The Impact of Amateur Photography on Professional Standards and Expectations

When people refer to themselves as photographers without the requisite skills and experience, it can be more amusing than annoying. However, there's a serious side to this phenomenon, especially in the professional world. These fautographs often serve as potential students, and by teaching others, photographers can create more value and develop a sustainable career. But let us delve deeper into the impact of amateur photography on professional standards and expectations.

Struggling to Meet Professional Standards

My journey in photography began with apprenticeship in the press department, where I learned the hard work and skill needed to establish a reputation. Newspapers are unforgiving customers when it comes to photography, and every successful photo is crucial. We had to be prepared for different conditions, from sports to portraiture, with specific placement requirements. This experience honed my skills and allowed me to understand the importance of professionalism and quality.

Now, digital photography has made everyone feel capable, and some amateur photographers can capture decent images. However, the widespread availability of amateur work has led to a lowering of overall standards. Good enough has become acceptable, and this trend can be attributed to the internet's impact on public perception. Amateur photographers often fail to meet professional expectations due to a lack of preparation and equipment.

Case Study: A Fautographer's Failure

An example that stands out is a situation where a college-grad professional convinced my nephew that she could handle his wedding photography. This young photographer turned up at a country church in summer with a Sony A7 and a Nikon D750, both equipped with fixed lenses. She spent weeks trying to enhance faces lost in shadow, a task that professional photographers would avoid due to the final result. Her photos looked shocking, and the beautiful garden backgrounds were lost in the process.

Meanwhile, I took my D5 and Godox flash, shot un-retouched daylight-balanced group shots, and circulated them. The outcome speaks for itself in terms of professionalism and quality. Despite the potential to provide these photos, I couldn't help but question the quality of work coming from amateur photographers who severely underprepare.

Undercutting the Professional Market

The appearance of amateur photographers in the market has led to a significant problem: they can undermine the value of professional photography. Many weddings are short on resources, and amateur photographers often take advantage of this situation. This not only affects the photographer's career but also increases the risk of subpar photos and a ruined moment for the clients. It's a worrying trend that should be addressed.

There's no second take in wedding photography, and clients deserve the best. Professional photographers must ensure they are well-equipped and prepared for any eventuality. Amateur photographers often fail to meet these standards, leading to a negative impact on the reputation of professional photographers. Due to this, clients accept subpar results, and the value of professional photography is diminished.

Fortunately, I don't rely on photography for all of my income anymore, but the struggle of professional photographers to maintain their standards remains a significant concern. The market for professional photographers is at risk of being overrun by amateurs, which can have a detrimental effect on the industry as a whole.

Ultimately, it is essential for amateur photographers to recognize the value of professional training and experience. They should seek to learn and improve, rather than trying to pass off their subpar work as professional. This will help to maintain the high standards of the photography industry and ensure that clients receive the quality they deserve.