Most photographers have one of three backgrounds:
1] They became interested in taking pictures as a hobby and it became a money making venture for them. Their background is the background of a typical consumer, a person who is a picture taker. Therefore the way he speaks is not much different from you. You might relate to it, but should recognize that perhaps there might be more to being a photographer than just the professionalism that is implied by charging a fee.
2] By attending associations, taking seminars and classes. Much of these association events and classes are sponsored by major equipment manufacturers, companies anxious to sell equipment. They don’t gear themselves specifically towards skilled craftsmen. They’re interested more in selling to the masses. Their verbiage and all their promo materials that are passed on through the classrooms and lecture series are verbiage that comes from accepted truisms but not necessarily cultivating craftsmanship and individuality. Today many attend sales workshops and seminars. It has been shown that consumers love seeing ribbons and awards. So a big promotional campaign has occurred emphasizing them. Photographers who learn the recipe for such ribbons can easily amass them, and even a “cramming” class was set up to guarantee the new “craftsman” certification.
3] Finally you have those photographers who have learned from other photographers. Now those other photographers either learned from the first group or from the second group.
If you want really great photography – you probably do not want these photographers.
Gary Rabenko may be reached at gary@rabenko.com. Rabenko Photography & Video Artists is located at 1001 Broadway in Woodmere.