This Is Why You Are STILL Shooting Like An Amateur Even Though You Spent Thousands On Gear

Amen

So true

Can someone please suggest weblinks/ youtube training you to use your Canon 70D? Thanks in advance!

This is why I don’t tell people I’m a photographer “oh you shoot photos, tell me, how amazing is the Canon T3i? It’s like, so amazing, I can like take out the screen on the back so I can see better, its so cool, I don’t even understand what an iso is but its cool, everything is set on auto so I can just take pics like the pros” makes my skin crawl.

And spelling like an “amateuer” as well. Proofreading, anyone?

Excuse my typo Elliott- 🙂 I caught it earlier and corrected it on the site. Facebook won’t allow me to correct a link title once the post has been made.

My wife is a school teacher and would shame me to no end 🙂

Do you understand how to shoot in manual mode yet George Silva?

George, just go to YouTube and Google and type Canon 70D tutorials and you will come up with much stuff. Also go check out the Canon site for info

Yes i do. I guess my question is, how do I maximize all the cameras functions (lighting situations, like outdoors)
I tend to learn faster when I watch instruction videos.

I really like the lack of actual help this article is giving. George Silva do you actually even know what a camera is? Ha ha Nothing like a douchy comment to make you want to buy the publication.

There are a lot of tutorials on our website George. For example how to shoot midday in harsh sunlight. Once you know how to shoot in manual the camera model really doesn’t matter. You just need to learn the correct settings for what you’re trying to accomplish. Check photography tips on our website.

George doesn’t need to buy anything Benjamin. All of the videos and articles on our site are free to watch. Don’t be a ….

Ha ha ha

🙂

I like my camera i just need to learn the settings. Takes awful pics at night or on stage shows that you can use flash in

I am guilty of this to a certain extent but I have been taking pictures for 25 years now. DSLRs have improved my pictures immensely because I get immediate feedback.

There are a lot of free resources out there to learn Stephen. This site being one of them.

What terrible advice. You don’t tell someone to give up on their passion and dream. The way to excel is too be different not do what others tell you to do or not to do.

This person needs my current camera…a Casio Ex-Z1000 … just a simple 10mp point-zoom-and shoot. Its not much, but I took it to my son’s wedding, and got some great shots, just by remembering simple photo principles…like posing…centering… TIMING, get those smiles! not cutting peoples body parts off! ..and being candid … some of my shots, id say, looked pretty much as good as the pro-photog that was hired for thousands ( he was so worth it though!)
With all there is to be learned on these websites, UP is the only way I can go 🙂

A real artist can create memorable work, even with a smartphone. A poser can’t, and makes up snarky memes to generate clicks instead.

Just look at some of the Facebook photography groups (especially anything car related) and see how true this is !…lol

This link is designed to appeal to your insecurities as a way to advertise to you.

While I’d agree that “assuming your gear will do all the work” is in fact a poor assumption, I’ve got to say that I didn’t really get the “this is why” out of that article. To me, the reasons provided basically seemed to restate the title with slightly shifting perspective.

Was really looking for the author’s take on specific “mistakes” in terms of actually *shooting* to see if there was anything new to be learned – perhaps cautions on focusing, metering, composition, tricky lighting or somesuch.

I shoot like a pro even with my iPhone. Why? Because I have been doing photography professionally for 24 years. I apprenticed under a pro. I studied under more pros. I took classes. I joined professional organizations. I shot, and shot, and shot. I studied more. I earned the reputation of a pro. Not by what gear I had, but by proving myself year after year.

They can’t even spell amateur correctly. This site has nothing for a true pro. Past articles prove that their writers and editors are at best amateurs themselves with no real skills. Just ignore them.

The writer assumes that a lot of us are doing our research before shelling out the bucks and that it ends there. I’m sorry, but before we take that “photo walk” we’re all doing what’s called upgrades. Even before the upgrade arrives in the mail or we leave the store, we already have 1) a good idea on what it can do and 2) how to use it – beyond auto. Kind of felt like the writer takes us for lazy and dumb rather than the other way around.

Agree. Nothing substantive in this article whatsoever.

