Fauxtographers. Everyone knows what that means, commonly associated with Mom-tographers and GWC's. Basically someone that self describes as a photographer with no basis or experience to warrant such a title and in some extreme cases, people who have for long stretches of time have made claims of being a professional but have not improved their methods or techniques past what that little green square on the camera does.
I recently read an article put together by Hunter Leone, established and reputable wedding photographer, that I think makes a few interesting points, but his evocative title definitely grabs your attention. The article, titled "Fauxtographers Go Away" definitely enticed me to click and see what exactly he had to say about the industry issues that arise from such persons. I was actually pleasantly surprised and entertained.
One of my first attempts at light painting and compositing photos for automotive purposes.
We've All Been There
I think the most interesting notion that I got from this article, is that being a Fauxtographer isn't always a bad thing. Much like other things in life, it's more of a phase that many of us go through. Especially with the affordability of digital imaging now, you can get amazing quality for not too terribly much. Inexpensive, or in some cases free, editing software and all the plug ins you could ever want to Beautify or "Create Professional Images With the Click of a Button!!!" People new to the industry, or new to photography in general, will pick up this equipment and jump out the gate at the chance to make some money doing a fun job. With the advent of Instagram and other social media platforms, they are open for business, taking whatever gig they can to get paid, and before you know it, they're "professional photographers."
A later attempt at compositing with light painting for a C7 Corvette when they first came out.
How Do We Move Forward?
Now this isn't the same route we've all taken. I was on Facebook, but more just posting my photos for fun, as photography has always been kind of a hobby for me. It wasn't until a couple years after I started doing that I decided to try and go pro. But when I did, I definitely made some... interesting photos. This is where it get's a little dicey, as I know some photographers reading this will NEVER admit to ever being in this stage, and for some of you, that could be true, for some of you, there's a chance you're still in that phase so, buckle up. What separates photographers from fauxtographers, is the ability to learn, to adapt, to be open and receptive to input, negative or otherwise, and to be realistic about your expectations for short term. Once I took the plunge into the photography industry, I was hit in the face with, and began learning of, all the talented photographers that are out there, especially in the automotive industry, as that was the area of interest I really wanted to focus on. I found people like, Easton Chang, GF Williams, Tim Wallace, Frederic Schlosser, and Pepper Yandell, and I thought, "Psh, I can do that." So I did... horribly.
The Next Step
I did my best, and then I started learning, and I got better, and then eventually I met some wonderful people that really helped inspire me and teach me, and I learned, but only because I was open to what they had to offer me. It was at that point I left the realm of fauxtographer, and became a photographer. I met people like Nino Batista and Joel Chan that really helped me move forward with my techniques and knowledge of what I really wanted to do, and now I'm here.
Commercial shoot I did for a local detailing company (Premier Detailing) that specializes in rare and specialty cars.
So for Professional Photographers, if you see someone with potential but maybe doing some rookie mistakes, or having the raw talent but maybe just not the know how, don't turn your nose up at them. Help them, help them learn and grow. If they don't want your help fine, don't help them, but try. For aspiring photographers, if someone reputable offers you a comment or criticism, listen to what they have to say. You many not agree entirely with what they say, but there might be one bit of information in what they say that would help you get better.
Thank You
With all that being said, I would like to give a huge shout out to all the people that have helped me over the years, with business connections, with support, with networking opportunities, my family for putting up with my ambitions, and my mentors and associates that are now some of my best friends and nicest people I know. Without them, my life would be drastically different and without them I wouldn't have made it this far with ambitions to reach even farther.
There's nothing wrong with being a newbie and/or sucking at photography. The problem is people who think they have to charge money the moment they get a "nice" camera.
The "hobby of photography" is gone. The only people anymore who understand that concept are the old guard; guys 60 and older of whom many used to be pros.
Oh no, that means I'm over 60 and I've never noticed :P
Jokes aside, I know what you mean. I am an hobbyist and when I tried to join a local photo group, well, let's say that I was the youngest by at least three decades (that, with me being 34, makes your estimate of "guys 60 and older" quite accurate)
You hit the nail on the head. I know so many people who got their first DSLR then 3 weeks later were advertising their "first" headshot special or "engagement" package, or looking to shoot weddings. They didn't even know what the word "aperture" meant yet but already were eager to compete with the pros by under cutting them.
Personally, I'd never even dream of selling my service until I was confident I could deliver in virtually any situation. I spent years practicing before I even let myself consider charging for my work.
There is nothing wrong with new photographers learning their craft, the problem is when these new photographers start selling their services before they are ready which gives the market the impression that A) Seasoned pros are over priced, B) Photographers are unreliable, and C) photography is extremely easy.
"I'd never even dream of selling my service until I was confident I could deliver in virtually any situation."
