anyone can buy a DSLR and be a wedding photographer these days

[derricksony]

It would be better if it was sharp (as i need to squint my eyes just to see what is going on) and frame with more tighter shot.
You know the issue with these unclear & grainy shots is when you develop on larger size prints it look cr..

Alamak, i still have the original high res copy la...what posted here is low res le. if not other people take my picture to post on their website how? http://www.flickr.com/photos/58454528@N02/

I saw the other "pro" photographer trying to take a tighter shot hence, i wanna cover from another angle ma, if i take similar shots, then waste my battery right?

 

[edutilos-]

While I can hardly see the need for the "professionals" here to stand up and wave their hands around angrily, I must say that these are way too washed out for my taste. The tones are alright for me, but the lack of contrast, while interesting for a few shots gets very tired after a while.

In any case it is a potentially provocative statement , the thread title, so I guess TS was already expecting such a reaction (or seeking to evoke such a reaction).

It is true, anyone can buy a DSLR and become a wedding photographer. After all, if you can buy a DSLR, and someone is happy enough to let you shoot their wedding for them, you are technically a wedding photographer. It's not as if he said that you have to be successful, have to be able to charge a high end fee, etc. Of course, being professional and shooting for fun are two very different things altogether. The former involves a lot more things beyond pure photography - you have to handle clients' demands, cater your shooting style to their tastes (that, or ensure that the clients you have are well acquainted with your style and love it)... So definitely it's not easy to be a successful professional wedding photographer. But anyone can be a wedding photographer ma.

 

[sjackal]

While I can hardly see the need for the "professionals" here to stand up and wave their hands around angrily, I must say that these are way too washed out for my taste. The tones are alright for me, but the lack of contrast, while interesting for a few shots gets very tired after a while.

In any case it is a potentially provocative statement , the thread title, so I guess TS was already expecting such a reaction (or seeking to evoke such a reaction).

It is true, anyone can buy a DSLR and become a wedding photographer. After all, if you can buy a DSLR, and someone is happy enough to let you shoot their wedding for them, you are technically a wedding photographer. It's not as if he said that you have to be successful, have to be able to charge a high end fee, etc. Of course, being professional and shooting for fun are two very different things altogether. The former involves a lot more things beyond pure photography - you have to handle clients' demands, cater your shooting style to their tastes (that, or ensure that the clients you have are well acquainted with your style and love it)... So definitely it's not easy to be a successful professional wedding photographer. But anyone can be a wedding photographer ma.

Indeed no need to be so worked up people, be cool Wedding couples will continue to hire good wedding photogs and pay good money for it. This is not going to change anytime soon. People who care about photography (many do) would not be trusting any guy with a camera because there's much more to it than just owning a DSLR. I am sure its heavily argued topic since the advent of digital photography so its boring to repeat those arguments. But to show you all something interesting:

Interesting and speaking of iphones, there are already pros shooting whole wedding with iphone4 (but most probably as extra photog, not main photog):

http://fstoppers.com/it-was-bound-to-happen-the-iphone-wedding

And videography too!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIXaCJYuEWQ

Lots more if you google. Many pros pushing the limits of creativity, whether its iphone or ipad or off camera lighting with ipad and iphones. If you didn't see or not aware of, it doesn't mean they don't exist.

 

[sjackal]

While I can hardly see the need for the "professionals" here to stand up and wave their hands around angrily, I must say that these are way too washed out for my taste. The tones are alright for me, but the lack of contrast, while interesting for a few shots gets very tired after a while.

In any case it is a potentially provocative statement , the thread title, so I guess TS was already expecting such a reaction (or seeking to evoke such a reaction).

It is true, anyone can buy a DSLR and become a wedding photographer. After all, if you can buy a DSLR, and someone is happy enough to let you shoot their wedding for them, you are technically a wedding photographer. It's not as if he said that you have to be successful, have to be able to charge a high end fee, etc. Of course, being professional and shooting for fun are two very different things altogether. The former involves a lot more things beyond pure photography - you have to handle clients' demands, cater your shooting style to their tastes (that, or ensure that the clients you have are well acquainted with your style and love it)... So definitely it's not easy to be a successful professional wedding photographer. But anyone can be a wedding photographer ma.

And its nice to see you again my friend! Please check your PM.

 

[meilingchong85]

Haha thanks ! : )

 

[tangerine]

I've been following this thread for a while, and I feel that TS has every right to air his views. If the Pros don't like it, then don't read it lah. Don't see a need to bash him up and criticise every single post he makes..

 

[duckside]

Having a SmugMug(PRO!) website does not make one a 'pro'. I don't know for other browsers, but I use safari and when I click the link, it shows 'http://<b>www.lifestyle1881.com</b>'. But, hey, at least I know where to go so I guess it works. I tried to go in and look at some photos but all I see were some boys celebrating and some locked galleries.

While the nature of TS' post appears to be provocative, it is not the signal for a witch hunt. If the lynching must go on, can someone of higher credibility take over the critique please?

