So glad to see that everyone sort of agrees.
I am sure that this has been happening for years and years. Although it is more common now, obviously because of digital. I have met a load of "professional" photographers in the past 6 years through selling Sinar products. (helping fellow togs set up the equipment and give support). They have mostly been an older crowd, those who have struggled with the conversion to digital, hell i have even seen togs liquidate because of clients getting to clever for their own good. Going from shooting on a 4X5 Sinar digital setup with about R300K worth of lighting to a 35mm room setup with two scrim setups. Just imagine, the client can now enjoy a holiday twice a year and go out to dinner 3 times a week.
I know that the client made a mistake and i cannot blame them for not being able to foresee their product slowly declining after two years of consistently crap images.
What we have to remember here is that it is our responsibility to educate our clients as to why they are paying the price. They don't care about your setup and how much it costs. If we could look at a budget magazine (maybe "you" magazine or something like that) from a couple years back and compare it to today's magazine of similar standard, we would notice that the quality may have dropped a little. As Matt and others have said, there is a market for it. everything has just become relative to its target audience. I haven't seen vogue or similar fashion mag get worse.
When i hear of a tog charging R2000 or less for a wedding or a day rate in the commercial world, then i immediately place them in a category, ie: non professional. or hobbyist. I don't think that is unfair. It is just hard to believe that someone can offer a professional service out for that price. I didn't study for years and break my back getting experience to be undercut by that person. I am worth more and so are you.
The question came up, how to determine who is a professional photographer. The way i make that decision is based on how i see that particular person. If i look up to them for their professional ability then they are a professional in my eyes. This is a great solution for me as it sets my standards very high.
The market is full of fly by nights and fresh kids on the block. there are so many stories that make my blood boil, but we cant get worked up about it. Easier said than done. Im in a pickle half the time too!
So after all the writing i guess i didn't have much to add or help with. I just see more and more togs collaborating to save costs and offer more. I think its great.
"Get out there and get the last few issues of PiX Magazine... I've been writing about how to market and set up your business for months now.
Or mail me on m@ivok.co.za and I'll send you the text from the articles."
Could i get this!!! Hmmm |
