When digital cameras first became popular, I remember photographers who started taking 500 images at a wedding because they no longer had to worry about the cost of film. I even remember encouraging a few of them myself. After all, pixels are free, and if you don’t like the image later, it is easy to delete.

Of course, there were a few “die-hards” who continued to take dozens of images – like they did in film – and I tried to encourage them to take a few more images than they used to. After all, don’t top-end fashion photographers take dozens of shots of the same subject just to find the perfect pose?

I’ve come full-circle on the subject. Now I believe shooting less is more.

Here’s why.

(more…)

Dean over at Photoprenreur has an interesting blog entitled, The Differences between Professional and Amateur Photographers. Although the article is written primarily for commercial photographers, it makes sense for anyone trying to make a living as a pro. I was especially interested to read Dean argue that “it’s possible that amateur photographers with a good head for marketing can find moving prints easier than many professionals do.”

While we at JD believe great photography is the foundation of any professional photographers business, Dean makes a valid point: just shooting isn’t enough. A pro should expect to spend 20-25% of their time marketing their business. If you’re just getting started, expect to spend 50% or more of your time marketing. Anything less, and you’re doing a disservice to your business.