 

[lifestyle1881]

Since you are addressing me, i shall respond. Who said having Smugmug make one a 'pro'? I take events, wedding & sport photography as you can see from my website. The locked galleries are for private viewing in case you don't know. My main screen is just a summary (if you see longer you will come some other pics beside sports/events) of latest photos and the last main event was the Canon 23rd Lion City Cup finals and it's Singapore under 15 & 16s participation so natually it's boys and celebrating because they achieved good results in the finals although not coming 1st place.

Having a SmugMug(PRO!) website does not make one a 'pro'. I don't know for other browsers, but I use safari and when I click the link, it shows 'http://<b>www.lifestyle1881.com</b>'. But, hey, at least I know where to go so I guess it works. I tried to go in and look at some photos but all I see were some boys celebrating and some locked galleries.

While the nature of TS' post appears to be provocative, it is not the signal for a witch hunt. If the lynching must go on, can someone of higher credibility take over the critique please?

 

[edutilos-]

Since you are addressing me, i shall respond. Who said having Smugmug make one a 'pro'? I take events, wedding & sport photography as you can see from my website. The locked galleries are for private viewing in case you don't know. My main screen is just a summary (if you see longer you will come some other pics beside sports/events) of latest photos and the last main event was the Canon 23rd Lion City Cup finals and it's Singapore under 15 & 16s participation so natually it's boys and celebrating because they achieved good results in the finals although not coming 1st place.

Your link in signature is not working because it happily opens your website with HTML code bold. :bsmilie:

 

[derricksony]

Your link in signature is not working because it happily opens your website with HTML code bold. :bsmilie:

I see, so its not my iphone problem that can't open the link. Heng, I thought Singtel sold me fake iphone.

Thanks Edutilos!

 

[edutilos-]

Having a SmugMug(PRO!) website does not make one a 'pro'. I don't know for other browsers, but I use safari and when I click the link, it shows 'http://<b>www.lifestyle1881.com</b>'. But, hey, at least I know where to go so I guess it works. I tried to go in and look at some photos but all I see were some boys celebrating and some locked galleries.

You need to click furiously, then you might somehow end up seeing this:

http://www.lifestyle1881.com/Weddings/Wedding-pics/15631009_CibXn

Alternatively, some of the pre-wedding shots lifestyle1881 has shot can be found here: http://www.lifestyle1881.com/gallery/17222065_HhxB7R

 

[kei1309]

You need to click furiously, then you might somehow end up seeing this:

http://www.lifestyle1881.com/Weddings/Wedding-pics/15631009_CibXn

Alternatively, some of the pre-wedding shots lifestyle1881 has shot can be found here: http://www.lifestyle1881.com/gallery/17222065_HhxB7R

nice colors and exposure

 

[lifestyle1881]

My appology for those who was having a hard time with my Signature. Sorry still not familiar with CS setups.

As for my website, maybe there are some issues with other different browser or other issues as recently just made lots of changes in the design layout. Both myself & my clients don't have any issue with Safari or IE. Thanks Edutilos for highlighting my wedding summary pics.

Thanks kei1309.

 

[duckside]

I'm sorry that I did not click on every single link on the webpage. I must give props to edutilos for finding the gold.

I'm also sorry for assuming that you are a wedding photographer.

I note that you have also updated your website in the short 2 hours. Well done! The website is much better now!

 

[Unagidon]

To give you an idea of what is real 'experimental' and 'inspiring' photos, please take a look at the mind blowing pictures in these links:

http://www.ispwp.com/contests/ispwp...-gallery-spring-2011-bride-and-groom-portrait

http://www.ispwp.com/contests/ispwp-wedding-photography-contest-gallery-summer-2010-pure-art

If you are observant you will see some of the winnings are Singaporeans wedding photographers; eg Stephen Loh, William Chua, KC Wong,

Now I understand why is the title like that
1st none of the photos in the above 2 links are from Singapore (photos are very good)
2nd From the beginning he is trying say that he is trying to be creative
3rd Photos taken by most photographer in Singapore are too boring no creative
4th I believe most of derricksony friends are from Singapore. Result produce are way too normal.

So those who wish to take photography as a career, please wake up and continue to buck up, as many people not only derricksony are assuming that photographer are not doing good job especially those from bridal studio.

And this is what I meant that not every one has the ability to produce good result in an event even though you has a DSLR. Sometime compact can even do a better job (in sense of handling light weight snap and forget, better macro ability etc etc.

I understand there are way too much people are unable to produce good stunning photos and are charging ppl and this is why many ppl has the misconception. So please do not be the main photographer be like derricksony stand at a side observe and practice if you are inexperience dun ruin those precious moment. I always believe every photograph creativity are made and staged and not wait it to come and shoot.

