Seven Things not to Say a Photographer | Printed.com (2024)

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Inspiration About the author FAQs

Inspiration

Posted on August 29, 2014 by Caitlin Doney

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Stay calm and don’t hit anybody; we’ve collected up seven of the most inflammatory phrases for photographers, guaranteed to send even the most patient flying into a rage. Take a deep breath and read on… if you dare!

1. Your camera takes really good pictures

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This had to be number one on our list because we could not think of a bigger faux pas so say to a photographer. It’s not the camera, it’s the user knowing how to use it properly and having an eye for a great photo.

2. I have a friend who edits photos, can you just give me the RAW images?

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Another cardinal sin; would you ask a doctor for a diagnosis then ask a friend for medication? No. Would you ask a builder for bricks then build the wall yourself? No. Essentially you are asking a photographer to only half do their job. No one wants to half finish a job then see it butchered by someone else.

3. I’m inviting you to my wedding – don’t forget your camera

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To a photographer this is just code for ‘I want a professional photographer but don’t want to pay for one’. If you want your photographer friend to take your pictures ask them outright, they may do it as a wedding present or give you a discounted rate. Sometimes it’s just nice for a photographer to relax, enjoy the day and not have to work throughout it.

4. You can’t take pictures here

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Legally as long as you are on public property you can take photos of both public and private property. This means as long as you are standing on public property there is very little that anyone can say to you. They can not confiscate your camera or make you delete photos.

5. Can you leave your watermarks off?

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Many photographers will send you watermarked photos to preview. For a lot of photographers, this is a key method of advertising their images. Your photographer will remove watermarks on the finished and paid for images, so let your photographer get a little publicity where they can. It also means you only get the photos you pay for, and that’s only fair.

6. Your job must be so easy. You just press a button all day.

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Photography is a fine art that requires skill, just like drawing or painting. Saying this just belittles photographers’ skill, professionalism and talents. Lots of thought, planning and setting up has to happen before the shutter button gets pressed.

7. Can’t you just Photoshop that?

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If it’s not in front of the camera in the first place, it’s best not to ask for it. Photographers are just photographers, not magicians. While most photographers don’t mind touching up the odd spot, mole or wrinkle, having to make someone look skinnier or even adding things into picture in the first place crosses the line between photographer and retoucher.

If you’ve come up against any of these or have some new gripes you’d like to add to the list? Drop a comment in the box below and let us know!

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About the author

Caitlin is our Social Media guru and lover of all things food and travel. When she's not scrolling through TikTok you'll find her meticulously planning her next adventure abroad.

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Seven Things not to Say a Photographer | Printed.com (2024)

FAQs

What should you not say to a photographer? ›

10 Things NOT to Say to Your Photographer
  • “Can I have the unedited photos too?”
  • “You can just photoshop that out.”
  • “I don't need to buy any, I took screenshots.”
  • “I can't pay you right now but I can give you credit!”
  • “My dad/friend/uncle/sister is a photographer so they can edit the photos”

What is the golden rules of photography? ›

In photography, the golden ratio can be used to create balanced and aesthetically pleasing compositions. This is achieved by dividing the frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and placing the subject or key elements of the image at the intersection points of the lines.

What are some don'ts in photography? ›

Photography mistakes to avoid
  • Always shooting from a boring perspective. ...
  • Not paying attention to scale. ...
  • Ignoring composition. ...
  • Not connecting with your subject. ...
  • Not paying attention to cropping and framing. ...
  • Forgetting the details. ...
  • Ignoring your background. ...
  • Don't take pictures, make pictures.
Mar 5, 2014

What is a common mistake that photographers make? ›

Out-of-focus images are probably the most common of all mistakes in photography because it's such an easy one to make. One small move by a subject or misinterpretation by your camera and you're in for an unpleasant surprise when you review your images later.

What is the #1 rule of photography? ›

Use the rule of thirds.

It involves evenly dividing the frame between two equally spaced horizontal and vertical gridlines, creating a three-by-three grid. In order to create balance and flow within the image, compositional elements should be placed where these lines of the grid intersect or segment your image.

What is photography etiquette? ›

When taking images in public spaces, it's essential to respect the privacy of individuals you encounter. Always seek permission before photographing people up close, especially if you intend to have them as the main subject of your shot.

What is the 20 60 20 rule in photography? ›

Renowned wildlife photographer and friend Paul Nicklen talks about his 20/60/20 rule: spend the first 20% of your time getting the easy photographs out of the way; then spend the next 60% pushing yourself to make photographs that really stretch both your technique and your vision; and finally, spend the last 20% trying ...

What is the rule of 3 photographs? ›

The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that places your subject in the left or right third of an image, leaving the other two thirds more open.

What is the 100 rule in photography? ›

According to this sunny day rule, if you're using ISO 100, the shutter speed should be 1/100 and the aperture should be f/16. This rule generally produces the best-exposed front-lit photos on a sunny day.

What do photographers struggle with the most? ›

5 Challenges Of Being A Photographer And How To Conquer Them
  1. Competition. One of the most common challenges that photographers face is competition. ...
  2. Client Expectations. ...
  3. Keeping Up With Trends. ...
  4. Marketing In This Ever-Evolving Digital Landscape. ...
  5. The Elusive Work-Life Balance.

What is unethical in photography? ›

Ethical problems arises when photos are manipulated in ways that trick the public into believing that they are seeing something which is not real.

What can ruin a photo? ›

5 Things Damaging Your Photographs
  • Temperature and Humidity. Relative humidity is the amount of water in the air. ...
  • Light. Light is just plain BAD. ...
  • Pests & Other Bad Things. Insects, rodents and mold. ...
  • Poor Storage. Create a safe, stable environment. ...
  • You. Improper handling causes the most harm.

What not to ask a photographer? ›

Questions You (Probably) Shouldn't Ask Your Photographer
  • Can I get a discount?
  • Can I have the Raw (unedited) images?
  • Can you fix my flaws or change my body?
  • Are my photos ready yet?
  • Your camera takes great photos, hey?
Feb 18, 2024

Why do photographers get sued? ›

One common reason that photographers get sued is for breach of contract. A breach of contract means that one or more of the parties fails to honor a portion of a binding agreement. For photographers, this can include a variety of situations that violate the terms you laid out with your client.

What is the failure rate of photographers? ›

According to Dane Sanders, 60 percent of photographers give up their business in the first year. Of the remaining 40 percent, another 25 percent will fail by the second year. The remaining 15 percent are the ones who endure through the third year. That's an 85 percent turnover rate!

What is the rule of photographer? ›

The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that places your subject in the left or right third of an image, leaving the other two thirds more open. While there are other forms of composition, the rule of thirds generally leads to compelling and well-composed shots.

Is it bad to not tip a photographer? ›

How Much Do You Tip a Photographer? By definition, tipping is not mandatory. However, it's a practice designed to honor and express appreciation for someone's skill, talent, and service.

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