Comments on: It May Be Time to Give Up Photography If… http://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html Professional Photography Blog Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:56:37 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Joe - from Minneapolishttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-54969 Joe - from Minneapolis Mon, 31 Jan 2011 06:31:52 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-54969 #19 -- BWHAHAAaaHahah #19 -- BWHAHAAaaHahah

]]> By: Peterhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-53975 Peter Fri, 14 Jan 2011 01:30:34 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-53975 A few of these made me laugh out loud, so thanks for that! A few of these made me laugh out loud, so thanks for that!

]]> By: St Louis Photographerhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-22704 St Louis Photographer Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:04:16 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-22704 I've definitely seen some of the same photographers at work as you have. Especially the ones who turn their cameras into machine guns to spray shots all over and hope for something amazing to happen across their sensor.These crack me up - great article. I've definitely seen some of the same photographers at work as you have. Especially the ones who turn their cameras into machine guns to spray shots all over and hope for something amazing to happen across their sensor.

These crack me up - great article.

]]> By: Khttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-22177 K Tue, 09 Nov 2010 16:50:39 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-22177 I resemble those remarks! I've been shooting, "professionally," for a year and haven't been paid yet for anything. Only have a 35% acceptance on istock. Can't even get a $200.00 backyard wedding gig. No one wants their portraits done. Casting calls on MM are a nightmare-and so are a lot of the models. Can't win a contest to save my life. Not selling a thing on Zazzle. People don't even steal my stuff online.I was a whole lot happier for all those years with a point-n-shoot and no pressure. At least I had no expectations. I resemble those remarks! I've been shooting, "professionally," for a year and haven't been paid yet for anything. Only have a 35% acceptance on istock. Can't even get a $200.00 backyard wedding gig. No one wants their portraits done. Casting calls on MM are a nightmare-and so are a lot of the models. Can't win a contest to save my life. Not selling a thing on Zazzle. People don't even steal my stuff online.

I was a whole lot happier for all those years with a point-n-shoot and no pressure. At least I had no expectations.

]]> By: bryan grant photographyhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-22166 bryan grant photography Tue, 09 Nov 2010 14:50:37 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-22166 ha ha ha ha ha ha

]]> By: Saphronhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-17529 Saphron Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:34:16 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-17529 @Carl - "anybody with a kit lens dslr thinks they can get a picture." You're half right. But the truth is, it does not always require more than a dslr & kit lens to "get the picture." Focusing on the rules and honing good technique will get you much farther than just believing the hype and buying a $2000 camera.My aunt purchased a Canon EOS 50D and hasn't done anything with it in a whole year besides laugh about how she still doesn't know how to use it. Those are the kinds of people you should be annoyed at. Someone like myself, I simply can't afford more than an entry-level - but I love what I do and my photos reflect that. @Carl - "anybody with a kit lens dslr thinks they can get a picture." You're half right. But the truth is, it does not always require more than a dslr & kit lens to "get the picture." Focusing on the rules and honing good technique will get you much farther than just believing the hype and buying a $2000 camera.

My aunt purchased a Canon EOS 50D and hasn't done anything with it in a whole year besides laugh about how she still doesn't know how to use it. Those are the kinds of people you should be annoyed at. Someone like myself, I simply can't afford more than an entry-level - but I love what I do and my photos reflect that.

]]> By: Danhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-16950 Dan Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:06:01 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-16950 This is laugh out loud funny, it got me from the first bar. Ive thought about alot of them and almost gave in, but if its a passion you got to hang in there, even if it hurts when you laugh This is laugh out loud funny, it got me from the first bar. Ive thought about alot of them and almost gave in, but if its a passion you got to hang in there, even if it hurts when you laugh

]]> By: RandomPhotographyhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-16777 RandomPhotography Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:59:50 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-16777 This article is: So funny So true! Sooo sad.Some great ones, and I'm sure many of us that do this fulltime for a living can add many, many others. But thanks for the morning laugh! This article is:
So funny
So true!
Sooo sad.

Some great ones, and I'm sure many of us that do this fulltime for a living can add many, many others. But thanks for the morning laugh!

