The Truth about Being a Photographer

July 30, 2012

These “What society thinks I do” memes were really popular a month or so ago. You could find them all over facebook showcasing a variety of professions. And I have to admit I found myself amused by the two you see below this post because there is strangely and a lot of truth hidden in this subtle statement through imagery.

There tends to be this glamorized view of what being a photographer means. People often look at photographers like myself as just someone with a camera, anyone could do it – or that our job is so easy. We just show up, take pictures and go back home, and from the outside I can totally understand why it may seem that way. But the truth is – this job is far from glamorous or easy!

I think a lot of photographers go into business with the desire to help people. The hope to help them capture something very precious to them. And today – it’s so easy for new photographers to jump into business without fully understanding how many hours they will be working a week or how much they need to charge to actually run a business. They just want to help others by taking photos. But there is so much more to this job!

When a photographer charges $30, $40, or $50 for and 8×10 – it’s not because they’re trying to rip you off. It’s not to make an easy buck. That’s what we have to charge to make that piece of artwork for you. When you go to a professional photographer you’re paying them for their expertise and skill. Each image takes time to create during the session. It takes time to download it to the computer and then to go through and edit/retouch that photo. It takes time to show you that image, place your order, send it to the lab, and prepare it to deliver it to you. Not to mention the equipment and software that is require to create that quality image for you.

While many of you work 8 am to 5 pm and get to come home at 5 o’clock and shut your brain off from work mode…. we self-employed photographers don’t get that luxury. We work LONG hours! Often – we don’t get to shut off…. and when we do – we’ve actually scheduled that work-free time into our day. I know that I, personally, get up in the morning and immediately start working. I may take a couple 15 minute breaks during the day but I’ll be working until at least 11 at night if not later. (And if you don’t believe me – ask my husband. Haha)

You may be wondering, what we do to take up so much time. Well – we’re editing photos, designing collages, designing albums, creating products, paying our bills, creating invoices, keeping track of our expenses and purchasing, filing taxes, paying taxes, creating samples for our studio, creating marketing materials, mailing marketing materials, updating our websites, writing blogs, posting to facebook, creating galleries, placing orders, … and the list goes on and on…

I’m not saying all of this to complain about my job because I sincerely love what I do. I just want very much for all of you to understand that this job isn’t glamorous. I don’t have tons of free time. And I’m definitely not rolling in dough. We do this because we love it. We do it because it’s what we’re made to do. And we charge what we have to so we can continue to be here for you year after year to capture all those important memories and milestones! Is it expensive to have a professional photographer take your photograph? Yes – but isn’t it worth it? To know that you are in the hands of someone who will take exceptionally good care of you and provide you with the highest quality of work?

When it comes down to it – we need you! We need your support! And we need you to understand the value of what we do! Because if the value of hiring a professional is lost and everyone starts going to the cheapest person on the block – you know, that new girl who just bought a camera and decided to start taking photos and selling the disk for just $25? If everyone starts going to those snapshooters – before you know it all the professionals will be gone, and you won’t be able to get those high quality photos that you’ll cherish forever.

So from the bottom of my heart – THANK YOU! To all my amazing clients who love and support me and come back to Green Tree Media again and again! We truly do appreciate you! Everything we do to improve ourselves is to make your experience and your products better! So here’s to another amazing Monday! 🙂