As we can all see and experience, ever since film camera is replaced by digital camera, there is a large growth in the photography industry, whereby millions of new photographers, hobbyist, wannabies, newbies.. and etc…. haha… trying to venture in the photography industry. It has revolutionized the industry as everyone can afford a DSLR and substantial lightings, especially those from china made strobes and triggers as well. It has made those existing professional photographers worry about the change and their source of income. Now, those affected professionals that i am mentioning are those mediocre photographers, as they are easier to be caught up then those prominent photographers in the industry. At the end of the day, probably 1 in 3 friends that you know is a freelance photographer. So, what makes a professional photographer by stands out from the rest? Since everyone knows well about their camera, read and watch youtube or other source of tutorials on lightings and composition, how would you differentiate yourself?

I, for one, have also started photography by passion and hobby, self taught and without any professional qualification in the photography industry. I am definitely no genius in learning, hence, everyone can as well. From my point of view on how to differentiate yourself from the rising number of new photographers, is only 1 thing.. ” CREATIVITY “. Everyone can be a strobist, everyone can be a light specialist, and most importantly, everyone can shoot. But, can everyone shoot with creativity and meaning behind the image?, this is the part that differentiate the photographers, for now.. that is.. who can see the future..

An example would be, say.. a corporate portrait. A common photographer with sufficient technical knowledge would probably go in the office, get the model to have a corporate pose, set up softbox if any or umbrella, clampshell or just single strobe, a little fill, a little rim, etc…Then..voila.. you got  yourself a nice corporate headshot or image of the model / entrepreneur. And, these shots are good enough to be used for marketing and advertising materials, without a doubt. But, for an experience and creative photographer, he/she will go for the extreme, harder work of course to be different and for client to get their value worth, since they are paid more than most common photographers. Besides setting the standard lightings, similar to the earlier photographer, he/she may have to scout around the office for the best spot, best ambient lighting location or  darker location to have total control, then get to know the entrepreneur on what is his passion and strength, probably even find some props and location that can assist to portray the personality, and most importantly.. somehow  (referring to the x-factor here .. ). achieve the objective of the shot and added a “punch” to it. Of course, not forgetting the creative lightings as well ( not about painting with light ), but to use lighting that can help out in the production of a meaningful, yet creative image. Results.. must be a “WOW”.. and not just a “good shot” and get paid.

You may then think. hm.. since photography industry is no longer a good industry to be in, as it got too competitive, too hard to make a living from, too hard to be different and just simply.. too many new photographers flocking into this industry. Well, the good news is.. this is not the only industry. It’s similar to most industries as well, such as web designer, programmer, accountants, lawyers.. and etc..With the help of internet, everyone can be an expert in their field, sharing knowledge is common and easily obtainable information. And of course, not forgetting with the new technologies that keeps making life and learning easier, “how not to be” an expert in something. Everyone can design their own webbies, copy paste open source scripts, use easy accounting systems and crash online course with certifications and etc.

Well, from my point of view..instead of giving yourself the pressure and stress to compete, why not.. just forget about eyeing on your competition and focus on your own strength, your pace and competition is yourself. Find out about your individual strength and work on it. Everyone is different in a way, and everyone have their own strength, if you can find it.. some spend the rest of their life.. loooking for it and still have not found it..haha.. well.. good luck with that and, I.. myself..am still working on it..