[Moga]

Obvious troll is obvious.

But, just for fun, I think I have some troll food in my bag here…

The thing about photography, as with any type of art, is that it has it’s own inherent language. Every aspect of a photograph carries with it a message that will influence the viewer’s perception of the image – subject matter, lighting, color, composition, aspect ratio, etc. Much of this language is inherent to the human psyche and cross-cultural, such as darkness symbolizing fear or ignorance or evil, and light symbolizing knowledge or life or goodness. Sometimes the symbols are culture specific, like religious iconography or certain colors. Also, the language can change it’s meaning over time.

The problem with most fauxtogs is that they don’t know or care about this language. They don’t realize that they are unintentionally mocking their subjects by putting them into an unflattering pose or highlighting their flaws. They use post processing effects without understanding how it changes the perception of the subject. They are the artistic equivalent of walking around Italy reading from the Olive Garden menu and thinking that means they can speak Italian.

Professional photographers know this language. They will craft the image to express the message they want. They understand that not everyone will read the image the same way, and will act accordingly. This, on top of all of the technical knowledge they need to learn, is what makes them a pro. It’s true, most of them will reach a comfort zone and generally create the same thing over and over again. However, sometimes someone will try something different, and if they understand this language, if they aren’t just fumbling in the dark, they will create something new and amazing.

So, to answer your question, a good picture speaks to you. And it is not misheard.

[Moga]

If you seriously want to look into photography as a profession, I highly recommend working as a photo assistant for a while before you start your own business. It’s a much lower risk way to find out if you will have what it takes to make it on your own. Working with an established company is an easy way to learn the ins and outs of the business side, and honestly you will learn more in your first day working with a seasoned professional than you will with years of school or practicing with friends/relatives.

Look for local photographers whose work you admire and give them a call to see if they have any open positions. Be humble, be honest, and be proactive. You may have to work for free as an assistant or a 2nd/3rd shooter a few times, but that experience in itself will be worth it. By watching a professional work you’ll learn about how to handle clients, how to work with difficult shooting conditions, and get some familiarity with gear you probably can’t afford right now. Getting in with a good photographer also means you will have a mentor, someone who can give you honest and constructive criticism. Best of all you get to learn some of their trade secrets and you can learn from the mistakes they made when they started out.

Remember, as a business you are delivering a product and you must do so consistently. As a photographer that means getting photos that will make your clients happy even in the worst situations: like photographing a stressed out bride on her rainy wedding day, or getting a shot of a CEO in 5 minutes in his poorly lit factory, or shooting a piece of sushi in a cramped restaurant. It’s good to take on challenges and try new types and styles of photography, but never take on a job you’re not sure you can do.

[Author]

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