Professional Photographer?

Well, lately i heard a lot of discussion on whether a photographer is a pro or just an amateur. I also heard couple saying that they hired a pro to cover their wedding and how good the photo turn out and money well spend. Does this imply that amateur are no good?

I would like to clarify the terms "Professional". The word PRO doesn't mean much other than telling people that one person is doing this trade for a living, full time. If someone claim to be a "PRO" photographer, this implied that photography is where he gets his bread and butter. And that's it. It didn't show how good his work is until you see them and compare it with others. However, generally a Pro have to be good in order to survive in the competition but this is not always the case.

Real life scenario A:
Back in year 2005 during a friend's sister wedding in Muar. The newly weds did engage a local photographer whom seems to to famous there. He show up early on the day and everything when well until half way through the tea pouring ceremony. My friend realise that the photographer is missing. He went to search for the photographer and finally found him sitting outside taking break. The reason given is that there is so much happening in the morning and i was happily shooting until now that i have run of of film already. Is this the way PRO works?

I have no complain on using analog or digital media. I myself shoot film sometimes too. However as a photographer, one should have anticipated any possible situation and be prepare for it. Just bring a few extra roll of film and the problem is solved.

I always carry backup equipment these days when i was covering a photo shot. No matter how expensive are your gears, you never know when it will break down. The camera can be brand new and used only for 2 weeks and it just fails at that special moment due to manufacturer defect.

Scenario B:
During my high school pal wedding dinner, he engage a photographer from the photo studio near where he stayed. The reason he choose them because the boss say their team is very experience. They even have blown up portrait of Najib and other minister hanging up on the wall. When i got there, i only noticed a very young photographer there. Again half way through the dinner i no longer notice any camera flashes. Guess what, she has run out of batteries.

Why do we have to pay premium price and in the end they simply send in someone to do the job? Sometimes it's not the money matters. Your wedding day is once in a lifetime thing. Unlike your pre-wedding photo, your can actually do it whenever your like. If your don't like the result of shop A, you can do it again in shop B. Personally, i think the budget should spend more on the actual day and get some good and reliable photographer. 2 photographer will be even better as your can have various angle and more coverage.

Take some effort to meet up with your photographer. It doesn't matter if they are Pro or amateur. Talk to them. See more of their photos to make sure that you like their styles. Who knows what they show on the website is only the best 10 images out of the thousand that they have taken. How about the rest of photos? Is it as good?

Lastly, i have seen how many Pro works and i must say that some Pro are actually no better than an amateur.