Yes, this is very true.  Be careful out there when researching photographers.  Here's why anyone can call themselves a photographer.

No one governs the photography industry.    Buy a camera, start a Facebook page and, BANG! you're a photographer.   No understanding of the equipment in their hands.  No idea what ISO, Fstop, or shutter speed do or how the three components work together.  Composition, lighting? No idea how to handle a wedding day.  Buy that camera, that's all.

So, follow me now: A teacher need to get her teaching certificate.  A Lawyer need to pass the bar exam.  A Plumber need to get a license.  On and on. Photographers?  Absolutely nothing. 

There are several jokes out there.  Hey, that float around the photography world:

"Your camera takes nice pictures.", "It's does, I'm sure your pots make a good dinner."

"Your camera takes nice pictures.", "Thank you, your piano makes good sounds."

It's not the camera.  That camera is NOT as smart as the advertising makes it out to be.  There is much more to it than that.  Here is a commercial that helps make my point.  My favorite moment is when he runs away.   Click for the commercial.

A photographer NEEDS to know how the camera functions, understand ISO, FStop and Shutter Speed otherwise he or she is out there guessing.  Guessing is not the way to handle a wedding.   A photographer has to know exactly what needs to be done, how to do it and do it efficiently.  No guess work or practicing on your wedding. 

All I'm saying is, do your research.  

Look for a CPP (Certified Professional Photographer). Ask to see a complete wedding image set not just what they show as their best work.  Look at the editing,  Is it natural, or over processed.  Blue skies or washed out white skies.  Skin tone are natural or not orange/yellow or flat.  Is there detail in the brides dress or is that lost and washed out?   Is the lighting pleasing or to bright or dark. 

These are just a few things to watch for when researching your photographer.  With an experienced photographer you'll see a huge difference.

One last example:

The media may tell you what an AMAZING image is.  Well... in my opinion, the media isn't always on the ball and may not understand photography in general, what constitutes an excellent image, good exposure and composition.  

You be the judge.   Which of these would you rather have from your photographer?      

The below image is from a recent wedding.  The one on the left is the type of image I see all the time on FB and other social media sites.  Overexposed, washed out, no detail.

The one on the right is how I feel this image should appear.  Blue sky, detail in the dress and in the shadow areas.   BTW the right is straight out of the camera.  No editing.  

037 BLOD 003 (Sheet 3)

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