EXACTLY. I spent every waking moment of my life shooting and learning for two entire years before I ever charged a single penny for my work. I turned down offer after offer after offer for shoots from people who just knew I had a nice camera.
During that time I was genuinely scared to charge money because I knew I needed to be prepared. I honestly don't know what's going through the mind of these people who want to shoot weddings because they got a Rebel for Christmas. I can't relate to that feeling.
That's an excellent point about the hobby of photography being gone.
The "you can be a pro" industry has convinced people that they aren't carelessly spending money on a leisurely hobby but are "investing" in a serious profession. When people are under this illusion, they tend to spend more than they would on a normal hobby and can't justify the extravagance by saying it's just a hobby anymore.
I am now 70, got into the photo work about 10 years ago., I wrestled with this pro/hobby thing. So I came up with "obsessed enthusiast" . I rarely charge for what I do, but I like the idea of give to those who cannot afford a good photo shoot. I have walked past the super chain stores who get mediocre work and come out spending $250. Of course, not really my business. In America, we have this freedom to do the right thing or take financial advantage with poor work. I do charge at times. I am self taught, however I have invested a lot of money and seminars. I would say, these photo seminars are way over priced in my view. But I will let the market drive that view. Life is unfair, So I lowered my expectations of me and you. Live and let live. That's my 5 cents
One of my photo's did get picked for "photo of the day" about 7 months ago. That was so nice to get that honor. The one they chose, I thought when I shot it was terrible, so what do I know what is "right on" the money. Life was fair that day.
The plague of fauxwritters - "basically someone that self describes as a journalist or a blogger with no basis or experience to warrant such a title".
Most of the writers on this site openly admit we aren't journalists. We are passionate photographers that like to write and share things. That's all.
And yet more labels to add. This wasnt about pho or faux tographers but rather can X person justify charging for Y product. Forget the word professional, if clients buy the work then they at least either like the work or buy on price alone. If that price is so low you cant make profit the move along to where you can.
I think this is a disappointing artice fstoppers.
I never use a watermark, dont care if anyone does use a watermark, but when the watermark looks better than the photo......you know what Im saying..lol
Most of the time the clients that hire fauxtogs get what they paid for and end up working with pros after that. Kinda like that one night stand you had with a slightly overweight party girl before you met your wife....
I'd say thats true some of the time, most of the time, though, I find people simply believe that the "fauxtog" is representative of the industry and that most photographers are like that and not worth hiring.
You're absolutely right.
psshhaw!
Pro photogs feeling squeezed by ameteur hacks?
I used to be a pro audio engineer. That profession has been eroded quite severely by the death of the mid level studio and the proliferation of bedroom 'producers' with their cracked software and Best Buy laptops.
The actual pro photogs I know use Mamiya's, Hasselblads and the like, not Canons, Sony's or Nikons.
Thats not true. ;) Some pro photogs certainly use medium format rigs but I could list off tons of elite, top end, pros who primarily use 35mm DSLRs.
I'm pretty fly for a white guy
A band mate of mine used to say the difference between Vanilla Ice and the Beatles was the understanding of craftsmanship. Craftsmanship requires the discipline to both be a student and teacher. For those that may be fauxtographers try to be more a student of the craft. For those that think you are professional photographers you are not until you contribute to the photography world with some level of teaching. I work for a pharmacist that teaches and talks to the industry as much as he performs his craft with makes his influence more than just wealth. If you do neither you are just a money shark that uses a camera. I know some intellectuals will debate my definition of professional, but if they do they diminish their argument of what qualifies as a fauxtographer.
The definition of a professional is a person engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as a pastime.
I agree with the spirit of what you are saying, but redefining words has a nasty way of confusing everyone. ;) I'd say your definition is what separates the industry leaders from the industry followers though.
@Pete, I share your views on music and on photography. I don't think there's a single photographer I can tell you that I admire or study. Of course, I'm just a hobbyist, but I think there are things one can learn from every photograph, whether it is what—or what not—to do.
Elitist garbage wrapped up in faux-magnanimity. That's nice.
If you're new to the art (or any art really), just forget the idiotic labels, go take/make pictures, and ignore guys like this. You don't have to justify yourself or your skill, level to anyone.
I think there should be separate category for this type of articles on fstoppers. The same thing over and over again.
I agree with you Roman. I became a licensed, bonded Professional Photographer/studio owner in 1974, two studios and 42 years later... Imagine how many times I have seen this same discussion over and over and over again. It's become NOISE to my eyes and CAUSTIC to my ears. Second only to the "Real Photographers Don't Use Photoshop!" NOISE.
People who don't want to spend much money on photography hire photographers who don't charge much. It's a perfect system and keeps many cheapskates from haggling with photographers who charge more.
