This article is from 2nd issue of OTS E-Magazine  - pages 90-93

To Be or Not To Be

Written by Photographer Len Bennet – LB DIGITAL DESIGNS – OTS 26500

During the Holiday season, many people will receive a new camera as a gift and set out to become a professional photographer.  That new camera will be opened with the expectations that money can be made by simply pressing a button on the camera and downloading the files to a PC.  I hate to bust your bubble but it really does not work that way at all if you want to become a professional photographer.

The first thing you must learn in order to become a pro is how your camera operates, you must become familiar with shutter speed, aperture, ISO and white balance.  You not only must know that they are but you must know how they work and when to adjust them to get the desired results.  My advice to anyone that desires to shoot on a professional level is to do research, practice and invest in time that it takes to sharpen your skills before you put yourself out as a professional.  The worst thing you can do as a pro is scratch your head in front of a client because you have no idea what you are doing.  People pay professionals good earned money to deliver quality images and they expect quality for their dollar, especially in these hard economic times.  Quality images are the goal of a professional Photographer, the best way to deliver quality images is to learn to shoot in Manual Mode.  I was like everyone else as I started on Auto Mode just pressing buttons and praying for a great picture, the truth of the matter is I only got sub par pictures.  Auto mode on a camera is designed to have the camera make all the decisions for you about the scene and how the camera thinks the image should look.  When you shoot on Auto Model you are limited on both how your image will look as well as how serious people will take you as a professional. Professional photographers shoot in Manual Model because it gives them complete control of the camera while allowing them to manipulate the exposure and wow the client with amazing results.

There are many options when it comes to learning more about your camera and the fundamentals of photography.  May advice, find a way that works best for you when it comes to the education part of things.  Some people like going to classes and seminars while others benefit from books and videos.  No-matter how you learn, just take the time to learn until it becomes second nature. Thousands of people fall into the category of “Guy with a Camera”, but only the dedicated and educated are Professional Photographers.  Good luck and happy shooting.

Len Bennet