All articles copyright 2007 Jeff Coleman
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What makes a professional photographer, professional?
The answer is somewhat subjective. A professional conducts every aspect of their business professionally from the way their web site is designed to the way they dress while on assignment. Sometimes when I'm photographing a wedding I see other photographers wearing jeans and a t-shirt. They look like they stopped to shoot the wedding on their way to wal-mart. They are not projecting a professional image of themselves and I wonder what the bride and groom think when they see my crew walk past.
Most people would agree that once you're making money as a photographer you can call yourself a professional. That's what I did, but I realize now that I was still far from being a professional photographer. I believe a true professional photographer is one who could confidently and competently complete any photography assignment given to them, even if they've never shot that particular genre before. True professional photographers have a lot of experience behind them; they've made a name for themselves in the industry and earned a level of trust from their clients. Professional photographers at the top of their field are constantly pushing the envelope and looking for ways to improve. We are never content with our work. I still learn new thing on every shoot and I don't think that will ever change. |
