First cameras became simple and cheap and many decided to be their own amateur photographer. Then digital photography took over and the average person can now take the pictures and print the results cheaper than they formerly let others do it. Yet, here are some reasons why being the chief photographer isn’t always best at all.
If you are the one to record an event like a family reunion, you know the bondage of always feeling like you must be looking for the perfect shot. To be good you must think like a photographer. Have you ever taken so much time to get a shot that you missed the event? Recently our son called to tell us our granddaughter was in a parade streamed from the TV station on the Internet. I spent the time trying to get the camera to focus on the TV and missed seeing her. Sometimes, it’s best to just let others bother with all that so you can enjoy the event first hand.
Agreed, the electronics in cameras make them very versatile. However, the more ‘stuff’ a camera can do, the more there is to keep track of. What do all those little pictures on top of the camera mean? How do you turn the auto focus or flash off and on? What does P, TV, Av, or M stand for? Of course you can look them up in the manual but unless you keep using the features, you will forget and then they are as if not present on the camera.
Then too, if you are going to be the photographer, you will have to get behind people, stand up when others are seated, and basically make yourself obnoxious at times so you can get the perfect angle. Then it’s hard to find people who enjoy the camera pointing at them every other minute. You may well be required to prod and cajole them into smiling just once more. Why not let someone else be the bad guy for a change?
All right, you do become the chief photographer at an important event. Now guess who will get requests for CDs full of pictures, as if you have plenty of free time to dedicate to this. Or you might spend your time sending the pictures to others via email or posting them on a webpage.
It is not just a matter of time either. Though digital photography need never be printed, some friends simply don’t have access to this media. They will probably want you to print the pictures and this means lots of expensive ink and paper. Are you without a printer? In that case, make sure you get one that has six or more different color cartridges since you will be replacing each one often.
If you want to look touristy, you will if you have a camera hanging around your neck and you take plenty of pictures. And don’t be surprised if people decide your pictures are more important to you than they are.
If you have a small car repair problem, you probably fix it yourself. But if you need a new water heater, you call the experts. This principle also applies to photography. Don’t get rid of your camera. But also relax and enjoy life and, at least sometimes, let others make the photo recordings.
When you want your photos done right, choosing the best photographer for your needs is worth the investment. If you follow the principles above, you will likely be glad you had it done professionally. Del Haven Studio is the location of an experienced Virginia Beach Photographer who is very skilled – as you can see from her website portfolio.
