Part-Time Photographer

I've seen that description on many job applications and each time I have been tempted to ask " Which part of time do you take pictures of? ".

Think of it. If you are taking pictures, making images, or being artistically fabulous, do you wantto be seen as a person doing it in a part-time manner. A Casual Charlie or Charlotte? Just the person who gets told to bring a camera and take a few snaps?

Not me...and I hope not you. If I am going to photograph something I want to be doing it deliberately, with good sense, and a good eye. Photographing with purpose, for a purpose. It gives me a far better chance of achieving a real result.

It doesn't work every time. Circumstances and lousy lighting have made a sad hash of some dance shows. Dismal sitters have done the same for some portrait shoots. And the vacation trip to what turned out to be the closed side of the moon was a definite bust. But in each case I had the comfort of knowing I had given it my best shot.

You can set yourself mentally for nearly any photographic session:

a. The right gear. As salespeople in the shop we hope you are always wanting more equipment, but as photographers we have to admit that many times, you
ready own it. However…
b. Review your kit bag. If it is definitely missing bits, come to CE; we sell bits. You may have been doing things the hard way for a long time - and now a new camera or lens will make it both easier and better.
c. Scope out the location and the people - even if it means just googling up a map to find out how to get there. If you know the people, fine, but if you don’t, at least ask someone what they are like. Do not depend on internet profiles.
d. Plan to time yourself - you can frequently arrive early and always arrive late, but the smart money knows which will work out better.
e. Plan out how the job will be presented in the end. This will tell you how to shoot it at the time. Give yourself options by adding RAW files as well as other types. No good ocean liner sails without lifeboats…

Don’t make regrets for yourself when you miss a vast opportunity by applying only a half-vast effort. Even if you are part-time shooting you can be full-time thinking.