[Loke]

I use Peter Lik as an example because there are fauxtographer landscape artists as well.

[Loke]

I agree with most of what I hate Fauxtography said , but at the same time the business of photography is 80% marketing and 20% shooting. If you are working for a stock agency or if you are on assignment for fashion,  etc then obviously you will have to be really on top of your game.  The rest is like art…people will think it’s crap or they’ll love it. Of course we all agree that the pictures should be for the most part, technically sound.  However, if the clients are happy I don’t see how that’s taking advantage of someone emotionally. The only ones that I see that seem really bothered by it are the countless photographers on this forum.  Obviously the clients choose them because well they were probably cheap, #2 they probably did like what they saw…as I said, subjective.  I know it’s frustrating to see but If you are a quality photographer you will charge prices in accordance to your skill and experience and you will not be catering to the same audience.  Do you really think people like Ming Thein or Peter Lik will be working for the same clients? They will not feel threatened at all by those fauxtogs. I feel bad for them, but eventually they will either A. Get better b. Go out of business.

[Loke]

btw, you don’t want the same clients that will pay a fauxtographer anyway…those will be the clients from hell..

[Loke]

Photography is a craft and art…being that it is a craft obviously, people should know how to use their cameras and know about the “rules” of photography BUT…art is purely subjective and it’s ok to break the rules……I come here for entertainment but at the same time, I really don’t care what others think about my work as long as my clients are happy and I’m happy… …and even these fauxtographers…if it makes them money more power to them…anyway, people who know quality will pay for it — people who are wanting to save bucks will hire one of these guys…in the end, everyone’s happy! People who think their work is perfect are delusional..you’re always working on your craft and improving (or regressing) for some. That’s why when I want real critiques  I go to digital-photography-school.com or other sites. Those people give you good feedback not just tell you your work sucks..of course there are some of those people here too….but hey….this site is for fun.

[Loke]

photography is completely subjective……..I don’t really see anything wrong here.  Stylistic preferences aside, seems to have a good technical grasp.

[Loke]

yeah she’s a hobbyist..doesn’t count…..even the fauxtographers listed could always get better…..

[Loke]

Honestly, people with all sorts of experience start photography businesses on the side…but full-time? I’d keep my day job unless you make a name for yourself and get more business than you can handle. Here’s the thing it’s not so much that the photographer isn’t “up to par’ whatever that means—photography is subjective–so-called “experienced” photographers forget that it’s  80% business 20% photography— if you are an arrogant jerk — who cares if your stuff has been on Time Magazine if your clients can’t work with you? It’s still about customer service mostly. Chances are if someone contacts you it’s because they like your work otherwise they’d just mozy on through. Why so many photogs get upset is because people who are just starting out charge dirt cheap prices—and you’ll see that the expectation of that is evident if you go to a site like craigslist.  Charge what you’re worth.  How do you do that? This is based on the amount of experience you have, be it education or other skills you can add to the mix ..it’s how much you’ve spend on your equipment or plan to spend on your equipment, plus a myriad of other things like: insurance (personal and equipment), gas, internet, memberships, rent/mortgage…etc…

1. go to something like salary.com and get an idea of what a photog of your experience level makes or look at other photog’s prices –call around. Be competitive but don’t undersell yourself.

2. Use a calculator like this and run the numbers: http://www.nppa.org/professional_development/business_practices/cdb/calculator.cfm

 

Good Luck!

[Loke]

No problem! I think you’ll like it over there too! I come here for entertainment lol.

 

[Loke]

Take it off Auto, start by playing Aperture Only or whatever…and then go to Manual once you are comfortable. Photography is still about light and composition. Also remember, opinions are like a-holes everyone has them. If photography makes you happy and you continually learn and get inspired by other photogs and artists and try new things while learning the “rules” then who cares!? #2..don’t come here for real constructive criticism…other than a few gracious photogs, most are gonna be here to criticize..after all, even though this site is funny…..it is about making fun of other people…….go to http://digital-photography-school.com/..free advice, good people over there…..I’ve been shooting for five years now (though I have over 12 years graphic design and 20+ years painting, drawing, etc….. ) and I still go there to read on new tips and advice. I’m a member of NPPA had my portfolio evaluated by an editor at the LA Times..gave great tips and made me feel pretty happy with my work (I am completely self taught)  and STILL….. I do stuff that makes ME and my clients happy.

[Author]

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