This is an article that has such powerful truth to it .. A real photographer can shoot with an oatmeal can pinhole camera a create beautiful imagery .. If image makers read more about the image makers that came before and the philosophy they used like Jerry Uelsmann’s post print visualization.. Diane Arbus interacting with the subject or Henri Cartier-Bresson sitting in a spot for hours waiting for the proper moment of human geometry.. Then you begin to make a photograph not a take a picture .. Making a photograph has never been about the latest gear or what f stops or shutter speeds those are vehicles to achieving the end result a photograph that last long beyond you

It’s back to the idea of the 10,000 hrs theory .. If you are willing to put 10,000 into anything that is how you gain mastery

This article is actually talking down to people who want to learn instead of being truly helpful. So people had gear envy and wanted the best bang for their buck. I would be surprised if the author hasn’t done the same. There is time for that and then there is time for actual shooting ant learning the camera inside and out and reading the manual over and over again: Google is your friend for when you are stumped. Shot and don’t be afraid to fail.

Sorry, I just think this was a waste of time and could do more damage even if not author’s intent.

I think “real” photographers sometimes forget they weren’t at one point and did everything th author is saying don’t do.

Being photographers doesn’t excuse sloppy editing. Maybe they could spell “amateur” correctly?

Love That Book- Outliers Right

Actually Neal the article was designed to encourage you to get out and shoot/learn instead of wasting money on gear.

Jared there are many people who are “assuming your gear will do all the work”. There are a lot of articles on our site that teach things like Back Button Focus, Multiple Exposures, Auto Exposure Bracketing. If that’s what you’re looking for visit the tips section of our site.

Actually Jim my wife is a school teacher and has a misspelling pet peeve. I caught the misspelling a few minutes after I posted this. I corrected it on our web page. Facebook will not allow me to edit the title of a link once it is posted. I apologize but I crank out a lot of content and some misspellings slip through the cracks.

Well said Gabriel

You really do need an ‘eye’ too. I’ve seen people spend money on equipment and school and still take crappy photos.

Actually Gregory Colton my wife is a school teacher and has a misspelling pet peeve. I caught the misspelling a few minutes after I posted this. I corrected it on our web page. Facebook will not allow me to edit the title of a link once it is posted. I apologize but I crank out a lot of content and some misspellings slip through the cracks. Also sorry you don’t like our content. http://californiabeachphotography.com is my business site. I am a professional this is a side gig. PS most of those photos were taken with a crop sensor T4i. It’s not the gear it’s the photographer. That’s the whole point.

I think you’re missing the point Donna. It’s not to give up your dream. The point is to work on your skills instead of spending money trying to get better results.

I do think you can improve your eye though if you invest that 10,000 hours.

I’ve seen natural talent, and those without. No amount of hours can fix lack of natural talent.

I’m glad I’m a natural 🙂

Well said Sam D. Maloney

Ah. Yes, FB is can be little unforgiving. Occupational hazard. I’m a writer, editor, and content curmudgeon.

Ah. Yes, FB is can be little unforgiving. Occupational hazard. I’m a writer, editor, and content curmudgeon.

Reason # 1: You’ve spent too much time obsessing over the latest gadgets online that you don’t have time to actually shoot.

Bravo Scott Feederick

I totally co-sign that, bro!!!

A famous NY fashion photographer went to a posh dinner hosted by a socialite who commented, “I love your work, you must have one helluva camera.” After dinner as everyone was milling around the photographer thanked the socialite for dinner and said, “Dinner was fabulous, you must have one helluva oven.” I still shoot & dev my own film and was pleasntly surprised at how inexpensive medium format stuff has become. A Bronica SQ or ETRSi for a little over $100–amazing. Old manual lenses for pennies on the dollar that will fit onto newer digital bodies (yes you have to shoot full manual but I do that anyways). And the instant gratification of digital without the expense of dev film that we had to incur back in the day. These things make it a bit easier (and cheaper) to hone the skill and “shoot shoot shoot” as the article reccomends

People are too bent on technology then their feelings.

Shoot like an “Amateuer”… Yeah that makes you sound like a pro alright

It takes time to master a shot. Invest time into learning the camera itself. But I also think a mind has to be somewhat artistic to see the beauty in what others may see as ugly .

