All around the world, photography is such a popular activity. We see people using cell phones as cameras, unfortunately. We also see people using standard compact digital cameras and larger digital cameras that are super difficult to hold in one hand, according to the unprofessionalists. There are also the professionals, holding their bulky digital single-lens reflex (abbreviated DSLR) cameras. Some believe that they know how to use it properly, when in reality, they do not. There are also some who are fully capable of using them. Some go above and beyond and buy those expensive telephoto lens (reaching above and beyond) from Canon. These people engage in astrophotography and can get shots of star trails or even get pictures of the Andromeda Galaxy.
Nonetheless, there is a diverse amount of photographers out there and we all see it. I will now discuss the five types of photographers in detail and give them names. Following that, I shall discuss that it is possible to become professional without expensive equipment.
1) The Cell Phone Users: The first thing I should say is to not use cell phones as cameras, unless it is absolutely necessary. Photos from cell phones are obnoxious, and plain. You should only use these if you do not have an actual camera, or “forgot” to bring your camera with you. Just refrain from becoming just another one of “The Cell Phone Users.”
2) Generic Compact Digital Camera Users: These people are the norm of camera users. These people tend to use flash almost 100% of the time, even in conditions when it is not necessary, or conditions where flash actually hurts. That is, flash is bad particularly when trying to keep the ambiance of the subject natural. Flash makes everything unnatural. Most people are in this category. People in this category are classified as having no knowledge of the different modes: M (Manual) , Av (Aperture), or Tv (Shutter speed). These modes are basically on all digital cameras in this age, and these people should not have excuses for taking “blurry” pictures. Therefore, those of you in this category should stay tuned for just a moment as I prepare some simple tutorials which will greatly enhance your technique. For the moment, I forgive you for not knowing about the simple modes of a digital camera.
3) Expert Compact Digital Camera Users: These people actually know how to operate a compact digital camera in an advanced manner. These people do not use flash when it is not neccessary. In addition, these people have some interest in photography and desire to move to the next-next category. Category 5: DSLR Users. These people however, lack the financial stuff, ya know: The stuff needed to buy the actual expensive equipment. Nonetheless, these people often remain in this level for a long while, and study the works of professionals and often check Amazon.com to see if prices have dropped on DSLRs and lenses.
4) Beginner-Entry DSLR Users: It depends for these people. Some are clueless and some are at the level of category 3. This group has a diverse type of people.
5) DSLR Users: These people have a passion for photography and think f/2.8 when eating at a sushi place or anything involving small objects, such as macros. This is where users of category 3 and 4 definitely long to be. People that have DSLR(s) often want more lens. They continously buy lens until they are out of money. Thus, it is not neccessarily good to be in this category, unless you are really, really interested in photography.
Thus, there we have it; 5 types of photographers. Now, despite all those blurry pictures and all with a small compact digital camera, there are many ways to improve your technique. No expensive equipment is needed. I shall discuss simple techniques for categories 1-2 type of people in my first tutorial.
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for my next article!
- Jeremy
