{"id":2056,"date":"2014-04-28T12:56:15","date_gmt":"2014-04-28T12:56:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dreamweddingshawaii.com\/?p=2056"},"modified":"2018-03-14T01:55:54","modified_gmt":"2018-03-14T01:55:54","slug":"photography_professional","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dreamweddingshawaii.com\/photography_professional\/","title":{"rendered":"Am I a “Professional Photographer?”"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"chromebs<\/a>An example of bad storytelling: \u00a0This is taken from a magazine.<\/strong><\/p>\n

So tell me. \u00a0Why would a grown man, fly a young kid into the middle of the Utah Salt Flats, with one parachute, splash on cologne, and say he’s “Living unforgettable moments.” \u00a0The glider, by the way, cannot take off from the Salt Flats. \u00a0It needs to be towed to an higher altitude. \u00a0It’s a one way trip…with a kid. \u00a0 And why are they wearing sweaters in a dessert. \u00a0Great picture, bad message. \u00a0I mean…REALLY bad message. \u00a0*<\/p>\n


\nPROFESSIONALISM IS “A LITTLE MORE” THAN A TITLE<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

I realize that you must think that my photography is great.\u00a0 It\u2019s one of the reasons why you pay me the big bucks. \u00a0I\u2019ll be honest with you.\u00a0 Your paycheck to me speaks much louder than the \u201clikes\u201d I get on my company\u2019s facebook page. \u00a0\u00a0But despite your money, and despite my \u201clikes,\u201d five-star yelp reviews, and great reputation, the real big question is, \u201cAm I a professional photographer?\u201d<\/p>\n

Hmmm\u2026..\u00a0 Well, I was trained by one of Taiwan\u2019s best photographers, an insanely smart fella who only allowed me to shoot on a disposable film camera for over a year until I could match his quality on a SLR.\u00a0 Counting this year, I have over 18 years of professional photography experience that ranges from real estate, fine-art, commercial, fashion, still life (food especially), to weddings (my favorite). \u00a0\u00a0I\u2019ve taught photography to many aspiring individuals; even mentored professional photographers, worldwide, so they could reach heights they thought were not attainable.<\/p>\n

But does all that history make me\u2026professional? \u00a0\u00a0No, it just means I have a great story to tell.\u00a0 Depending on what realm you live in, I\u2019m known as a professional writer; others, a professional videographer, businessman, trainer, even a boxing coach.\u00a0 You probably know me as a professional Hawaii Wedding Planner.<\/p>\n

\"what-not-to-do-9<\/a>Example of not mastering the medium of photography. \u00a0This is obviously not my photography but another “professional” with over a decade worth of experience. \u00a0 Tree coming out the groom? Give me a break*<\/strong><\/p>\n

To put your mind at rest; yes, I am also a professional photographer so your wedding is in good hands.\u00a0 But why am I considered one?\u00a0 There is no official red carpet club to obtaining the title of \u201cprofessional photographer\u201d in the world.\u00a0 There are bogus membership clubs you can join.\u00a0 But for the most part, \u201cprofessional\u201d is a self-appointed title that involves zero prerequisites.<\/p>\n

The question has now evolved.\u00a0 \u201cAm I, yours truly, a professional photographer?\u00a0 Or Am I Zero<\/span>\u2026 posing as a Hero<\/span>?\u201d<\/p>\n

In my book, in order for a photographer to be considered a \u201cprofessional,\u201d he must be a master of ALL OF THE FOLLOWING:<\/strong><\/p>\n