starting out too.
100% agree. I am just an armature photographer that got in the trap of "I need the best gear and that will make me better" or "how do I get more likes from internet strangers" only to realize my best and most meaningful images were taken with an old Kodak wind and shoot film disposable on top of the twin towers in NYC back in 1996 or some cheap camera I bought 25 years ago and took images of my family. I love landscape photography but I only do it for myself and if someone comments on a photo I have hanging in my house I am happy with that.
To me social media has poisoned many things people think fun cars are about how fast they are, people think going out for a trip is all a out showing off on social media, and of course, they think photography is all about making money and being famous.
So what has made me fall back in love with photography is getting away from the business side of it. I just take photos because I love to capture things. And I have been way happier since I think if it in that way :)
As someone who is on the fence of doing it as a hobby and professionally, I just enjoy looking at everyone's art. Because that's what it comes down to. It's art. And we all have our style, look, and feel. People think that there's a standard to photography, and nothing could be further from the truth. It's like the argument about which camera brand is the best. Use whatever tool you feel comfortable with and forget anything else. Professional or not, if you're trying to bring down other photographers/artists, they have too much time on their hands.
I've just discovered your channel today with this video. I have to say i'm very lucky that for once RUclips algorythm did a good job.
That's a great topic to share with us. This is a conversation i have with a lot of people / close friend and it's not always easy to explain what make a "great photographer" not based only on followers. In particular nowadays where social network is a huge part of our life and lot of person use this scale has validation.
Most of photographers i love (aside well known historical photographers) are often peoples that have a great eyes and love for photography, and spend more time outside doing what they loves instead of build huge fanbase or debate about whatever best gears is.
Honestly, the Vivian Mayer example is a good one.
Sry for my crappy english, is not my native language. I'm so glad to have found your channel.
I know a lot of great photographers who started out as dadshots or momshots. We all have to start somewhere, and there is no reason to knock those willing to put forth the effort to try and become better at anything in life, not just photography. Finding a passion that brings you joy makes those who have become jaded within photography envyous.
Professional = doing it for a profit, thus doing what pays most. Not the same as the best, the most artistic, the most interesting. Be free, give it your soul.
💯👍 creative is different than what makes money.
One way of looking at it is this: Many of the now historic photographs that were taken decades ago, ordinary street scenes, photographs of people, relations or complete strangers, many of which were seen as ordinary and noting special are now considered as a rich and important source and are of historical value. I think many of the ‘Ma and Pa/amateur’ could well fall into the same category as those in the future.
The gatekeeping that goes on in this craft is anyways wild to me.
6:31 I think "One Month Two Cameras" is great - her enthusiasm is what makes that channel. Usually, if she reviews a camera I use or have used, what she says will give me some new perspective, and if say I think she has missed a good feature or strong point I'll just recommend she tries it, and she always takes my feedback well.
I've been told to start an Instagram so many times, yet I still haven't done it. I take pictures primarily for myself, and while it's flattering that people want me to share them and see them, it's not really what it's about for me.
Thanks for making this video. You helped clear up some thoughts about this!
I consider myself a serious hobbyist and I don't even have any social media. Nobody can see my photos unless they're in my house. I have many albums filled with photos and I have very large photos that I have hanging on my walls. Once in a while I'll be invited to a party at a friend's house and I'll take countless photos and create a physical album for them and they're always extremely grateful for it. I love what I do and couldn't care less who doesn't.
I’ve done the professional thing…now I just piss pros off on RUclips. Dude, great words.
Loved your explanations. I'm not a "professional" photographer meaning I don't get paid for my work. I do photography because it's my passion and because I enjoy shooting and being out doing it. I read reviews and blogs and watch videos all the time where "professionals" rant and rave and criticize all the things you talked about. Statements like "i wouldn't use that lens to shoot my kid's birthday party at Chuck E Cheese because it's not sharp enough for me", "there aren't enough megapixels in that camera to be a professional camera" and the list goes on and on and on. To me all these "professionals" are just trying to blow their own horn and throw people's criticism off of them. I don't shoot for anyone's pleasure but my own and I don't really care what other people say about my work. At the end of the day I shoot to make me happy. I consider myself an artist not a photo journalist who just has to get everything right in camera and not edit anything out. The point is, I'm an artist and I make art that I see in my mind's eye, not what somebody else wants it to be. It's kind of like if you bring a dish to a party and people say "oh this is great but I would have done this or that to it". Well great, you go make the dish how you like it, this is how I made it. Then you have all the purists who say "that scene doesn't look like your picture, you took this or that out of it". Well great, I made it look like I wanted it to look. How many people tell a painter that's not how the scene looks? None. I'm sure I'll get paid for my work sooner or later but then that will kind of take the fun out of it for me because then I'll have to shoot the way somebody else wants me to and then it'll be a job and not a hobby. I like being retired and being able to do what I want when I want and shoot what and how want. So to all the "professionals" out there that are busy trying to make themselves look better by knocking down amateurs I say, get stuffed.
