Perth Photographer Provides Primer on Professionalism
Announcement posted by Fisher Photography 27 Jun 2013
Owner of Fisher Photography in Perth reveals the traits that a professional photographer must have to provide great photography.
Perth, WA, June 27, 2013 - In a recent blog post, Geoff Fisher, owner of Perth firm Fisher Photography, outlined twelve traits that he believes professional photographers must possess to provide top-notch photographs to a variety of clients. Although the post was written more for corporate photography, the fundamentals of professionalism that were presented provide a “snapshot” of what it means to be a professional photographer.
The advent of the digital age has changed the face of photography as we know it. Due to the popularity of sites such as Facebook and Pinterest, combined with the proliferation of smartphones with cameras, a growing number of people across the globe fancy themselves to be “professional photographers.” Another factor is the availability of very good digital cameras that allow people to take very good pictures using a simple “point and click” method.
However, Fisher's blog post noted that it takes a lot more than a good camera to make a professional photographer. Fisher's take on professionalism draws from solid business skills and a commitment to provide the desired results in the desired time--with a minimum of discomfort for the client and an attitude of respect on the part of the photographer.
In a nutshell, Fisher's twelve traits of a professional photographer are the following: respect the client, finish under budget, give an honest estimate and deliver, make the process easier for the client, come up with creative solutions to problems, respond appropriately to criticism, willingly adjust to change, provide consistent results, never promise what can't be delivered, research the client, and keep one's composure.
According to Fisher, these traits are essential to the point of being non-negotiable: “I have personally spent 35 years building a solid reputation, based on my professionalism. I find these traits to be the bare minimum necessary to provide consistent results and build a legion of satisfied customers.”
Fisher continued, “Respect is important because it is something that must be given before it can be earned. We respect every client that hires us to do anything. From one portrait to a corporate gig with hundreds of pictures, it doesn't matter: we respect everyone and do the best we can to provide them with great service and a great product.”
Fisher added, “We insist on consistency. We also insist on following through to ensure that every client gets what they are paying for, and that they get it in the time frame that was previously discussed. In this day and age, it seems like a lot of individuals and companies spend more time making promises and less time keeping them.
That kind of behaviour is unacceptable here at Fisher Photography. We have found that a set of professional guidelines promotes consistency in work ethic and habits. When an employee or company follows these guidelines, they do a great job, almost on autopilot.”
Fisher concluded, “The bottom line is that a true professional subjugates their own needs for those of the client. We have found that when it's ‘all about the client’ as opposed to ‘all about us,’ we end up with repeat business and a lot of compliments for a job well done.”
Geoff Fisher is master photographer and the owner of Fisher Photography in Perth. He utilises over 35 years of experience to provide consistent, professional results in a variety of settings, including corporate photography, family photography and portrait photography from his studio in Perth. For more information, call (08) 9381 2233 or visit his website: http://www.fisherphotography.com.au
The advent of the digital age has changed the face of photography as we know it. Due to the popularity of sites such as Facebook and Pinterest, combined with the proliferation of smartphones with cameras, a growing number of people across the globe fancy themselves to be “professional photographers.” Another factor is the availability of very good digital cameras that allow people to take very good pictures using a simple “point and click” method.
However, Fisher's blog post noted that it takes a lot more than a good camera to make a professional photographer. Fisher's take on professionalism draws from solid business skills and a commitment to provide the desired results in the desired time--with a minimum of discomfort for the client and an attitude of respect on the part of the photographer.
In a nutshell, Fisher's twelve traits of a professional photographer are the following: respect the client, finish under budget, give an honest estimate and deliver, make the process easier for the client, come up with creative solutions to problems, respond appropriately to criticism, willingly adjust to change, provide consistent results, never promise what can't be delivered, research the client, and keep one's composure.
According to Fisher, these traits are essential to the point of being non-negotiable: “I have personally spent 35 years building a solid reputation, based on my professionalism. I find these traits to be the bare minimum necessary to provide consistent results and build a legion of satisfied customers.”
Fisher continued, “Respect is important because it is something that must be given before it can be earned. We respect every client that hires us to do anything. From one portrait to a corporate gig with hundreds of pictures, it doesn't matter: we respect everyone and do the best we can to provide them with great service and a great product.”
Fisher added, “We insist on consistency. We also insist on following through to ensure that every client gets what they are paying for, and that they get it in the time frame that was previously discussed. In this day and age, it seems like a lot of individuals and companies spend more time making promises and less time keeping them.
That kind of behaviour is unacceptable here at Fisher Photography. We have found that a set of professional guidelines promotes consistency in work ethic and habits. When an employee or company follows these guidelines, they do a great job, almost on autopilot.”
Fisher concluded, “The bottom line is that a true professional subjugates their own needs for those of the client. We have found that when it's ‘all about the client’ as opposed to ‘all about us,’ we end up with repeat business and a lot of compliments for a job well done.”
Geoff Fisher is master photographer and the owner of Fisher Photography in Perth. He utilises over 35 years of experience to provide consistent, professional results in a variety of settings, including corporate photography, family photography and portrait photography from his studio in Perth. For more information, call (08) 9381 2233 or visit his website: http://www.fisherphotography.com.au