"Pro Wanna-be" Interesting discussion on FM...

http://www.fredmiranda​.com/forum/topic/56799​4

Share your thoughts.

I read the article and saved a copy of the PDF. I think that while low end amateurs might be hurting shooters whose price point is around 1K to 1.5K, they aren't really going to affect the 3K+ crowd. Those people are in an entirely different price point and attract a different clientele.

Great article, and even more interesting discussion in the forum.
I am a wannabee, but I work very, very hard at what I do. I work on photos and learning about photography at 30hours a week, and that's on top of my day job. A year and half ago I knew very little about iso,aperture, shutterspeed techniques and even less about lighting. I would like to think that through all of the classes, hard work and research that I will eventually earn my way to becoming a pro. It all has to start somewhere. I realize that when I am photographing someone that they have put all the responsibility on me to get the job done the right way and the first time. I also believe that a photograph should be taken correctly with the camera first and to never rely on phooshop. Just my two cents. i have a girlfriend who is considered a pro, but doesn't know have the stuff I have learned.
My question is to the pros...at what point will we know we have reached that level and earned your respect?

morlia wrote in post #3856426
My question is to the pros...at what point will we know we have reached that level and earned your respect?

I've wondered that too. I'm a wannabe, or maybe a shouldn't-be, but when do you make the call? I guess it's all better than being a has-been...

morlia wrote in post #3856426
My question is to the pros...at what point will we know we have reached that level and earned your respect?

As a full-time wanna-be myself, I'd like to know the answer to this as well.

I like how the author added this as his closing remarks... everyone shouts out when they see someone undercutting, but isn't that the spirit of capitalism? I'd hire someone to shoot my wedding if they've got a great product, but if there's a little guy out there that can provide the same service for a few hundred dollars cheaper... well, you'd be crazy not to take the deal.

"My approach is a non-judgmental one. I treat every individual promoting themselves (wannabe or not) as competition. The more vying for the piece of the pie, the more you have to step your game up. So I have to stay visible in the client's eye. The goal is to find a way to get the next job through research, direct marketing, and networking."
Jerry Metellus, Jerry Metellus Photography Inc., www.jerrymetellus.com, Las Vegas, NV

I printed the article also but haven't had time to read it yet - I operate in the $1k - 3K category for the most part and I do feel periodic pressure from "new blood" coming in. Sometimes the high end shopper will buy $3K+ worth of service from me so then it's not an issue.

But newcomers have always been the case and that keeps me on my toes to produce, stay well educated (thank you POTN friends !) offer more service and produce a top quality product. I don't begrudge the noobies their share..... just DON"T pass yourself off for something you are not, and certainly don't mislead a client about your level of service.

liza wrote in post #3856290
I read the article and saved a copy of the PDF. I think that while low end amateurs might be hurting shooters whose price point is around 1K to 1.5K, they aren't really going to affect the 3K+ crowd. Those people are in an entirely different price point and attract a different clientele.

morlia wrote in post #3856426
My question is to the pros...at what point will we know we have reached that level and earned your respect?

Me too...

morlia wrote in post #3856426
My question is to the pros...at what point will we know we have reached that level and earned your respect?

I don't give a poo about any so-called pro's respect as long as I can make a client happy.

Having said that, I've yet to be out and out disrespected by a pro...at least to my face or heard about it via the proverbial grapevine.

cdifoto wrote in post #3857814
I don't give a poo about any so-called pro's respect as long as I can make a client happy.

Having said that, I've yet to be out and out disrespected by a pro...at least to my face or heard about it via the proverbial grapevine.

I agree. I think this is really mostly a topic for internet discussion. Any pro I've met in real life has been helpful beyond what I ever could have asked. A complete stranger leant me an extra battery and charger when she found out I was doing my first wedding with one battery. A guy I met in town who just moved here and is re-establishing his business 2 hours from where it was offered to help me out when obviously his own business is taking a lot of work right now. I've only met one pro who has a bad attitude toward competition, and he's kind of just crusty in general...

Oh but you will never earn the respect unless you've taken art or have a degree in photography! Trust me, grades on a paper speaks more volume than the results for some people.

I'm a little confused now... what criteria outlines a "Pro?"

Shultsjh wrote in post #3857737
I like how the author added this as his closing remarks... everyone shouts out when they see someone undercutting, but isn't that the spirit of capitalism?

These discussions only happen because too many photographers don't understand capitalism.

Does Starbucks complain when the diner across the street sells coffee for 1/5 the price? Does the owner of the diner care about earning the "respect" of Starbucks?

I think it's really sad that they would publish something like this....calling newcomers "wannabes" and claiming they are "stealing" weddings.

Here's my response.
I've already written to them and I'd encourage you to do the same.

Any pro that demands respect isn;t a Pro. He's a photographer that makes money.

A Pro mentors. They have a succession plan for their business. They participate in local photographic events fostering growth of the industry. Heck they might even be part of their local club.

A Pro that demands respect and puts nothing back into the community that they were born out of is doing nothing for photography. Leech.