Hope all photographer will continue to learn and improve and hopefully one day I can see Singapore getting 1st prize in Wedding Photography contest and be world no.1

 

[pinholecam]

Nice series of photos that captured the moments in an interesting perspective.
Rather interesting choice of PP as well (esp. the washout look and tone).
I don't think you are 'Anyone' as you claim on your thread title.
Your photos here and on flickr show that you are competent both in photography and PP.
Not anyone is like this, so the thread title is very much 'incendary'

I'm just a hobbist, but here are my few cents.
The bride, groom, bridesmaid all look very good looking and modern, not all weddings are like this. Pulling off something consistent is also essential to be a working photographer (I hate the work 'pro')
Though these set of photos are nice to me, it does not mean it works for all clients.
Firstly, as mentioned, the subjects don't need too much work
Secondly, the pp work is not always acceptable to many people. The tone, the under exposed look, angles can actually make some clients rather unhappy. If it was me, I'd be happy though (my mother... for sure cannot) .
Thirdly, the pp work can look dated.
A wedding photographer needs to deliver the goods, first and then after that add that 15%-5% special stuff if possible/able. Pls be fair to them. They are expected to make the obligatory family shots; dinner table shots; must see face shots; must be bright shots, etc.
If they can squeeze out the opportunity to do a few shots of the type you did, its a bonus.
Of course there are wedding photographers that don't even try for that little bit extra.


The thread title can be "Its not too hard to be a 2nd wedding photographer" and save yourself all the vehement bashing.
Keep it up certainly.

 

[Carlzsa850]

You are very talented! All the shots are very good! The colors and exposures are all top notch!

I am an accidental photographer in my friend's wedding. So can you.
Thanks for viewing.



#1

#2

#3

#4

Lucky the texture of the ceiling was nice.

# 5

 

[Carlzsa850]

This shot is very artistic, not many people can do, thats why they jeolous.

#6

 

[jOhO]

my bad for being MIA but better late than never:

i'm moving the thread to discussions. this forum is for showcasing of photos so as far as i can tell, this thread has more discussion than photos.

TS pls start another thread (with less controversial subject heading) if you wish to continue showcasing photos in wedding portfolios thanx.

 

[Carlzsa850]

Nice Series you got there, but I'm not agree with that statement. An event photographer is not as easy as anyone think. Good photograph comes with good composition, good lighting, good post processing, etc etc and all of these needs experience. This is why people are spending few thousand dollars to get a good photographer as their success rate in getting a good image is higher. Not every one with a DSLR can be a wedding photographer. Not sure how much you have spam your camera on this event, but you can use that as a benchmark to calculate ur success rate. If you are able to produce 100+ good picture then you can consider oneself an event photographer. Anyone can own a DSLR these days but not anyone can unleash its full potential at every magical moments. It needs lots and lots of practice. Its not about the camera but the people behind it. Your statement might cause someone to ruin their photos of their once in a lifetime event.

I am sure he got more than 100 good photos. How you know he dont have? Dont make assumptions.

Agreed that the heading is not substantiated. In a wedding dinner setting, it is tough to take great pictures, especially when there are smoke effects during walk in, reflective glasses and chandeliers, jostling the point n shoot ppl, composing and of course, tight focusing on group pics...bokeh in such pics would be viewed as a lousy photographer...

Derricksony has showed here that he can do it. So your statement is pointless.

His thread title is just to attract people to get views, worded to provoke controversy and probably **** stirring. The fact that he does this gives a hint of the level of maturity. As a wedding couple these are precisely the people I avoid hiring or even inviting. Potential trouble maker robbing me of my special day to gain attention to himself. wedding photography is more than just photos. Btw those photos looks like underexposed snapshots and the fake photoshop flare of #6 is cheap and amateurish.

There's a old Chinese saying; "Waving a halberd in front of Lord Guan's temple' or "Wielding an axe in outside Lu Ban's door'. Basically a monkeying infront of the masters and doesnt realize the joke is on himself'. Edit the title and save yourself some face. The next thread besides yours could very well be some local big name's thread, you are going to be buried just by stamina alone.

Shakes head at young people nowadays.

Old man, I didn't even get to see your own pictures and you are the most aggressive one on this thread. Maybe you were the actual day photographer for this couple and you feel challenged and scared that Derricksony had beaten you? Hahaha

The composition and capturing of moments are not bad. But wasted photography is not only that. It consist of a lot skills, techniques & experience. All the shots I seen here the exposure, sharpness, lighting and color are pretty bad. Should do some homework on your camera settings, it is very important for a photographer to understand how their equipment behave on different scenario. That is what a DSLR are for. Unless you are telling me all the shots are using a Lomo camera than I will say it is nice.

I think the thread title should change to "Not anyone can just buy a DSLR and be a wedding photographer."
This is a good example of the image quality you will get if "anyone can buy a DSLR and be a wedding photographer" compared to a professional wedding photographer.

Everyone have different style, at least he got a style.

Not anyone can just buy a DSLR and become a wedding photographer. If that is the case than anyone who can just buy a frying pan can be a chef.

Just because now a days entry level DSLR are so affordable that is why now we can see any Tom, Dick, Harry are slinging a DSLR walking around. And a lot of people got the thinking of owning a DSLR and they are a photographer. Actually they are just a Photography Hobbyist. You need more than just a DSLR to become a actual photographer especially a Wedding Photographer. Cheers!

From the photos I see he can be real wedding photographer if not why all the so called professional so afraid of him here and try to flame him?