professional photographers

[Ron Klein <panorama@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I’m listening to all the chat about free images needed for publication and
shaking my head.

First, let me assure all of you that Bob Erickson will indeed get all the
free pictures he needs for his book.  Certainly there are a lot of people
out there in chatland that are flaming mad about it, but the simple fact is,
they are out numbered.

 If you are a “professional” photographer and strongly feel that you must be
paid for every piece of work you do, I tip my hat to you and wish you the
best.  Just remember that even among professionals there is competition.
Someone is always willing to do YOUR job for less money.  Getting mad about
it and stomping your feet will get you nowhere.  It is far better to simply
ignore Mr. Erickson’s request and get on with your own business.  Decent
photographers should have all the work they want without worrying about
every little job that pops up.

As far as amateur photographers are concerned, anything goes, and it is
probably fair that they should try everything at least once.  I’m willing to
bet that before most “professional” photographers became “professional” they
did the exactly the same thing.  By the way, what is the official license
that one needs to make them “professional”?  It’s not exactly like a bar
exam for lawyers or a state medical board review.  It seems to me, most
people in photography simply print up a business card and away they go.

If you are interested in Bob’s offer, go for it.  It isn’t much, but that is
what he feels is right.  Just remember that just because someone is writing
a book about panoramic photography it isn’t automatically going to be a best
seller.  In fact, most books like this are losers ending up on remainder
tables in bookstores.  (Please don’t take offense Bob)

What really counts in photography or anything else is a good reputation.
This is accomplished by doing good work over a long period of time.

Enough said, let’s talk about pan photography instead

Ron Klein
practicing “professional” photography for 30 years