Myth 1: A photographer simply pushes a button.
Many people think that with the development of smart technology in today’s cameras, you just point and shoot, but it’s really not that simple. You can have the best camera in the world, but if you only use it in AUTO mode, your pictures won’t be much different from those taken with a simple digital camera.
Myth 2: Having a good, expensive camera is enough to become a professional.
Being a professional photographer is much more than just having expensive equipment. You need to know how to do business properly and make a living at it, as well as take high-quality, beautiful photographs.
Myth 3: You will be saved by 1/125 s and f/8.
No, this ratio doesn’t always work. Professionals know how to handle lighting and what problems can arise in any given situation. In particular, you won’t get a second chance at a wedding to take test shots and tweak the settings (for example, when shooting in a dark church after a bright sun).
Myth 4: A professional always works professionally.
Unfortunately, not all professional photographers understand that this is a job, not a hobby. A true professional must be able to communicate with clients and know how to handle most situations that may arise.
Myth 5: Professionals take better photos than amateurs.
There are many talented amateur photographers who take much better photos than some professionals. But professionalism also means a certain lifestyle and constant growth.
Myth 6. Everything can be fixed in Photoshop.
Photoshop requires completely different knowledge and skills than photography. You can’t make a bad photo good, but you can make a good photo even better by skillfully using the graphics editor.
Myth 7: A professional photographer must have a special education and a diploma.
A diploma is a piece of paper, just like a driver’s license. Just like in the case of driving a car – to learn how to do it professionally, you need to spend time and gain experience.
Myth 8: A wedding photographer works only on Saturdays.
Wedding photography is just the tip of the iceberg (although the most interesting part). The photographer still needs to select good photos, process them, and design an album or photo book. In addition, the wedding photographer must constantly look for new clients, update your website or blog, keep accounts, meet with newlyweds, and withstand competition from a large number of other wedding photographers.
Myth 9. Nikon is better than Canon (and vice versa).
These arguments are many years old. Ignore them, just pick a brand that you personally like and be happy with that equipment. Right now, all digital cameras in the same price range have about the same, very good quality. There will always be a megapixel war, but remember, it’s your photos that matter.
Myth 10: Professional photographers always get paid.
Sometimes a professional can shoot for free if it can help advertise his services and promote himself.
Myth 11. Presets and actions work wonders.
No. They will only help speed up your work. Errors in composition, lighting, and focus cannot be fixed with their help. Besides, presets and actions are useless if you don’t know the principles of image processing.
Myth 12. Photography is a glamorous job.
In fact, a photographer has to do a lot of routine or monotonous work. Unless you make enough money to hire someone to do it.
Myth 13. Your photos sell your services.
There is a lot of competition in the photo business right now. Good pictures alone will not bring you money, in order to successfully sell your services, you need to do competent marketing and advertising.
Myth 14. Size matters.
In fact, the size of your camera or lens doesn’t matter. What matters is how you use them. Look at the best photos ever taken. How many of them were taken with the most expensive equipment?
Myth 15. A professional can photograph anything.
That’s not true. Most professionals work in a narrow field where they bring out the best in themselves. Do not try to grasp the immensity, otherwise you will never learn anything.
Myth 16. Photography – it’s easy money.
Those who think like that don’t stay in photography very long. Most professional photographers stay afloat because they love taking pictures. It’s quite a complicated business, so you won’t succeed without a love of your business.
Myth 17: To become a professional, you have to take quality pictures.
Many people take quality, stunning photos. But a professional does it much faster, with consistent results, and knows how to present their work more effectively to the client.
Myth 18. A more expensive camera will allow you to take better pictures.
It won’t. First, use the full potential of your existing camera and learn the fundamentals of photography. Don’t fall into the trap of blaming your technique for your bad pictures.
Myth 19. By saying I’m a professional, I automatically become one.
Actually, professionalism is about how you conduct business and work with your client, as well as what kind of photos you take.
Myth 20. Photography is a promising business
Indeed, it is. But with the rise of DSLRs, to stay in business and have demand for their services, the photographer has to offer something that the average consumer with a camera can’t do. That is, first and foremost, experience and beautiful photographs.
Myth 21. Price determines quality.
Many photographers just entering the photography business think they have to charge as much as the established masters to prove their worth. However, they don’t have a portfolio or experience to prove the value of their work. Then they wonder why there are so few clients. Make sure your price reflects the real quality of your work and don’t expect miracles.
Myth 22. Professionals don’t attend workshops and seminars.
I know many established professional photographers who attend seminars and workshops of other photographers. No one is an expert in every field and the key to success is your continued development as a photographer and as a business person.
Myth 23: People don’t have time to read my blog.
Misconception. Indeed, a blog or website alone will not make you famous as a photographer and it should take quite a long time for you to have regular readers and subscribers. Nevertheless, the Internet is nowadays an effective means of promotion, so a photographer should take the time to do so.
Myth 24. All professionals have assistants to carry equipment.
An assistant or assistant is fine. But, say, when shooting portraits, many photographers do everything themselves. Photography is actually quite strenuous physical work and the photographer often has to lug heavy equipment himself or herself.
Myth 25. The photographer manages his own time.
Professional photography, particularly portraits and weddings, often requires working at inconvenient hours. I often work evenings and weekends, meeting with clients and photographing them.
Myth 26. All photographers are psychologists.
Clients think we know exactly what they mean when we say, “We want something different,” without offering any further explanation. But we’re only human and can’t read clients’ minds.
Myth 27. A photographer doesn’t have to know about lighting, he just uses it.
Light is key to your photographs. Knowing and understanding the nature of light and its characteristics, a photographer should be able to both use the available light and work with lighting equipment. If a photographer says he has bad pictures because of poor lighting, then he is not a professional.
Myth 28. Every shot should be worthy of posting in a portfolio.
Actually, that’s not true. Most photographers take a lot of pictures that never show up in their portfolio. It’s just part of our job. Remember that quality is more important than quantity.
Myth 29: There’s a lot of competition in the photography business.
In part, that’s true. But if you can find your niche and do what you do best, you will succeed. Besides, think about it, is there any job or field of activity where there is no competition?
Myth 30. Professionals shoot every day.
That’s true, except for the days when you’re busy doing other things: processing, designing albums and photo books, meeting with clients, making phone calls, and answering emails.
Myth 31. Your artistic eye will always be appreciated by the client.
Most clients have no idea what a good photo is. The important thing is that they like themselves in the picture. Of course, there are exceptions.
Myth 32. Being your own boss is great.
Of course, there are perks to being self-employed. However, it requires a high level of dedication and discipline, and you have to give up a lot of things. I don’t watch my favorite shows because I work at the same time, I always carry a camera with me, just in case, spend time on social media with potential clients, etc.
Photography is a demanding job that requires persistence, self-motivation, and the desire to do the job professionally.
Myth 33. Professional photographers lose their love of photography.
I work an average of 60 hours a week and I don’t regret a minute because I love my job. I believe most professional photographers also love photography or they wouldn’t be doing it.