How To Categorize and Choose Your Next Photographer

Posted by parkejladd on Apr 25, 2011 in Featured {Article}, {Photo}graphy | 1 comment

A lot of people say to me, “Parke, I want a photographer who knows exactly what he’s doing.” I usually reply with, “Most photographers don’t.”

What? Did you just totally bash every photographer who ever lived? What about Ansel Adams, you jerk?

OK, so it’s not because we don’t know what we’re doing technically, but because photography is a highly creative and experimental form of representing another human being. The process between shoots is similar, but each possesses it’s own identity and rhythm.

Photography is expression and exploration. It’s an outpouring, an offering, an unveiling of depth and reality. There exists, as with every creative process, a framework to move and work within, yet the exact path to success is never perfectly assigned. Each subject is unique and challenging in their own right and in their own light. Every shoot is a very real and different experience. My goal, as an amateur photographer (see below), is to push limitations and break through normalities. I want to discover and reveal the authentic character, personality and emotions of my subject. The rest is all risk.

But if there is no risk, there is no art.

So why categorize photographers?

Because photographers come in all sorts of different shapes and styles, each one possessing a different view of the world. And you’re going to have to choose which shape and style is best for you, your campaign, your wedding, your social media profiles, your baby portraits, your events, etc.

So, with that said, here’s how I categorize all of the millions of photographers:

1) Never-seen-without-a-camera-connected-to-their-face

(Professional) 95%-100% of their annual income is derived from their photography. In other words, they shoot or go hungry. These photographers went to school to perfect their craft. They understand the specs and technology behind everything they do. Highly educated plus adept risk taker, can equal outstanding photographer. This can also equal outstanding prices. (Note: A professional photographer is not someone who simply owns a fancy camera. There are many wealthy people in the world who use full-frame, $4000 cameras as point-and-shoot devices to document their food choices. I’m not against this, and neither is Canon, Pentax or Nikon, but just because you own the gear doesn’t make you a professional.)

2) Never-seen-without-a-camera-close-by-and-always-wishing-it-was-a-little-closer

(Semi-professional) 50% or more of their annual income is derived from their photography. This is the photographer who dreams in 35mm, but still holds down the “steady job,” still fighting through the dip.

3) Often-seen-with-a-camera-but-usually-only-for-fun

(Amateur) <50% of their annual income is derived from their photography. These are photographers who are passionate about their photography but only as a hobby, outside source of cash or artistic expression. If they make a few bucks along the way, that’s cool, but it’s not crucial to their physical survival.

And now the all important question: Which category of photographer should you choose?

I’m so glad you asked. Here’s my answer: It doesn’t matter.

“Parke, why would you go through the trouble of categorizing all of the millions of photographers into three groups only to tell us that it doesn’t matter which group they fall into? Are you mad!?”

Here’s why it doesn’t matter: Because there are spectacular, highly talented, passionate photographers all over the world–from amateurs to professionals–who are creating beautiful art with their cameras. And many times it’s impossible to assign your personal preference and their quality of work with a single title or amount charged for service. In the end, you’re not investing in equipment, title or price, you’re investing in the photographer and how he sees and portrays you, his client.

Here’s what you actually have to do before choosing a photographer: Figure out what and who you like! Determine whose style and approach to photography you enjoy and ask that person to take your photo! If they say yes, great! If they say no, that’s great too! Why? Because you never want someone to take your photo who doesn’t really want to take it. Figure out a price, and if a pro can’t come down, find an awesome amateur whose work you love who will do it for what you can afford.

There you go! Good luck. And, if you like the photography around here, send me an email. Let’s chat.