Oh dear. I saw this on the DWF Wedding Photography Blog and just couldn’t let it go without comment.
2009 Top Home Based Business Ideas
At Home Photography Business: Running a photography business from home is, by far, the best business idea of 2009, simply because it does not require any special training or specialization or expertise of any kind, requires no initial investment and anyone can do it. Unlike some home businesses, this one gives everyone the opportunity to start their own business and become an entrepreneur. And, what’s more, since this business idea still in infancy stage and has not been adopted by many, it is still a niche business idea, which makes it the most lucrative and attractive home-based business idea of the year. Find out more on how to Start a Photography Business here.
Emphasis mine, and my feelings on this can best be summed up as: oh.
Long form: (1) this is wrong, (2) this is insulting, and (3) this sentiment is the reason people devalue photography.
1. Simply put, photography does require expertise. In terms of wedding photography, do you really want someone who is just picking up a camera for the first time in charge of capturing the images of your special day? Consumers clearly expect some level of skill in their photographers. Anyone can play the piano too, but not by simply buying one. It takes time, talent, a little luck, and practice, practice, practice. Photography is no different, and just like owning a piano doesn’t make you a pianist, owning a camera doesn’t make you a photographer.
Photography also requires an investment. Now, I’m a firm believer that the photographer takes the photo, not the camera, but nevertheless equipment does matter. Quality output comes from quality input. You can’t take a photograph without a camera, and would you really be satisfied with someone with a $100 Casio point and shoot? Consumers clearly expect some level of equipment in their photographers, and this equipment does not come cheap. The point is, it is plain to see that the assertion that photography requires neither skill nor investment is completely false.
2. A wedding is a major milestone in life, and of all the things a couple will plan for their day – food, flowers, etc – the photos are all that lasts. Doubtless your friends and family will snap a few good shots, but they also want to enjoy your wedding! In all honestly the people I know who have opted out of professional photos in favour of friends or cheaper photography have only come away disappointed; actually, photography is often cited by brides as one of the biggest regrets of their wedding day – namely having skimped on a photographer and picked someone who is cheap because “anyone can do it.” Indeed, most people can aim a camera, but can they do it well? It is insulting to tell a professional photographer that their talents are mundane and that anyone could do as well. Ouch.
3. Because people are told in articles such as this that anyone can take consistently great photos (on one of the biggest days or your life!) and that photographers are all overpriced, overpaid millionaires, it seems that increasingly the lowest bidder is selected rather than the photographer whose work speaks to you the most. You want someone with experience, someone with great equipment, and you want to pay them bargain basement prices? I think I will have to write a longer post on the topic of wedding photography prices in the future, but for now let me just say that this is entirely unrealistic. As with any other industry, you get what you pay for, and wedding photography isn’t as lucrative as the narrative makes it seem.
Alright, lecture over. Here’s a pretty photo!
fredericton wedding photographer - hibou photo
