We take a look at some sure-fire ways to rub photographers the wrong way.
Photography, although fun, can be a frustrating practice at times, not only because of the technical aspect but also the extra baggage that comes with it – like dealing with non-photographers. Here at The Phoblographer, we’ve heard some ludicrous things in our decades of combined experience. Some requests have been so ridiculous all you can do is laugh, and others, well, make you want to punch the wall and say, “I do that sometimes!” In this piece, we take a look at the seven most infuriating things you can say to photographers.
1. “Photographers Will Fix It in Photoshop?”
Look, we get it; editing tools can work a bit of magic when needed. But when clients roll up looking like they just got out of bed or they’re carrying a few extra pounds they’d rather not, it’s infuriating when they expect miracles to happen. And why should a photographer “fix them” in photoshop? Surely it’s better to help teach proper preparation for a shoot and promote loving themselves how they are (or changing it in real life, rather than in an editing tool).
2. “I Put an Instagram Filter on It”
You take the time to do a shoot, then you put your own artistic flair on an image in post. Depending on your workflow, it may take a few days before you deliver to your client. They receive the images, they’re happy. They post to Instagram and tell you, “I put a filter on it, what do you think?” What do you think we think? How about, “What a waste of time spent on editing just for you to ruin the photo with a stock IG filter.” Breathe in, breathe out.
3. “Anyone Can Be a Street Photographer”
One for the street photography lovers out there. The assumption one only has to buy a camera and not suffer from agoraphobia, in order to shoot good street photography, is infuriating. Street photography takes years of practice before the images hold any value. Don’t disrespect the craft by suggesting anyone with a camera can do it.
4. “I Bought an Expensive Camera but My Photos…”
Ahh, yes, the old, “I paid $2,000 for my Canon but my images don’t look professional.” It’s a cold reality when the nube discovers that it takes more than a great camera to make great pictures. They run to you, crying, with their tails between their legs. “Does this mean I’m actually going to have to work hard to make great photos?” Yes, young Jedi, yes you are.
5. “Photographers Should Bring Their Camera”
Of course, as we all know, once you become a photographer, that’s all you are. You don’t have fun, you don’t let your hair down, you just snap snap snap. So, when your friends arrange a get-together or put on an event, don’t expect to have a good time. Nope, your purpose is to bring your camera and make sure everyone gets super nice photos. Eye roll
6. “Friend Rates, Right?’”
It’s hard making a good go of a photography business. In today’s saturated market, you have to take what you can and get paid as best you can. So, why is there this concept that if you shoot for your friends you should give them a discount? Maybe “friend rates” should mean your closest friends paying you a little extra in support of your work and business, instead of expecting you to lower your price? Just a thought.
Maybe “friend rates” should mean your closest friends paying you a little extra in support of your work and business…
7. “Photographers Don’t Have a Real Job”
Society has the notion embedded in its mind that if you don’t have fixed hours and hate your job, then you don’t have a real job. It’s perplexing considering the amount of work that goes into being a professional photographer. People don’t respect your time, think you should always be available, and justify it because you get to do something you love. Photography is a real job, people should respect it.
What Infuriates You?
Share with us in the comments below what grinds your gears. I’m sure every photographer has a story to share, and we would love to read it!
