DJ; You’re a Lazy Photographer?

Oh; you’re wondering about the title above. As well you should. I mean how could I be lazy and get anything accomplished? I know right? But I am and I will most certainly explain shortly.

Let me ask you this. Have you subscribed to my photography YouTube channel yet? Jump on over there so you don’t miss anything when I start posting videos which will be very soon! So back to me being a lazy photographer.

When I say that I’m not talking about work ethic or lack of effort.

No. I’m talking about how I shoot. I’m lazy because I don’t like doing a lot of needless work.There is little worse than having to do lots of work after you’ve done the work. Countless are the times I see these digi-photographers shooting hundreds if not thousands of images to only get maybe 40 that are passable.

And barely at that. But when something is said to them about it, their response is “I can fix it in Photoshop.” Those are six words only used by amateurs who want to stay amateurs. I come from a time in photography where there were film costs as well as costs for processing said film.

Back in the 80’s we’re talking about around $2.00 for some Kodak 400 36 exposure film, and about another $3.00 to get it developed. Chrome (slide film); as it was called for the good stuff was more expensive and absolutely unforgiving. So you didn’t waste a single shot.

I was once working with one of my brother in laws (The one I actually like) during a private mentoring session; and he was cranking out shot after shot in burst mode. I told him what I tell everyone I mentor in photography.

What I told him was that I was going to charge him 10 cents for every frame exposed. It changed his shooting style immediately. He was getting more usable shots than ever before!
I am a big fan of getting it right in camera rather than spending endless hours working on the photos after the fact. The photo above is of High Speed Magazine High Speed Diva Melissa Luciana.

One of them has been photoshopped. The other is straight out of the camera. Can you tell which is which?

Exactly!

It’s hard to tell the difference at a quick glance. Depending on your tastes, perhaps at all actually. That is because the lighting was done right to begin with. It also doesn’t hurt that she is near perfect to begin with, with an amazing complexion and skin tone. Which is another thing.

When you’re shooting with “models” you want to be very selective on who you shoot.Regardless of who or what you photograph; the point is to make sure what you’re getting is right in the camera to begin with. Being able to deliver completely usable photos to clients right out of Camera is something that will get you very noticed.

And it will get you paid!

Lose the mindset that you can fix it in Photoshop!That will never make you a better photographer!  Let me know if you have any questions by leaving a comment below.

Please do not forget to check out my photography tutorial YouTube channel. Hopefully you’ll subscribe to it; and like my videos.