First cameras became simple and cheap and many decided to be their own amateur photographer. Then with digital photography so accessible, the average person can not only take the pictures, but print them or distribute them online for little cost. Yet, sometimes it’s just good to leave the photography to others, and here are some reasons why.
The first problem with being the chief photographer is that you must always be looking for the ‘perfect shot’ instead of enjoying what is happening. If you’re going to do a good job, you must think like a photographer. Too often you realize that, after all was done, you had the pictures without even enjoying the reason you were there? Recently we learned that our granddaughter would be in a parade that would be streamed on the Internet. I grabbed the camera but missed seeing her because I was trying to focus the camera. I wish I had just enjoyed the moment and waited until they sent the pictures.
It is true that, with all the electronics, cameras today can be very easy to use. However, it can be difficult to keep straight how to make the camera do what you want. What do the icons on top of the knobs mean? How do you turn the auto focus or flash off and on? What does TV, P, M, or Av mean? 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. Further, many people are self-conscious and don’t like their picture taken. When they don’t smile, you may need to almost bribe or shame them into posing. Why not let someone else be the bad guy for a change?
So you do it anyway and get a camera full of shots. Now as the hero others will be bothering you with requests for CDs of the shots, thinking you have lots of free time. Or they may be sending you an email asking you to post the pictures online or send them as attachments to your email.
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. For them you will need to buy photographic paper and lots of ink for your printer. Did you say you don’t have a printer? If not, be sure to get one that has multiple ink cartridges so that they can be replaced individually when all the relatives keep asking for more prints.
If you want to look touristy, you will if you have a camera hanging around your neck and you take plenty of pictures. Oh, and don’t be shocked if people are offended that your picture taking seems to be more important than they are.
If you have a small car repair problem, you probably fix it yourself. But if a major problem arises, you call a plumber to fix it. This principle also applies to photography. Of course you don’t want to throw away 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.