I love preserving memories with photos, and the photos looking good without much editing required, which is why i switched from Canon to Fujifilm.
As an amateur, I often get asked if I post my photos on Instagram; I don't. I take photos of what interests me and because I love the art of photography. I don't care what arrogant scumbag thinks on Instagram nor am I looking for likes on Instagram.
I get that feeling entirely. I do post online but if I only get a few likes of people I personally know I am happy for it.
The experience matters more as well as sharing with fellow people sharing the passion.
Excellent editorial. I completely agree with you. This is why I describe myself always an amateur. I'm having fun. To me there is a thrill of the instant 'getting the shot'. As an 'amateur' I can shoot what I want, when I want. I don't need to impress a client
I never cared about being known for my photographs, I even hate being the guy that is known around his friends as the photographer because when I have my camera I wanna look at something, realize how special or beautiful that thing is and capture it with my camera, but pretty much capture it with my eyes first. It is a nice feeling to show someone a picture I took of them and see how happy they get seeing that picture, but I mostly really care about capturing it in my eyes and photographing it so it can be a memory for someone down the line.
Im an archaeologist. I photograph artifacts with scale bars and interesting features. My photography is fit for purpose, the purpose being documentation. Its fun to try and get the right shot so i can explain my research better to others
Love your views on this! We all get so caught up in the social media and that hinders our work Forsure!
Couldn't agree more with your sentiments, Dee, and so appreciate your respect for amateur photographers and the value of their contribution to photography. Back in 1983, I started my journey with photography as a "teenage snapshooter" dreaming of becoming a "pro" one day. When I started a family, I became a "dad photog", I guess. Now that my kids are grown up, I've become a - what will that be: a "cat photog"? The truth is I've stopped trying to emulate professional photographers and regard them as the be-all and end-all of photography for quite a while now. If people need to put me in their boxes and drawers, if they feel this inner need to put me down just because I'm a "mere" amateur, because I'm "just" shooting Pentax, haven't "upgraded" to mirrorless, am not using that "superior" F0.9 lens or moose eye detection AF, haven't "returned" to film or whatnot, let them go on their rants, I try not to care anymore. Sometimes I succeed in that, sometimes I don't, but I do notice that I am happiest with my photography when I ignore them, do what I enjoy, and go where my creativity leads me.
As someone who has been shooting since 1988 off and on for fun, I didn't get serious until my first digital camera. I took some classes in college along with my graphic design degree. I put a lot of time and effort into learning
Technology and social media has enabled people who would have NEVER touched a camera otherwise to create and take images and show the world. this has been good and bad. It has also enabled people to buy a camera from Walmart, watch videos on youtube to learn, and in a couple years they're published photographers looking down on those who have been shooting for years. Kind of reminds me of the rap game in a lot of ways
I remember in one facebook group back in the day, you had amateurs trying to tell pros on how to edit/retouch photos. It was hilarious.
I used to feel a certain way, but...everyone with a camera is a photographer, they have a way of seeing the world and we should all look at what they create
When you mentioned the great photographers who are technically "amateurs" at the beginning of the video, Vivian Maier came up to my mind instantly. She is an historical gem (of many, many other unknown "amateur" photographers that we will never know about).
What's interesting is that, due to just how the numbers play out (there being way more 'amateurs' than 'professionals') the photos that will survive the passage of time, come from the amateurs. People photographing daily life just for fun or memories make up the bedrock of what future people will see when they look at photos of our time.
This is a good reminder on what is about photography I enjoy. Currently, I’m trying to get myself out there for freelance work through social media but I’m losing myself into “what’s good to post”. I feel like I enjoy the action of taking a photo MORE than what the end result is (though the end result is pretty cool lol). Even right now, I posted some photos on my IG account and I’m like worried about how little traction it’s getting but I’m trying to remind myself that it’s like whatever. Maybe the better thing for me to do is just go out and meet other creatives 😂 anyways thanks for the video!
