Ten Things NOT to Say to Photographers
Unintentionally insulting people happens to the best of us. It’s not like we set out to hurt someone’s feelings or tick someone off…sometimes it’s because we genuinely don’t understand something. So, to help you avoid unintentionally insulting your photographer, I have compiled a list of ten things you should probably avoid saying to them!
Special thanks to the Neelands family for letting me photograph these cute cousins…even when they make ALL the funny faces!
“Your camera takes such great photos!” It’s NOT the camera that takes good photos. It’s the person using the camera! Yes, there are more advanced and expensive cameras, lenses, and other equipment that can help a photographer create better images, but ultimately, it’s the person USING the equipment who makes it all work. A good photographer can create beautiful photos using just about any camera.
“I’m just not photogenic.” Stop that negative self-talk right now! Let your photographer show you how beautiful you are.
“Can you just photoshop out my (insert body part here)?” My job as a photographer is to photograph you as you are, not recreate you. If that is your expectation, be sure to communicate that with your photographer beforehand to make sure he/she is willing and able to do that!
“Can I have all the raw photos?” Not all photographs a photographer takes are “show-worthy.” They might be blurry, out of focus, or one of several images that show the same scene. Raw photo files are also HUGE, and many photo programs and printers can’t read or print a photo in its raw format. In addition, they are called “raw” because they are just that, raw and unrefined, lacking the technical quality, sharpness, and overall aesthetic that final images should possess. Let your photographer edit and create a cohesive gallery that helps to tell your story…I promise, they are not going to hold hostage quality portraits!
“I just need a quick photo or two. It won’t take long. ” This statement can be disrespectful of your photographer's time and implies that their work is not a significant commitment. Professional photographers spend time not just taking your photos, but editing and retouching the images for you after the session. Often, a “mini-session” can be just as much work, unless the photographer has a studio, because the photographer has to travel to and from the location, find the best light and location, create the images, and then cull and edit your gallery afterward. The only difference may be a shorter session and/or number of images delivered.
“My uncle/aunt/cousin/friend has a good camera and is going to do our wedding photography for free.” Unless your uncle/aunt/cousin/friend is a professional wedding photographer, do not fall into this trap. Without the understanding and experience of wedding photography or a professional contract, you are opening yourself up for the possibility of a huge disappointment.
“Will you bring your camera and snap a few photos?” If you are inviting your friend who just happens to be a photographer to a party, a shower, a wedding, or any event, unless they offer, don’t ask them to bring their camera. Don’t forget that professional photography takes time, not just in the act of creating the photo, but in time afterwards culling and editing. When you ask them to do this, you put them in a very awkward position of asking them to work…for free.
“Have you edited the photos yet?” (2 hours after the session) Editing takes TIME. And most photographers I know have families or even other jobs. I promise, we will show you the photos as soon as we finish editing them…we are just as excited about getting them finished as you are! If you truly need them immediately, find a photographer who promises that in their contract. Otherwise, be patient!
“I’ll trade you exposure/credit/promotion for photos!” Unless you’re asking a brand new photographer looking for work to build their portfolio, this is not a fair ask. Want to make it fair? What’s your gig? Massage therapy? Offer a free massage in exchange for some branding photos. Lawyer? Offer to go over the photographer’s contract and help them word it so that it can be upheld in court. Doctor? A free well visit. Starbucks barista? Coffee for a month. A sixteen year old? Free babysitting or yardwork. Those things are more valid “trades.” But trades for exposure? Who will you expose us to? Will that get us more paying work? Probably not… So before you ask for a trade, make sure what you are “trading” is an equal trade.
Unspoken—but posting to social media with awful filters. Photographers work hard at crafting their editing techniques, which is part of why you hired us. So when you apply that godawful orange filter to the photos we painstakingly color-corrected for accurate skin tones, it’s pretty insulting. If you want a black and white conversion or different crop of a photo, or even a little extra skin-retouching, ask your photographer. Most of us would gladly do these things for you to make sure the photos are consistent with our work and your gallery. But if you want a specific style of editing, find a photographer that matches that style instead of altering a photographer’s work.