Photography is not a Profession

   Since nobody who will be offended follows this blog I am going to speak my mind about "professional photography." Photography does not exist as a profession. For the last ten years I have made a modest living taking pictures for various clients. My financial problems have always stemmed from frivolous spending. I squander just about every dime I make and would sometimes prefer to tell my clients I am busy, simply because I would rather watch Caddyshack for the 1000th time, than take a picture of old grandma McGillicutty with her freshly woven quilt. Not all my assignments were this ridiculous but beggars can't be choosers.


You are not a professional just because you get paid to do something. I used to get paid to mow the lawn and take out the trash. Does this mean I am a professional lawnmower and trash taker outer. Professionals almost always require at least a four year degree and some sort of accreditation by other field professionals. Any job that has to use the tag "professional" in front of it is nothing of the sort. You ever heard of a professional doctor or freelance gynecologist. Anyone can pick up a camera and say I am a professional. And believe me when I say "They Do." I can't count the number of times I went on assignment and the soccer mom next to me, who had a rich husband, had better equipment than I.

In the beginning It felt good to tell people I was a photographer. Now I just feel like a jack@$$. Most of the knowledge I acquired in college regarding photo is useless today. Many photographers today don't know the first thing about the law of inverse squares, reciprocity, or the zone system.

Photography is a trade. It does require training and years to master but it is still just a trade. Trades are jobs that produce tangible goods. Professionals are hired for what they know not what they produce. The architect designs the building and is paid for what he knows. The tradesman (carpenters and construction workers) are paid for what they produce. I did not go to college to be a laborer.

Furthermore it has become very clear to me that the trade of photography has become enveloped with billions of photographers. That is why so many clients are quick to haggle you down. If you don't budge they will find someone with a skill level they are comfortable with that will. I'm not saying there are not clients out there that will pay a pretty penny for what you can produce. I once got paid $4,200 for taking some product shots that I completed in half a day. However, at times when the economy is bad, everyone is looking to pinch pennies. If you are going to stay afloat as a tradesman you will have to adjust your business accordingly. Photography is a business for skilled tradesmen. I will have to say I am tired of playing the game. Sometimes I feel like I would rather dig ditches for peanuts than help million dollar corporations make another million off my images.

I always new I had a problem with my so-called profession. Now I have been able to verbalize it. I have come to terms with my mediocrity and lack of prowess and see that my only option is return to school. Of course first I must get my credit cleaned up enough that I can steal more money from the government. Just kidding, but not really.