gfinlayson Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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p.2 #9 · p.2 #9 · Current standards for a professional photographer ? | |
What defines a pro photographer is an interesting debate. As someone with a full-time regular (non-photography) job, who loves photography and earns some income from it, here's my take: (BTW, I don't consider myself a 'professional photographer', rather a 'photographer who's professional')
First and foremost, it's about not letting your client down:
To me this means not taking on gigs beyond your capability. Not getting paid because of poor results is the least of my worries. Fluffing a gig and disappointing someone is a much bigger deal for me. Ensuring you have contingency. All the tools required to execute the job and stuff you probably won't need but pack 'just in case' plus backup gear. Bodies, lenses, flashes, batteries, cards. You'd be surprised at the number of 'pros' I've come across shooting weddings with one camera body, never mind the ones with only one battery and one memory card.....
Image backup and archive. If my house burns down, can I still deliver the images? If my client's house burns down, can I supply a replacement album or replacement prints?
Acting professionally. Being polite, courteous and honest to your client (and their guests). I've seen some so-called professional wedding photographers who were exceptionally arrogant and rude towards their clients' guests. Having defined and agreed expectations on both sides. Delivering images of an appropriate quality within an agreed timescale and being realistic about print delivery if it's requested. Delivering quality prints from a quality lab.
Having the requisite insurances -
Equipment insurance. Still being able to deliver tomorrow's gig if I drop a camera and lens on the floor, or on the bottom of a lake today.
Public liability and professional indemnity insurances. Goes without saying.
Other statutory requirements. Here in the UK, if I use mains powered gear (e.g. studio strobes), it has to be electrically tested and certified periodically.
To me, these are the minimum standards for a 'professional'. Feel free to chime in on anything I've missed.
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