5 Quick Ways To Tell You Are Not A Photographer Yet

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While I was Sittin On Tha Toilet I thought let's be honest. No let's be REALLY honest. You are not a photographer because you own a Nikon, Canon or any other DSLR. Sometimes up and coming inspiring camera owners ask for constructive criticism on their photos. Most of the time I tell them that what they are showing me are just images. That doesn't mean that they shouldn't strive to be a photographer or that some of their photos aren't good. it just means that taking a picture with a camera doesn't make one a photographer.  

Here are 5 quick ways to tell you are NOT a photographer yet.

1. You Own A Big Camera
When I first started learning about photography I went into Adorama and asked the clerk for a big camera. He said why? I said because it will take better photos. After he got up off of the floor from laughing he said it's not about the size of the camera but what you can do with the equipment you own. Need further proof. Take a look at this photo session with Lee Morris from FStoppers.


2. You Only Work In Auto Mode
I am not going to lie... Auto mode is a great mode to begin with when you are learning about photography and the exposure triangle because auto mode does its very best to take the best shot it thinks you want. Yes auto mode is far from perfect but you can still use the EXIF data to show you a starting point of how to set your camera when switching over to manual mode. 
 
3. You Work For Free
This is a great time for a cliche. You get what you pay for. My father use to remind me of a story of a man who needed a locksmith to open up his apartment door after locking himself out. The locksmith arrived and told the man that it would cost $100 to open up the door. The man pulled out the money, stood back and waited. The locksmith then pulled out a credit card swiped the lock and popped open the door. As the locksmith was walking away the man said to the locksmith you just charged me $100 for ten seconds worth of work. He said NO.. I charged you $100 for my knowledge. 

4. Your Website Says You Are a Photographer
If you are an up and coming photographer you probably have a website. A website is a great tool to showcase your work but just having a website doesn't make you a photographer. Here is a scene from Analysis this with Robert Dinero & Joe Viterelli who can further help me drive home the point. 

VITTI
I need you to find me a
psychiatrist.
JELLY
Wow.  This is like the Psychic
Network or something.  I just ran
into a psychiatrist.  Actually he
ran into me.
VITTI
Is he any good?
JELLY
Yeah, he seemed like a smart guy.
He had a business card and
everything --
VITTI
He had a card?  That's a real fuckin' achievement.

5. Your Mom Likes Your Work
Whenever I do a headshot session I always tell my clients to not choose their own headshot because the eyes are great for seeing everything except ourself. Headshots are usually sent to casting agents and managers of people you do not know so having someone who you don't know chose your best headshot is a lot better than you choosing it. However, if you must must must have a say in choosing your own headshot make sure you stay clear from mom. If you think your opinion of you is warped wait until you hear what she has to say about her little angel.

Until tomorrow.

Jai