Technology is both a blessing and a curse; a double-edged sword. On one hand, soccer moms and concert-going dads can use top of the line cameras and amateur editing software to take amazing pictures of their offspring, or can compliment a family vacation with an incredible family photo album. Digital photography has changed the way we take snapshots, and amateur editing software and the internet have changed the way we share our images. This is fantastic news! The downside to this remarkable surge in technology is that there are a lot of people with good cameras and a knack for taking good snapshots who will brand themselves as photographers and try to sell their services. What’s wrong with this picture? Just because a person is pretty good with make-up does not mean they’re a cosmetologist. Just because a person is good at giving advice to their friends does not mean they’re a therapist. And just because someone spent a few bucks on a high-end camera does not make them a professional photographer. There is not only an art to photography, but there is also a science and a business – and to be a professional photographer, one must harness and encompass each and all of these aspects.

Photography is an art, no doubt. Ten photographers can use identical cameras to shoot an identical subject, and the end result would produce ten different images because each photographer sees the world differently and has their own view of what’s artistic.  There’s absolutely nothing wrong with this and the art of photography is just as important as the science and business ends of photography. In fact, it is often a photographer’s creative flare that sets them apart from the rest, so the understanding of art and of what’s visually pleasing is imperative in photography. But having a sense of artistic style is not enough to make a person a photographer.

Aside from art, there is a science to photography – and without the science of photography, nothing will result other than a pretty cool lucky snapshot at best. The science involves camera settings – a thorough understanding of shutter speeds, ISO, and aperture.  Knowing how to shoot a camera on auto settings (or, a point-and-shoot camera with NO settings) does not make a photographer. The science of photography applies to light and shadow – bending, bouncing, adding, subtracting, and manipulating light. The science of photography involves mathematical angles and distance.  It’s not as easy as choosing a pretty background or throwing up a fancy backdrop and telling your subject to smile. Each shot is weighed between the artistic view (the eye candy) and the scientific properties (technical expertise) of what can be considered a good portrait. There’s even a science to posing subjects.

Coupled with the art and science of photography is the business of professional photography. Even if there’s a good grasp on the art and a pretty good understanding of the science, if a person does not abide by the business laws and practices, then what that person has is a hobby and not a business. Before a photographer can charge a sitting fee or sell images on disc or offer a price for  prints, that photographer must first have a business license. Period. If a person is charging a fee for their services, their images, or for prints and is not a licensed business owner, then they are breaking the law, stealing from the community (by avoiding paying taxes among other things), and insulting the industry of professional photography.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with aspiring to be a professional photographer. Everyone has to start somewhere – but in order to do the industry (and the aspiring photographer) justice, there cannot be any skipping of steps or cutting of corners. It takes more than a camera, an account on an editing software website and a Facebook page to be a photographer. It’s okay for an aspiring photographer to indulge in the fact that it is an enjoyable trade and have fun with the art, but then they must also put forth the effort to learn the science, and respect the laws that govern good business.  There’s always room for another skilled professional photographer, but the amateurs representing themselves as professionals can be a danger to the consumer and to the industry.

Consumers beware! Before you hire a photographer, check their credentials. Make sure you’re dealing with a professional who has a valid business license and is operating legally.