Blame sites like the penny hoarder that suggest making money with photography. That's where you get the people who pickup a consumer DSLR and become fauxtographers.
I tell people, go ahead shoot, if people want to pay for what you do, GREAT, just be open book about it. The pro level photographers will always come out ahead of the pack, why ? Quality and consistency !
I do no consider myself a pro, yet I have done some jobs for pros who could not get to the gig or needed a 2nd shooter, or even contracts they did not want, why ? Cause I put attention to the details and put in the mileage, i started at the bottom ( far from the top but still )
Shoot, learn, fail, swear, start again, Shoot even more...Don't let any blog article bring you down, don't fall into traps of the industry.
Dreams are built brick by brick, put the time and effort, you shall build it!
My free photo advice for the day is that the best way to separate your work from amateurs is with production skills. Most clients can't tell the difference between good and bad photo technique, but they can usually notice the difference between a large production and a dinky little DIY guerrilla shoot.
Making the photo good enough to convince mums to buy a pc of her daughter in amazing show jump on her horse than just stick with her mobile phone video/pic (as most do)
A photographer is a person with a Camera. A professional photographer is a person with a camera that charge money for his work. The rest is all about demand and offer to meet a price for a task. If the customer wants to take the cheap route he will mostly get cheap results but who are we to draw the line between a faux or Pho -trographer ? This is very subjective.
When I eat I McDonalds, I got what I pay for. McDonald is still a restaurant though, they serve bad food for cheap price.
If one wants to pays $300 for a full auto APS-C weeding shoot and end up with that kind of picture, it's not necessarily bad for the price.
Had a mate who was a hobbyist then got business cards and masqueraded as a pro photographer . Bizarre. I think it was to get girls.
Anyway Im a semi pro weekend warrior who decided to get into equine photography as something to do while my girlfriend did eventing - think Kentucky 3DE . First thing I did was get a decent lens and after than I learned about lightroom. Most of it is self taught and I'm always looking for different ways to get the best shots for show jumping and cross country. I couldn't believe it when people started purchasing photos off smugmug and I felt guilty as well. It can be difficult as riders like looking themselves in good light which mans sun bend you at all times. However I have some decisions due xc jump being a little different but with shadows etc and the results have been surprising. Most equine photographers wont go near shadowy jumps but I like something a little different. if the jump offers it,.
Problem is trying to the mums to buy photos of their little tackers on the their horse. Most seem content with getting out their iphones/ipads and are content with those pics.
Locally, these type are everywhere. At the park on a nice sunny day you can see a dozen of them.
There was one instance where I saw a couple getting photos done. The photographer, a lady, kept looking at her phone and then taking photos. Turns out she only had her camera for around a week and was googling what to do and how to make adjustments. She ended up finishing the shoot with her iPhone. I later found out she had charged these people $50, although she did refund it when the photos came back and had turned out horribly.
I often get asked to come on shoots to help out new photographers learn things. Most of the time I just say no, but one time I had a shoot cancel and had some free time. The shoot I was asked to help on was a engagement shoot. 3 location changes, 3 wardrobe changes, and 25 images. I gave my price to the girl who asked my help, and she was shocked. She told me she was only charging $25 for the whole shoot.
A 3rd grade book report-style summary of a better article, here on the buzzfeed of the photo industry, bellyaching about the glut of amateur hacks ruining said industry. Mama Mia, That's A Hot Take!
A great companion piece to any of the hundreds of 'here's something that someone talented made so we're reposting it' posts that passes for content here on F-stoppers, the One Weird Trick facebook ad of the photo industry.
F-Stoppers: for when Petapixel feels too cerebral.
Everyone is new in the beginning. Great article, enjoyed it.
Excellent article Ryan. I call myself 'Pro' but this is not my full-time job. I think you need to define 'professional'. I am not very skilled/talented or otherwise and yet I have ambitions to be an 'automotive photographer' like thousands of others.
However, My self-defined 'professionalism' is my approach to the work, my honesty about what I can achieve and can't and my desire to deliver the best possible results. People seem to overlook one thing, your images speak for themselves. If a client looks at a badly put together HDR and thinks, 'that's amazing, I'll pay them to do that' - surely that is lack of understanding on the clients side - you can't blame the photographer for taking money for it...
Anyway, we all basically want the same thing, only the most dedicated, hard working and ultimately talented make it to the levels of the names you have listed. I say good luck to all those that try, most of us won't reach that level of success but as long as we are happy doing it, who cares...
www.rossjukesphoto.com
Well said sir!
And your work is fantastic btw!
Thank you, as a self-taught 'Fauxtographer' that's a real compliment, I appreciate it ;)
Man, do other professionals/creatives complain as much as photographers? No knock on the writer of this piece specifically, but there's a new article on the blog circuit every day complaining about who's charging what and who's real and bad clients and it never ends lol.