I get the privilege of seeing a great number of people post images of their loved ones or their clients as High School Senior Portraits, Wedding Albums, and Family Portraits on Facebook. I always like to be "nice," but come on . . . These photographs are "SUPPOSED TO BE" taken by professional photographers??!!?? I saw a friend post some images by a photographer in Lebanon, who took images of a girl in several locations, including Ha Ha Tonka. The castle was wonderfully exposed, and the sky was gorgeous. If you know anything about exposure, you can imagine that the young lady was terribly underexposed, including having "black holes" for eye sockets. I guess she was just a prop for a beautiful exposure of an old building.
Another client had me take her son's photographs, and then commented quite a bit on my price . . . YES, I may be twice as expensive as some of the people who take pictures as a hobby around here, but then they know what they are worth (my prices haven't increased in 10 years!!!). The photographer she had used before wasn't that much cheaper than I, and apparently my client had "loved her work," even defending it when I slipped and voiced my opinion as to her amateur status (oops!) I looked at said photographer's "best stuff" on line, and she doesn't have a clue . . . But then, does it really matter? If you can't see the difference, why pay the difference.
I guess I get really tired of people ranting and raving over the latest and greatest, when the button pusher who took those images obviously doesn't have a clue as to what really matters: The Subject! Eyes are the windows of the soul--put some light in them. Everyone looks better with angles; use them to pose with. DO NOT pose clients in direct sunlight unless you have fill flash (a last resort--looks pretty fake) or some really good light modifiers, or want an effect with, say sunglasses. I like the cool effects and grungy stuff as much as the next person, but let's get the basics as well, o.k.? EVERY client deserves some classical poses, well lit and properly exposed. Rembrandt lighting is a great place to start!
Oh, and Mr. Nice Guy? . . . Yep, I am still here. And I won't be making any derogatory comments about specific images OR photographers on line any time soon. Hey, if you ASK ME for my opinion of a photograph, I will give it, but I will only speak as to how to improve the image, not how bad I think it currently is. Hey, here is one you can consider . . . If you have read this far, and WISH you had some more images to compare with the photographer you already used, give me a call . . . I will gladly do a session for you, you child, your senior, or your family. If you aren't absolutely thrilled . . . If you can't tell the difference . . . IF you are in any way unhappy with the product I show you, I will happily refund your session fee and 1st payment. Oh, and by the way, I already offer that to all my clients. I haven't ever been taken up on the offer, but if I do, I will give a full refund with a smile on my face. I always enjoy meeting people, getting to know them, and creating something special for them. If you are not happy, then neither am I.
Well, I guess "Mr. Nice Guy" can shut up for now . . . I feel better getting that all off my chest. I'm kind of ashamed of where photography as a profession is headed . . . "It" seems to have lost it's moorings, and is drifting with the current. I thought "Quality" mattered . . . It used to.
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Location:In front of the computer, as always
