There is no one specific we really can blame.
Why even place blame? what we're really dealing with ignorance and a "look at me!" society. Today's under 25 crowd is a part of the "gotta have it now" generation. no, they don't want to really work for something they want instant gratification. they think fame is the only important thing to be in life. they set their goals ridiculously high and then get pissed when it does not happen overnight. they forget the love of the craft, the time, commitment, dedication, and hard work associated with becoming even a decent photographer.
To them setting a camera to auto means they can produce instant works of art and everyone will flock to these stunning images. Stick them into a real world situation where the client is demanding images in say 72 hours or a client is picky about what they want and they'll be left with their jaws on the floor. I've learned you need to think quickly and on your feet in this line of work. if you're clueless and have failed to do your homework, you're going to fail.
For "Bride to be" to make the asinine assumption pros are intimidated is laughable. Pros are concerned, sure. But it has more to do with these wannabes being unwilling to work and instead peddle crap images to innocent clients which the pros will later be forced to fix. That's not intimidation, that's frustration over having to mop up the mess these wannabe pros with a $600 camera made.
Some amateurs will make it, most will drop off when the work gets too tough and clients demand too much. when they realize the business side of it and find out how much work is REALLY involved most will run and find other endeavors to pursue.
It has been a challenging, uphill battle for me but I do it because I love it and I love a challenge. I could have given up when many pros were snubbing me and not giving me the time of day. I could have given up when I hit brick walls and struggled to learn something new to make my work better. Did I? Nope. I keep pushing and learning not only the creative/technical side of photography but also the BUSINESS side of it. I have a long way to go still and I'm not the type to give up easily or when the going gets tough.
When the work gets too hard and there is no instant success a good majority of the wannabe famous tools will drop off. Guaranteed. there is no blame, only ignorance and naivete.
I think the pros are intimidated. no, the camera does not make a photographer, and yes, it requires skill and practice.
However, the pros are seeing just how many amateurs are popping up and you know they've begun to worry. Which is why the first thing out of their mouth is:
"You're not a professional just because you have a nice camera."
Not, oh, well, good luck on your journey and get lots of practice… no, that'd be too nice for the competition.
Do people think builders sit in the sun all day hammering a nail now and then – maybe
Do people think pro fotogs travel the world "taking" photos of great places – it seems many do
Do people think because they have a new camera they are a skilled trained professional – yes many seem to
so who do we blame? the muppets?
No – but then again to a certain point we can. what about the fresh-out-of-the-box guys (meaning they just got their camera and they're trying to start a business)? the people out there trying to do weddings when they haven't shot but only a couple hundred images?
lol i'll be famous :] and weddings are not my favorite thing to do…but hey i'm 20 and i made $1,500 for a wedding actually a couple of them….i got a couple of cameras and hey the guy that said just because people get a new camera they assume that they are good…its not the camera its the person behind it…douche. lol