If one can get the SAME results on manuel settings on Film and a DSLR, then we’re talking Pro status. Anyone can take a photograph but only true talent can create poerty within a photograph.

This article does more to talk down to people and doesn’t give any sound advice. The title of this article should read “why you should stop trying to be a photographer.”

The big, *big* thing is that people think their photos are much better than they really are in the age of the Internet because of circles of empty praise. So many enthusiasts live for that like or list of gushing commentary on Flickr because it makes them feel validated. When in reality if they had an actual mentor or got a real honest critique in a proper setting….they would see they are really *not* the latest web sensation and should *not* quit their day job.

100,000++ line up to become the next “American Idol”….only one wins. For the most part, in photography raw talent will likely trump hard work if you lack the innate vision in the first place….

Spot on. Proper technique and knowing how to use the equipment you already have is more important than new gadgets. I would bet that 75% of the owners of “professional” equipment don’t know all the things that gear can do.

I have been a freelance photographer since 1979. I shoot whatever the client would like, within reason. I am not going to fall into the bad mouthing the “new guy with a new camera”, “because we all started as the new guy with a new camera.”
I will say this, with technology there is no reason why an up and coming photographer can’t practice everyday. Each day, get the instruction book out pick one feature on your camera, and master it.
As I said previously I have been shooting 36+ years, and when I get new equipment, that is exactly what I do. I am not rich or famous, but I am not starving either and live pretty comfortable.
AND most importantly, Stay focused on your goals.

A pretty condescending article.

Also the other day someone tried to beat me out for the position of photographer at an event by offering a price that was slightly lower, and when I discussed their gear with them they legitimately thought that an “aperture” was a piece of equipment that you could buy for your camera. I wanted to cry.

You sound kind of jealous or bitter that others get “likes” or praise in the form of Facebook comments.

I don’t care what dslr camera you use,most will do all maual if you learn how to use it. ps we never needed photoshop 20 years ago because we got it right the first time…not much of a challenge if you can fix your boo boos in post.

No Brandon, not at all jealous, just trying to bring some reality to the equation. I have been in the craft / business long enough to know that what your mom “likes” might not be anywhere near the gauge that would be needed in establishing if your image is truly “Amazing!” or not….

Absolutely spot on!

Being a “pro” only means someone actually paid you. Get over yourself and let others judge.

what’s an Amateuer?

Really, Tom? No, I beg to differ. A Professional Studio Photographer is (or sadly, WAS) someone who earns his sole living from photography. I was the person who was lucky enough to be trusted to capture milestones for families, companies, and countless others. I paid my dues and EARNED a reputation. I am reliable, consistent, and courteous. I work well under pressure. My studio has officially photographed TWO sitting presidents. I have photographed 450 weddings, and thousands of portraits and occasions. I have clicked my shutter for clients more than a MILLION times. I have logged over 50,000 hours as a photographer. The sort of mentality that you and others hold is exactly why the true profession of photography has been diluted by “pro-mateurs” who think they deserve to be called professionals simply because they have nice gear and happen to get paid for what they do.

Go team, go! No, not there. Over there. Go!

Excuse my typo Michael Shekian- I caught it 2 days ago and corrected it on the site. Facebook won’t allow me to correct a link title once the post has been made 🙂

not a problem, I enjoy catching other’s mistakes while I make tons of my own!!!

You’re not an amateuer if you ar ehere you are a learner.

You’re awesome

There are some pretty nice photos I have seen taken with a cell phone or a point and shoot.

There is always a huge gulf between equipment and what most people can do with it. Only a bad craftsman blames his tools.

Sometimes creativity blinds us to technical detail

Writing this article motivated me to go out tonight and take a few pics of my favorite subject- my son

My wife is a school teacher and typos drive her nuts 🙂

glad to see you actually follow and respond to your posts.

Someone said to me this weekend… “your camera takes really nice pictures”… so I said “thank you”. They don’t know what goes into what I do, but I sure do. I’ll take the compliment.