]]> By: Guess The Lightinghttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-16542 Guess The Lighting Tue, 17 Aug 2010 15:45:58 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-16542 Funny piece. If you're interested in see how famous photographers light their images, check out:<a href="http://www.guessthelighting.com" rel="nofollow"><b>GuessTheLighting.com</b></a>It may be a reason not to quit :) Funny piece. If you're interested in see how famous photographers light their images, check out:

GuessTheLighting.com

It may be a reason not to quit :)

]]> By: Carlhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-15786 Carl Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:56:59 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-15786 anybody with a kit lens dslr thinks they can get a picture. that's the new standard. people looking at my junk vacation shots think i'm great... i wasn't even trying, just recording. i let them look at my gallery and they say "oh you must have a very good camera!" i give up i don't shoot for competition anymore, just my own prints now. anybody with a kit lens dslr thinks they can get a picture. that's the new standard. people looking at my junk vacation shots think i'm great... i wasn't even trying, just recording. i let them look at my gallery and they say "oh you must have a very good camera!" i give up i don't shoot for competition anymore, just my own prints now.

]]> By: Boudoir Photographyhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-13214 Boudoir Photography Thu, 18 Mar 2010 03:26:13 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-13214 love #23 lmao great list !Tony ;~) love #23 lmao great list !

Tony ;~)

]]> By: Tony Dezenziohttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-13173 Tony Dezenzio Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:42:55 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-13173 That's why I gave up shooting for over 25 years. People were approaching me to shoot elaborate weddings for a price that wouldn't net a weekend stay at a hotel. And yes, I've been shooting stock and assignment photography for the same amount of years. I can't believe how they lowered their standards of photography. I tried i stock and Fotolia with both rejecting my images, but yet, I have licensed those same images to high end clients. It's getting to a point were anyone using digital cameras are getting jobs that at one time were filled by professionals. That's why I gave up shooting for over 25 years. People were approaching me to shoot elaborate weddings for a price that wouldn't net a weekend stay at a hotel. And yes, I've been shooting stock and assignment photography for the same amount of years. I can't believe how they lowered their standards of photography. I tried i stock and Fotolia with both rejecting my images, but yet, I have licensed those same images to high end clients. It's getting to a point were anyone using digital cameras are getting jobs that at one time were filled by professionals.

]]> By: Steven Yunghanshttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-13165 Steven Yunghans Mon, 15 Mar 2010 03:19:03 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-13165 I shot for a newspaper for seven years before deciding the company I worked for was never going to pay me a living wage (never made more than $8 an hour, but anyway.) One of the last photography assignments I had at the paper was a local high school basketball. I've been shooting these games or years and my images became part of my reputation as a photographer. A lot of newspaper readers were buying the images and a lot of people knew who I was. I would walk into a game, pick one of my favorite spots on the floor to shoot and have at it. This game however, had SIX other photographers... Two of them high school students. They were all over the place, a few of them were using flashes (a big no-no under sectional rules.) Thankfully, they didn't take the spots I usually use for shooting basketball but it bothered me that they were there, that there were so many, and none of them had any kind of credentials.Yes, DSLRs are in a range now where just about anyone can get one. I see a lot of Canon's out there (I shoot Nikon) and while I used to see cameras just in the stands, now I'm seeing them on the sidelines and I can find their work on photo sharing sites.Occasionally some one will get a good frame, it's a matter of probability. You shoot enough you'll get a good image here and there and memory cards (and their prices) make it easy to shoot thousands of frames in a 90 minute game.I don't shoot on probability.The biggest difficulty as a professional seems to be overcoming the prevalence of cheaper alternatives to my services. Yes, you can buy a $300 digital camera from a box store and shoot your friend's wedding then upload the photos to a commercial photo sharing site where you can order prints. I tried one of these sites once to see what the quality was like. It was a quick turnaround, but I can print better images on my Epson. I shot for a newspaper for seven years before deciding the company I worked for was never going to pay me a living wage (never made more than $8 an hour, but anyway.) One of the last photography assignments I had at the paper was a local high school basketball. I've been shooting these games or years and my images became part of my reputation as a photographer. A lot of newspaper readers were buying the images and a lot of people knew who I was. I would walk into a game, pick one of my favorite spots on the floor to shoot and have at it. This game however, had SIX other photographers... Two of them high school students. They were all over the place, a few of them were using flashes (a big no-no under sectional rules.)
Thankfully, they didn't take the spots I usually use for shooting basketball but it bothered me that they were there, that there were so many, and none of them had any kind of credentials.

Yes, DSLRs are in a range now where just about anyone can get one. I see a lot of Canon's out there (I shoot Nikon) and while I used to see cameras just in the stands, now I'm seeing them on the sidelines and I can find their work on photo sharing sites.

Occasionally some one will get a good frame, it's a matter of probability. You shoot enough you'll get a good image here and there and memory cards (and their prices) make it easy to shoot thousands of frames in a 90 minute game.

I don't shoot on probability.

