Welcome to the wonderful world of photography using Digital SLR – I’m sure you had your ideals before going out and purchase that new and expensive toy of yours. 😀 Before you proceed any further, here are a few things I think you should be aware of………..
Not Yet A Photographer
You’re not yet a photographer but you can now proudly say that you’re an owner of a digital SLR of a particular brand. It doesn’t matter how much you spent on it either.
Until you understand the Digital SLR and until you are able to produce decent photos – you’re what we commonly call a GWC = Guy / Gal with Camera. And also do note that there’s no reason to call yourself “XYZ Photography” either since you’re not yet a photographer. 😛
A person interested in photography is not necessarily a photographer. just as how a person interested in history does not make one a historian and a person interested in biology does not make one a biologist.
A guy who owns a camera is just a camera owner. just like a guy who owns the best cookware are just a guy with great cookware, not a cook or chef. They are only considered a cook or chef when they have shown a decent level of competency in producing something from the kitchen.
Photos Not Impressive
It’s not uncommon to come by disappointed DSLR owners, wondering why their photos did not turn out anywhere near the quality of impressive photos that made them took the plunge into the world of Digital SLR.
It is crucial that anyone with an IMAGE CAPTURING device know that the device is just a tool, the photographer is the artist and the sensor is the canvas. The tools help get the job done but it’s the artist who does the ART!
Sure, they get better image quality and bokeh but that’s far from what’s needed to produce outstanding photos and it wouldn’t take long for friends and family to begin asking them question like “why you shoot already worse than my small camera ah?” or “why my compact can zoom more than your expensive camera?”
Time to brush up your knowledge and skill! Here’s a few of my articles that you can start with
– Digital SLR Beginner – Understanding Shutter Speed, Aperture and ISO
– Basic Lens Understanding
Status Unchanged
Having that piece of equipment around your neck doesn’t give you more privilege than others. It doesn’t give you rights to push others around and it doesn’t make you better than the people around you who are using compacts, they are quite likely to produce similar or better photos than you.
Don’t EVER look down on those with lesser gears.
Approached By Friends
Friends without knowledge in photography are very likely to approach you, hoping for low (or free) rates for jobs – DECLINE THEM! Especially if it was for important events like weddings.
If you can’t produce and deliver, don’t disappoint – just tell them you’re learning and they should find an experienced photographer. You could shoot along with their official photographer with consent but you should be aware that you must never interfere with what the official photographer is doing. Those moments are for the couple and they paid for the photographer, let not selfishness seep in to spoil it for the couple. You’re not an assistant, not a photographer. You’re just shooting along.
On a less serious note, it’s not surprising that a new DSLR owner would go around everywhere with their “precious” (think Lord of the Rings) and it’s not surprising they really do become the official photographer for outings. 😀 After all, friends LOOOOOOOVE it when their mug shots are taken by an expensive equipment.
Conclusion
It’s a good start when you have your feet on the ground – go out there and practice as much as you can. You’ll be producing great stuff really soon if you put your heart and head into it.
Nice article~
I not pro yet~ can i follow u around to shoot? 😀
hahahaa i still remember that canon marathon picture and im in that pic~ lol
haha great articles, i 2nd that 🙂
I don’t own one, but I know how to operate them. So its sound funny when my schoolmate that have one want me to help them with the settings.
If you do photography as a living you’re a “photographer”. Whether or not his/her “decent level of competency in producing” good pictures if there or not, as that would be another form of category, good or bad “photographer”. Simple and straightforward, no need 600 words to describe it. 😛
i wouldn’t simplify it as such.
there are so many out there doing it as a hobby or for side income. they are the amateur photographers but their skills can be really awesome.
nice read. sadly most youngsters out there fail to understand these principles.
I just bought my first DSLR. I used to use the darkroom at school but, that was over ten Yeats ago. Since then I’ve lost touch with photography. I bought my camera to get hack into something I enjoyed very much but, was definitely feeling overwhelemed. I’ve enjoyed the posts on your blog and feel better and much more excited to re-learn again. Thank you for the really helpful posts.
Hi, my awesome boyfriend recently gave me an SLR for my birthday. I was pretty ecstatic getting my birthday wish. But I didn’t know that there’s a lot to learn. It’s very far from using point and shoot cameras. But I’m sure I’ll get the hang of it soon.
I agree with nivk08. Many young people do fail to understand many principles of photography. They need to study more if they intend to take it one level high but if they just want to take photos similar to a point and shoot, well to each his own, that’s their choice.
It’s not a youngster-confined problem. There are plenty of the older group of people with money to buy all the lens and body they want, who unfortunately become a source of influence on the thirst for gear rather than understanding the essence of photography. 🙂
Wow ! I have read many articles over photography and using DSLR
but , not a single had this “angle” 🙂
too good 🙂
Thanks