I stopped going to photo forums years ago for the same reasons you described. The "Know-it-alls" on those forums are exhausting.
Good advice, I shoot on my old Nikon D3400 at work(Oil and Gas industry) out in the desert. No one really sees my photos but I do upload some on our Alexa show as screen saver. My wife thought they stock photos so it made my day when that happened. I shoot for me and no one else.
I'm not looking for anything when I make photo. I want to enjoy and just try to understand how I view my shots. It's also nice to talk with people if I need a picture with myself while shooting with my film camera. It's an experience I don't regret.
I totally agree with this. I am in high school right now about to be a senior and I have been photographing since freshman year. I've done sports to events and recenty did a photo shoot for a friends clothing brand. My friends always wonder like why do you shoot x and x sport. I always say because I love it. If i get paid great thats fantastic if I don't and they arent asking anything from me then thats fine I'll do it for free. I think other photographers should be encouraging people to photograph and not shut them down because of their brand or what they do or events they cover. I photograph for myself I also do it for friends but thats a second priority I take photos because I want to take photos and I really enjoy it.
Something I like to remind myself of is that “amateur” isn’t an insult. It doesn’t mean less skilled or unprofessional (at least how we mean those words, it’s technically not professional because you’re not getting paid to do it), but just a descriptor. Ama comes from amour for love, and teur is to do. It’s someone who does something, not to get paid, but simply because they love it. Ultimately love is the motivation. Please be more of an amateur in whatever you do and love in life, I think it’s one of the best things to be.
I love “One month two cameras”, it’s a great channel and she has an amazing eye.
I overall share your sentiment. But haven't seen or heard most of the criticism you reiterated here. Maybe some people complain somewhere, but it's always easy to ignore them.
The real world factor of only becoming a "pro photographer" that gets paid for shoots for magazines oder advertisement if you have rich parents i.e. connections to this world is far worse IMO.
That's plain boring stuff. I remember scrolling through Flickr a lot when it still was alive. Loved to see photos of "amateur" photographers. Those are so diverese and give you a glimpse into the lives and thoughts of strangers no other "art" or communication form could.
Been photographing for 20+ now and it still excites me to this day. Im doing pro event work (its a steady pay) but a lot of amateur work as well. Whenever I travel I shoot photo AND video. I use a crop for that type of work and its so much fun. I’ve gotten a ton of budget lenses and started playing around with it.
I try to give my amateur video productions somewhat of a cinematic feel. Also, I share a lot of my video work on youtube. Im quite proud of it but I never really intended it for a large group of people or getting a huge following. These are memories for me and im fine with it.
Photography is what each person wants it to be, nobody else gets to define that.
Keep inspiring Dee! 💜
I take photographs because I enjoy doing it. I enjoy getting out and searching for a scene. I enjoy post-processing. I enjoy sharing my photos. I enjoy the process.
To be honest, there is a certain culture that is miserable with life and despise people enjoying life no matter what that passion is. Be it photography or anything. Great vid.
Many photographers who earn a living from photography have modest gear. They own the lowest cost kit able to deliver the quality they require. My BIF and wildlife orientated kit surpassed the equipment many professionals have, even though I use older used lenses etc to keep cost down. And I dare say some professionals have learned a thing or two from me as an amateur. I don’t earn a living from photography, but I enjoy my hobby and I know what I am doing- well enough to enjoy my own images! I think the “capability” line between pro and amateur is blurred today because equipment is so good generally
A professional buys what they need, an amateur buys what they want.
@@thomasa.243 Very good!
I genuinely needed to watch this video. I'm an amateur photographer since I picked up my camera age 12, now at 28 I would love to make a career out of it... But the self esteem hits I've had over the past few months have been excruciating. Especially as my thing is pet/wildlife which is in far less demand than human, but also so gear-intensive (I'm really struggling with 300mm max zoom on a 1200d, unless the animal and I are within a foot of each other.) I don't have the THOUSANDS needed for that souped up body and a 500-600mm lens, will my kangaroo be as crisp as NatGeo? No. And so I'm forever feeling I'm not good enough, I don't have enough to invest, and I will never have a job in something I actually genuinely love doing.
I feel I'm "too late" to the game because when I dreamt of doing pet photography in 2010, phone cameras and social media wasn't what it is now in 2024.
this is probably one of the best motivational videos ive ever seen