The biggest difficulty as a professional seems to be overcoming the prevalence of cheaper alternatives to my services. Yes, you can buy a $300 digital camera from a box store and shoot your friend's wedding then upload the photos to a commercial photo sharing site where you can order prints. I tried one of these sites once to see what the quality was like. It was a quick turnaround, but I can print better images on my Epson.

]]> By: Paul Conradhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-13009 Paul Conrad Thu, 04 Mar 2010 19:15:49 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-13009 #22 is my fave.@lizzieb I'm with you on that one.Thanks Pete for the funny article. #22 is my fave.

@lizzieb I'm with you on that one.

Thanks Pete for the funny article.

]]> By: chuckhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-13003 chuck Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:46:24 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-13003 Peter, thanks for making my day. I actually know about 20 people who fit into these categories..... Peter, thanks for making my day. I actually know about 20 people who fit into these categories.....

]]> By: scott trimblehttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-13002 scott trimble Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:36:55 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-13002 #26 When socializing, your wife takes another drink and cries when she explains what her husband does for a living! #26 When socializing, your wife takes another drink and cries when she explains what her husband does for a living!

]]> By: Bernie Greene Sussex photographerhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-12967 Bernie Greene Sussex photographer Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:41:30 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-12967 Loved it. Especially #9. Loved it. Especially #9.

]]> By: Peter Phunhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-12939 Peter Phun Sat, 27 Feb 2010 06:56:47 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-12939 Thanks for the feedback everyone.@Jerome van Passel, at least your old bartending job pays and you get tips. My current position, being Mr. Mom, means I'm always on the clock. Hang on to the camera and stay strong.By the way if anyone is interested, #1 is true by the way. I tried submitting some pictures to iStock and they rejected my images, not once, but at least 3 times. Something about the images having too much artifacts--the digital kind.@Jacobite, when that mead is ready to drink, let me know. Thanks for the feedback everyone.

@Jerome van Passel, at least your old bartending job pays and you get tips. My current position, being Mr. Mom, means I'm always on the clock. Hang on to the camera and stay strong.

By the way if anyone is interested,
#1 is true by the way. I tried submitting some pictures to iStock and they rejected my images, not once, but at least 3 times. Something about the images having too much artifacts--the digital kind.

@Jacobite, when that mead is ready to drink, let me know.

]]> By: Lisa Dorrieshttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-12902 Lisa Dorries Thu, 25 Feb 2010 04:04:09 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-12902 lizzieb, i am with you. I started taking pics BD (before digital). And while there are many things I enjoy about digital photography - as opposed to using film and all that entails - I am not a fan of sitting on my computer tweaking photographs. lizzieb, i am with you. I started taking pics BD (before digital). And while there are many things I enjoy about digital photography - as opposed to using film and all that entails - I am not a fan of sitting on my computer tweaking photographs.

]]> By: Jerome van Passelhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-12895 Jerome van Passel Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:56:57 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-12895 Peter, you made your point. Does anybody want to buy a very used DSLR? I'll go back to my old job, being a bar tender and try to get my old habit back of drinking and smoking to much. Peter, you made your point. Does anybody want to buy a very used DSLR? I'll go back to my old job, being a bar tender and try to get my old habit back of drinking and smoking to much.

]]> By: Tony Dezenziohttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-12894 Tony Dezenzio Wed, 24 Feb 2010 16:34:06 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-12894 It all seems funny, but we have to be serious about this. My photography is my business, having to pay my bills depends on it. A new business module has to be created. If you are going to charge a client a fee for you work, you should be certified. Anyone can get a business license, but are they really qualified for the job? Just my two cents worth! It all seems funny, but we have to be serious about this. My photography is my business, having to pay my bills depends on it. A new business module has to be created. If you are going to charge a client a fee for you work, you should be certified. Anyone can get a business license, but are they really qualified for the job? Just my two cents worth!

]]> By: David Shttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-12883 David S Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:46:56 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-12883 LOL Well it's a good thing we can laugh about it.Jerry had a couple good ones too!How about -Local Chamber of Commerce sourcing images from Flickr for $0. When you're a member!!What the.... LOL Well it's a good thing we can laugh about it.

Jerry had a couple good ones too!

How about -Local Chamber of Commerce sourcing images from Flickr for $0. When you're a member!!

What the....

]]> By: Jennifer Lynnhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-12871 Jennifer Lynn Tue, 23 Feb 2010 03:32:50 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-12871 #22 made me laugh out loud! #22 made me laugh out loud!

]]> By: Jaydehttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-12864 Jayde Mon, 22 Feb 2010 21:49:15 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-12864 That's funny stuff! I intend to look around your site some more as I am actually attempting to become a professional photographer. Hoping you might have some helpful info! That's funny stuff! I intend to look around your site some more as I am actually attempting to become a professional photographer. Hoping you might have some helpful info!

