I have seen so many changes in the past 10 years or so. Just in the last 3-4 years I have seen a huge drop in the professionalism of the photographic industry. Many industries require certain certifications for one to be qualified to be in that industry. Shouldn't the photographic industry require this as well.
Did you know that there is a certification program for the photographic industry? There is a great program through the Professional Photographers of America.
In order to obtain this certification one must meet a great deal of requirements. One must have their work judged by other Certified Professional Photographers to assure that they meet the standards to be called professional.
There is also a master degree program with the PPA as well. An individual can work towards their Master Photographers title by attending classes, earning merits, and entering print competitions to be judged by other Masters in this field.
The title of this blog post is "What has happened to the photographic industry?" I ask this because many of the changes recently have allowed our professional standards to fall to an embarassing level. I do believe it is because the newer digital technology allows just about anyone to believe they can be a photographer. It is great if these photographers strive to live up to professional standards but that is not always happening.
I also think that the consumer has also allowed the standards to fall because they sometimes think that good enough is enough when they should be demanding perfection.
I am the secretary of the Missouri Professional Photographers Association. I not only attend many classes I am also part of the group that helps to train other photographers to improve their skills. After all, being a photographer is more than just clicking the shutter.
Many of the new photographers believe that if they capture an image for you and give you the file they are professional. I believe that a true professional will do a complete professional job and deliver a professional product.
I have posted the image with this post to show what a professional may do to enhance your image professionally.
It is my hopes that when you look for a photographer you find one with credentials. Someone that is in business legally with a business license and one that charges, reports and pays their taxes. If they do not charge sales tax on your product it is likely they are not opperating a business legally. You pay taxes and so should your photographer.
Cindy Tiefenbrunn
Certified, Master Photographer, Master Artist (Thru the PPA)
www.CindysPhoto.com
https://www.facebook.com/CindysPhoto1