Might I add governors and senators and five-star hoteliers to that list as well…and once the market got diluted by so many pro-maters buying gear and setting up shop, I decided to close my studio and work from home part time, not accepting new clients. The telephone number to my old studio was moved over to a magic jack, which I never answer, but I’ve still been getting calls from people wanting my services, even though I haven’t advertised or answered the phone for three years.

Because your amateur

Put it on ‘P’ for professional mode..

Unfortunately Michael because the page is growing so fast I’m having trouble keeping up but I try 🙂

Good for you

Lenard Self Made Bennett – Read it bro .

Lol

Lol

– I’m for real , it will help you .

Some people refuse to learn the basics. I read my first photo book 40+ years ago, and those principles still hold true.

I do pretty well with a smartphone, too…

I agree with everything accept for 9: You don’t have mentors. You don’t need to have a mentor all you really need is Digital Photography 1 on 1 with Mark Wallace these are the best videos you can watch and completely free on youtube.

I have several of Mark Wallace’s videos on our site now Craig Marshall

The field is changing and growing almost daily. Need to keep getting educated to keep up. I learn something new almost daily. Many can learn the basics, but the eye can not be taught.

OMG I can only wish I could do some of the photoshop work others do! It is and artist at work too, and not easy. If you don’t like it, you must suck at it, like me.

Art has always been in the eye of the beholder. Same with those who paint, draw, etc. Some people like things I just don’t see. Looks like splattered paint to me, others call it art.

Mark Wallace and Jim Harmer are both amazing educators. Jared Polin, not so much! Just saying.

Charlene, while what you say is true to a degree, since the internet, there has been a growing trend of groups of people not venturing beyond their own comfort zones and having claims of work being brilliant, amazing or incredible when it clearly is just not. There is often no critique of the work and instead either gushing empty praise or nothing at all. Enthusiasts don’t want to hear this though, LOL!!! I get that…

Ryan Carter I tagged you because I thought the puzzled look might remind you of several dozen “photographers” in the area 😉

I tell people who get anxietized over their new DSLR to put the control to the Green square.

Agree

Click bait

or “You really don’t want to be a photographer but a tech expert….”

This article only reminds me that there are people around every corner just waiting to criticize you….and they aren’t the ones paying money….just sounds like you are a little sensitive about what your narrow vision of what art is…..

Andy Haig …..

School doesn’t help shooting helps. Schools are scams

I never needed any schooling haha

You can shoot like a pro with a disposable if you know what you’re doing. Expensive equipment is meaningless if you don’t learn your camera

I’ve been shooting well over 40 years and I’m still learning.

I can find no reference to that quote of Ansel Adams on any website that lists his quotes. Would you like to prove that with a reference location please.

Learn how to get it right in the camera first. You can’t make a bad photo look great in lightroom or photoshop. But you can always make a good photo look better in after editing. Big difference and always get it right in the Camera.

I wanted to take up photography, so I scoured the used sites for a fairly decent camera and a lens to go with it. I went for a Canon EOS 550D (Rebel 2Ti) and a Tamron 18-270mm lens as I couldn’t justify spending thousands on something I didn’t know how to use…. I could go out tomorrow and spend a little bit of money on a guitar to learn on, or I could spend thousands on a vintage Les Paul. The result would be the same, I wouldn’t have a clue how to play the thing….

I’ve been shooting “manual” for around two years, but I’m still learning. I’ve studied techniques, and how to edit, and spent time experimenting with the settings on my camera to see what does what. When I started, getting “good” pictures was more luck than judgement, but now I tend to throw away a lot less.

Now I’m saving up for some better kit. I want to upgrade to a full frame, and get some higher quality fast lenses. I’ve been getting some paid work here and there from my local newspaper, so I guess I must be doing something right…. I think I’m at the stage where I can actually justify spending money on better equipment. On the flip side of that, a friend of mine bought a DSLR a few weeks ago, and all of a sudden they’re a “professional gig photographer” UGH!!!!

…because you think spending thousand on gear will change your shooting…

Kayleigh Llewellyn

Katy Slaughterbeck

All the gear no idea!

Blocked as a malicious site. Unliking page to be safe.

… Won’t let me onto the site…

Ha.