What Makes a Pro a “Pro”?

Recently, I’ve been thinking a great deal about what makes professional photographers “professional photographers,” primarily because of a series of ads by Nikon for their new D 40 camera system. The premise of the ads is that the D 40 is such a great camera, it enables the average person to achieve great images. Well, I wonder. It’s a compelling campaign platform, though. For the average consumer to be able to take great snapshots of their life to share with family would be really cool. Even for someone who is just passionate about taking pictures, the message is exciting. Right?

Well, then I got to thinking about how this might impact the professional photographer, many of who are struggling with the effect digital has had on their business and their lives. For consumers to have access to better and better cameras that produce images with quality astonishingly close to professional levels is just plain scary. The rise of the “prosumer” is something that has caused great concern, particularly for many wedding photographers. It’s tough out there! We hear all too frequently about how one of our clients lost a wedding to a cousin, friend, or DJ who has the same camera, but charged a minimal fee to shoot a wedding -- and then just handed the bride a CD!

So, what is it really that makes a professional photographer different from a prosumer? Well, many things. First and foremost, the professional has a gift for making good images great. The real professional understands how a multitude of things, including lighting, posing, environment, etc., will make or break a shot. They understand the technical aspects of photography that “Uncle Joe” doesn’t even begin to know! And most of all, professional photographers have a rare gift for seeing what many of us don’t. It’s that gift that makes them different.

I’ve grown up in this business my whole life. I’ve been surrounded by amazing photographers and understand a considerable amount about photography. Over the last decade, my career as an Art Director has added to that knowledge. However, I am not a photographer. I’m passionate about photography, though. Simply put, if you handed me a Canon Mark III, it would take me a year to figure out all the amazing things I’ve heard it can do. More importantly, even if I knew how to take advantage of its remarkable features, would I be able to produce amazing images? I probably could pop off some decent images, and I’m sure the image quality would be excellent. But amazing? Not this girl. I just don’t have the gift that other people have to see the extraordinary. Put the same camera into someone else’s hands, like Helmut Newton, and now you have astounding images that people will marvel at.

The same theory applies to other arts. I might have all the tools, like canvas and paint, but the odds of me creating a Picasso are slim to none. So I think I’ll stick to my day job. And in the mean time, my admiration for those amazingly talented professional photographers continues to grow.

Remember, it’s not what you’re holding in your hand that makes the difference; it’s the vision, talent and passion you bring to each and every shot.

Ciao,
Miche