]]> By: Jerry Swansonhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-12863 Jerry Swanson Mon, 22 Feb 2010 19:17:00 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-12863 I will add my list.Government providing stimulus money used to paint bridges and providing new light poles instead of using money for commercial projects.A magazine offering $50 per photo for an interiors image.Photography students not understanding the local job market.Architectural firms on the cheap sending architects to photograph completed projects instead of using professional photographers.The last time an engineer purchased photography was for a wedding. I will add my list.

Government providing stimulus money used to paint bridges and providing new light poles instead of using money for commercial projects.

A magazine offering $50 per photo for an interiors image.

Photography students not understanding the local job market.

Architectural firms on the cheap sending architects to photograph completed projects instead of using professional photographers.

The last time an engineer purchased photography was for a wedding.

]]> By: PamRhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-12859 PamR Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:13:55 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-12859 my sides are splitting! and sadly true on many accounts. but then again on those days I am not all there I have been known to pull up the camera to check my meter settings and realize I forgot to turn it on. I call it lost in the moment! but on a serious note I have to admit it is frustrating when someone contacts you because they "LOVE" your work but then have their BFF do the shoot for free. The biggest problem that I see in photography, due to the digital influx, is the accessibility of hardware and software that can cover a lack of talent or experience. And then because everyone thinks they can take a great photo cause mom said so that they are somehow qualified technically and artistically cause they bought that new fancy schmancy camera and the new photoshop. It is tiring at times explaining why you use a professional verses uncle bob. They think that their bud can "emulate" your work. So I guess we all just have to try harder and scream louder. my sides are splitting! and sadly true on many accounts. but then again on those days I am not all there I have been known to pull up the camera to check my meter settings and realize I forgot to turn it on. I call it lost in the moment! but on a serious note I have to admit it is frustrating when someone contacts you because they "LOVE" your work but then have their BFF do the shoot for free. The biggest problem that I see in photography, due to the digital influx, is the accessibility of hardware and software that can cover a lack of talent or experience. And then because everyone thinks they can take a great photo cause mom said so that they are somehow qualified technically and artistically cause they bought that new fancy schmancy camera and the new photoshop. It is tiring at times explaining why you use a professional verses uncle bob. They think that their bud can "emulate" your work. So I guess we all just have to try harder and scream louder.

]]> By: Harry, ExposedPlanet.comhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-12855 Harry, ExposedPlanet.com Mon, 22 Feb 2010 17:20:35 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-12855 Haha, great list. #27 when the number of websites about photography you visit is higher than the number of photos you take ;-) Haha, great list. #27 when the number of websites about photography you visit is higher than the number of photos you take ;-)

]]> By: Derek Cookhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-12839 Derek Cook Mon, 22 Feb 2010 03:12:23 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-12839 ... anyone wanna buy a Lock Ness photo??.. 8^) ... anyone wanna buy a Lock Ness photo??.. 8^)

]]> By: Jacobitehttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-12822 Jacobite Sun, 21 Feb 2010 11:47:06 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-12822 This list is straight from my life!! Add to it that why is when I see the Loch Ness Monster giving a piggy-back to Elvis, Mark Bolan and the Yeti I don't have my camera!!!!Time to become a monk and make some mead!!!!! This list is straight from my life!! Add to it that why is when I see the Loch Ness Monster giving a piggy-back to Elvis, Mark Bolan and the Yeti I don't have my camera!!!!

Time to become a monk and make some mead!!!!!

]]> By: lizziebhttp://rising.blackstar.com/it-may-be-time-to-give-up-photography-if.html/comment-page-1#comment-12789 lizzieb Fri, 19 Feb 2010 21:27:20 +0000 http://rising.blackstar.com/?p=10220#comment-12789 I wonder if I should still call myself a photographer since I went digital. I take a good photo but fail miserably with the computer. It's a love-hate relationship. I love the technology and what you can do in Photoshop but I'm not sure I'll ever be proficient enough to keep up. I'm the sad one who shells out the big bucks for a computer & software she can't work. I'm not giving up, though. Do you think there's a whole community of us old photographer-tech wanna be's? I wonder if I should still call myself a photographer since I went digital. I take a good photo but fail miserably with the computer. It's a love-hate relationship. I love the technology and what you can do in Photoshop but I'm not sure I'll ever be proficient enough to keep up. I'm the sad one who shells out the big bucks for a computer & software she can't work. I'm not giving up, though. Do you think there's a whole community of us old photographer-tech wanna be's?

]]>