As most of you know, I am a big supporter of professional photographers who, with their training, know-how and equipment, can make the most of any interior or exterior space.
With my background in publishing, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about professional photography. When a photo is taken well (and expertly) you can just tell. It sits on the page properly; it highlights what needs to be highlighted; it’s framed correctly; it’s balanced; it’s properly lit – a million little things give away that these images were professionally done.
And, a million little things are an immediate giveaway that a photo was not professionally shot. Trust me – I can always tell.
A very interesting discussion on this week’s Media Watch centred more around the big news journalism companies who are shedding photographers in bucketloads. The justification seems to be based around the fact that we all have smartphones now which have decent cameras attached so why would you need a professional photographer? And, with all the major news sites actively requesting readers submit images, it’s easy to understand why they would assume this is a way to save money rather than paying a professional for images.
It was also very interesting to see that many news outlets seem to believe that offering “free exposure” to professional photographers is enough to compensate them for their time and expertise in taking the shots.
I believe the value of professional photography in the kitchen and bathroom sector is under-realised in many cases. The feedback I get (from the many and varied members of this industry I speak to) is that they’ll pay for it if they have to, but many seem to resent the expense that comes with professional photography.
Here’s the most interesting quote from the Media Watch program. It comes from photographer Dean Sewell who says, in part, “people are willing to work for nothing and photography is being devalued”.
We talk all the time about teaching the consumer to value our skills as designers and one way to do this is to charge a fee for design work. For sure, not everyone in the industry is doing it but the general consensus seems to be that if we all place a value on our work then the consumer will be more likely to see this as a professional service and you will encounter less resistance in charging for design.
Yet, how many in our industry refuse to pay another professional – the photographer – a decent fee for the images they can produce? Is it not the same conundrum?
What’s your take on this issue? Do you use professional photographers or do you take images yourself? Do you agree that charging for photographic services is the same as charging for design? I’d be really interested in your feedback.
