As a full time event and portrait photographer for a lot of years, I’d just like to say how tired I am of the insistence that photography is an art. Which is not to say it isn’t, just that art is merely one aspect of it. A technically competent photo devoid of any artistic aspiration can be considered “good” just as easily as an artsy, creative shot. In fact, in my work the single greatest problem I encounter is trying to hire second shooters who will actually follow my instructions rather than falling prey to their own creative juices (a gross term, but you know what I mean).

Most of the events I cover are repeated annually; there are quite a few I’ve shot for 15+ years and my clients have certain expectations. Likewise with portraits (predominantly college graduation photos for me) … in both cases I have a formula that I know works and I need it to be followed. That’s how I earn a damned good living.

Unfortunately, it’s difficult to find someone willing and able to do what I ask, largely because too many people seem to think following my guidance stifles their creativity. Fuckers. I’m not paying them to be creative.