Professional Photography: More Than Just Pressing the Shutter

Nowadays, many people decide to become photographers. Buying a digital camera or even just a smartphone with a high-quality camera gives them the feeling that they can handle professional photography without deeper knowledge. However, true professionalism in photography is not just about technology but primarily about approach to clients, knowledge, and continuous education.

Digital vs. Analog Photography

Digital photography has greatly simplified the image creation process. Results are visible immediately, exposure can be checked on the display, and photos can be edited on a computer. On the other hand, analog photography required meticulous preparation, thoughtful composition, lighting, and framing, as film had a limited number of exposures, and mistakes could not be instantly checked.

The advantage of digital photography is obvious, yet paradoxically, it leads many so-called “professionals” to rely solely on technology while neglecting essential artistic aspects of photography. They forget about composition, working with light, and the storytelling aspect of an image.

Illustrative photo: Peter W. Haas

Mistakes That Separate Amateurs from Professionals

A true professional should have a solid foundation in photography and continuously improve. However, it often happens that someone calls themselves a professional photographer simply because they own expensive equipment. Instead of thorough preparation and a learning approach, they make fundamental mistakes:

• Poor composition – Objects sticking out of people’s heads (trees, drainpipes) indicate a lack of sensitivity to visual harmony.
• Bad cropping – Inappropriate cutting off of hands, feet, or heads ruins the overall impression.
• Ignoring visual art principles – The rule of thirds, the importance of light and shadows, and working with perspective – all these are crucial for a photographer to master.
• Failure to work with clients – A professional photographer should know how to guide clients during a shoot, making them feel comfortable and achieving engaging and aesthetically pleasing photographs.

The Path to Professionalism

Becoming a professional photographer is not just about owning expensive equipment and knowing how to use Photoshop. It is a continuous process of learning and improvement. A true professional:

• Studies constantly – Reads books, follows the work of renowned photographers, and learns about light, colors, and the psychology of imagery.
• Understands art – Photography is not just a technical process but also an art form that influences the viewer’s emotions.
• Respects the client – Knows how to communicate, conduct a photoshoot, and deliver a high-quality final product.

Photography is not just about pressing the shutter. A professional should have a solid grasp of both technical and artistic fundamentals and continuously strive for improvement. Only then does one truly deserve the title of “professional photographer.”