Your Camera Takes Nice Photos

A major pet peeve I have is when complimented on a photo the person follows up by saying "Your camera takes nice photos". We put so much into planning and consistently growing as a hobbyist or professional that it immediately comes off like an insult. Yes, we know that was not the intention. I am just describing the feeling we get. It also contributes to the self doubt we are already battling. So, today my intent is to give the consumers and potential clients an inside look at what we do. I also want to encourage my fellow photographer to not allow your equipment to effect your progress.

I started off shooting with the Nikon D3000 and the 18-55mm kit lens. I had researched different aspects of photography for about a year and finally decided to buy a camera.  A hobby quickly transitioned into a paid hobby and then a business venture once people began to ask if I would take photos for them. I still shoot with my D3000 and my kit lens as well as my 50mm because of comfort, familiarity and effectiveness. A lot of photographers have way more fancy equipment than I, but still can't seem to get the quality they seek. There has to be a balance between the qualities you as the photographer bring (creativity, knowledge of composition, knowledge of lighting etc..) and the capabilities of your equipment. My experience is that through trial and error I have become familiar enough with my equipment to get the quality I seek. In other words shoot, shoot and shoot some more. Gradually you learn more and more about photography, yourself and your equipment.

As a person who is seeing things from the outside I completely understand why you believe the equipment is what separates a pro from the regular joe with a camera. Here is a general list of what we might do just for a small shoot in no specific order.

LIST OF TASKS FOR SHOOT
-Find a model
- Get contracts signed
-Create a mood board
-Scout a location
-Book location (studio rental or space rental)
-Find MUA if needed
-Equipment check/Inventory (at least I do)
-Confirm details with team (MUA, Model)
-Transportation (to and from with equipment if necessary)

POST PRODUCTION
- Sorting photos to keep
- Adjust lighting
- Airbrushing as needed
- Color correction
- Resizing if necessary
- Converting RAW images if necessary
- Editing/Retouching images client wants
- Sorting images for promo use
- Watermark if necessary

This is a general list that varies to give an idea of what we do. I also excluded the business side of what we do on the daily basis. Hopefully, this brings a broader prospective and more understanding.  We are web designers, graphic designers. social media experts, marketing consultants, administrative assistants/personal assistants, stylist (at times) all in one. Anything you want you have to work for and photography is absolutely no different.