I Just Want to Shoot Something

Times are slow and I can understand the general publics' reluctance at hiring a professional photographer; however, there are an army of qualified, artistic photographers, that want to do what they have been trained and are continuously learning to be the best at what they do, that want to make a living as photographers.

I turn to Craig's List to check on any possible creative gigs where I can put my talent and ability to good use and help pay the rent, only to find ads from wedding couples that will hire anyone that has a digital camera, no wedding experience needed. Oh, and let's not forget to mention students and those learning are welcome to try their hand at capturing one of life's most important moments. You only get one chance!! There isn't room for error. I truly do not understand the mentality behind this when most couples will gladly fork over hundreds of dollars for the wedding cake but not for a photographer!(?) The cake will be long forgotten except for the photos taken of it. Do they only want a snapshot of everything? Does the excited amateur use aperture, exposure, white balance, etc... to make the most of the situation? If they are going to get dressed up for such an important occasion, wouldn't they want the photos to be more than snapshots?

Why not call a professional and tell them what budget you would like for the photogaphy and see if they can offer a package that will work for you instead of offering a "project" to anyone with a camera. This is your life and it is definitely worth more than a cake.

Just a Blog, No Twitter

I find myself amazed and confused with this new world we have created in cyberspace. Are we all hoping to gain more than our 15 minutes of fame by revealing so much of ourselves to this virtual world? And, here I sit, joining the masses to express myself and trying to keep up with all of these vast opportunities to be seen and heard.

A little history: I am a professional photographer and have been in and around the profession for more than twenty years. It's getting scary when the twenty years is closing in on thirty. I currently have a studio in Eugene, OR and I do mean currently since the past two months have been excrucuatingly slow and everything is day to day at this point.

I thought I would promote pet portraiture and placed an ad on Craig's List for a few pet models. I received a fantastic response from plenty of pet owners that wanted free photos of their pets as well as the possibility of having their pets displayed prominently around town and in print ads as well as the website, etc...

I scheduled three sessions and with each appointment, I went into the studio, set up backdrops, lighting, checked exposure and anxiously awaited my subjects, only to have all three peole not show up!

This was very discouraging since I felt like I couldn't even give photography away!! I wanted to take advantage of a slow time and still be working to promote my business not to mention how much I love working with people and animals. I would go in and set up feeling all enthusiastic and my mind was working overtime coming up with fun ideas only to be stood up.

The lesson I have learned from all of this - Don't give my art away!! I will figure out something. I do have my own pets and even though my poor old dog is almost 16 years old, I'm sure she won't mind a few photos.