11 Phrases No One Should Say To A Photographer

New York, NY - Most people see photographers as bold and courageous, leading when and where it’s necessary. In fact part of the professional photographer’s persona is that of a strong individual who is focused while being artistic.

But despite of being thick skinned in most things, studies have found that 95% of photographers are affected by phrases people say that seem innocent or innocuous.

We’ve asked several photographers from the 5 boroughs of New York to tell us what they think. These experts agree that the following phrases or statements should be avoided by clients, family or friends if they want to see the best from their photographer. Here they are:

1. “Your camera sure takes great photos.”
Although it may seem complimentary, most photographer feel this statement shifts the credit from the photographer to the equipment, minimizing the skill, timing, and creative decisions behind the image. “This phrase is akin to telling Dave Ramsey his calculator must be a great money manager,” says Mark Massey of On The Mark Studios.

2. “Can’t be that hard; you just push a button.”
“‘And I can just push your nose with my fist.’ That’s what I want to say,” threatened Cathy of Cat’s Got Your Photos, “but we don’t because we understand that we make it look easy.

“Go ahead and ‘just’ push the button on a professional camera body and let’s see if you can take even one sharp photo. I’ve tried to teach my husband how to ‘push the button,’ and we still haven’t managed to get a proper photo of myself with our family.”

3. “Can you just Photoshop that?”
Often used casually, this suggests that extensive editing is quick or effortless, overlooking the time and expertise required in post-production. Pro photographers certainly can. “Show us the money, and we will!” said Spencer of You’re Good Cause I’m Good Photography

Sure, I can Photoshop that!

**Show me the money!!**

4. “I take photos, too.”
“Nice. Your iPhone or Android smartphone doesn’t count. And no, I don’t want to see your black-and-white, filtered photo of your cat, a tree, or the creek in your backyard,” shared Allison of All Is On Fotografs. “‘They’re all garbage,’ is what I really want to say, but I just smile and say, ‘Oh, that’s nice,’” she added.

5. “Bring the BIG camera.”
“This is mostly said by my family during the holidays,” offered Mark of On The Mark Studios. “Listen, allow me to speak to them, we love you—you are family—but no. I will not be shooting while you guys are exchanging stories about Grandma or Andrew and his new girlfriend. I’m not going to stress myself out. And I’m not going to miss the tea! Plus, where am I supposed to set up my lights?”

6. “I just need a few shots.”
“Most of the people that have said this to me were trying to get a discount,” shared Monique of MemoryMagnet Dreams and Photos. “The price will still be whatever I sent you in my pricing guide, darling.

“Whether it’s 10 or 120, I’m shooting for keepers, and it’s the same amount of work for me. I’ve done already left my house, and have changed or held up my plans, so loosen that tight-wad and Zelle me what I’ve quoted you, alright.”

7. “We’ll tag you for exposure.”
“The last time I was paid in exposure, I came down with COVID,” admitted Julie of Ju Need Some Pictures. “Who’s going to see my work when you tag me? Come closer: if you’re cheap, then your friends are cheap. I don't want you ‘exposing’ me to your cheap friends. If you want to expose me to something,” added Julie, “let it be a nice stack of cash!”

8. “Just one more quick shot.”
“OMG this, right here, gets on my nerves,” remarked Julie of JU Need Some Pictures. “They probably have nowhere else to go, but I may have an incoming client I need to prep for. Or, frankly, I want to binge on IG and MemesForTogs. So, no. When I’m done, they’re done—unless I want to shoot more. NawhaImean?” she asked while grinning naughtily, “Then, you’re my prisoner until I’m finished,” she laughs.

9. “Since you’re here already, can you just take photos of my family, too?”
“Don’t use the word ‘just,’ please,” requested Shataee of Shout Imagery. “The implication of JUST is triggering.”

“I’ll send you my calendar, and you can schedule a family session with me for another day and time. Today, I’m shooting you for what you’ve paid me for. Unless you want to pay for a family session right now AND I actually have the time—then, let’s do it! Better for me, cause I’m already here.”

10. “Let me take a picture of you with your camera.”
“Just like I’ve said,” Cathy reiterated. “I’ve tried training my husband to do this very thing, and it hasn’t worked. Besides,” Cathy added, “why would I hand over 7 thousand of dollars' worth of my equipment to someone who doesn’t even know how to hold a pose? Raincheck.”

11. “Why does it cost so much?”
Julie of JNSP, sing-songing, “This is a business. This is a skill. This is what makes me money, so I’ll price as I will. I’m away from my family that I’d rather stay by; this is why I charge so high. This is my craft, thousands of hours I’ve been honing, so if you can’t pay, just keep your, well—fill in the blanks—moving.”

The Tog Times is the world’s only satire news publication for photographers. If you found this useful, hilarious, or personally offensive — you’re in the right place.

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