how to look like a pro

[ywenz]

I'm going to print this out and preach it like it's the bible...

> I use a black Leica and wear all black
> clothes to look unobtrusive and professional. I also take
> very good care of my equipment so it also looks new and
> professional. But still, no one likes my photographs and
> people don't treat me as a professional. Even black tape
> does not help.

Ah... #1 problem there - to look like a proper pro you should put your Leica in the tumble dry (on cool mind you) along with some lose change and run it for 20 - 30 minutes. Then leave your camera laying around on the floor in your home/apartment, preferably where the dog/children can play with it a couple of days. Once it has acquired a proper "patina" apply a couple of odd stickers to it - say the kind you find stuck on fruit these days. A strap made from a knotted piece of that purple cloth tape you find in climbing stores helps too.

As for dress, sometimes a very smelly pipe helps the look, or a rather odd hat (not Tilley - no pro would ever wear a Tilley - that's for amateurs, especially doctors and dentists). A black photo vest can help, but it looks best if it's a tan one you have tried to die it black yourself, using those little packets of dye that make everything else you wash go grey for some weeks afterwards. If you must have a tan vest - get one like Dave Harvey's that was made by a small custom tailor in a back street in Havana.

Also, a small pewter hip flask can add to the look - preferably one with the crest of the Soviet Border Police, that you can claim to have picked up when the Wall fell.

Sand coloured Hush puppies of the sort the Brits call brothel creepers or desert wellies also add something

above texted pulled from: http://www.asc.upenn.edu/usr/cassidy...lug/page1.html

[Joe Brugger]

Proper pros who command respect (and fees) have really good portfolios
I've worked with people who had 'the act' down pat but couldn't shoot for beans. They changed jobs a lot, and not necessarily for better gigs.

[JoeFriday]

and avoid any disreputable situations.. we all could learn from this loser

[Fred]

Brett,

Bin there

I'll get my coat...

[jorisbens]

I still need some things to become a "pro" I only have a hip flask but its not even engraved.

Joris

[SolaresLarrave]

Funny... my Leica never attracts comments, while my Nikon AF inevitably leads people to ask me, sooner or later, if I'm from some newspaper.

Hence, to look like a pro, grab your camera with one hand, fit it with a big lens, and act non-chalant about it.

[back alley]

you mean you ALL don't dress in black?

joe

[Ben Z]

High heel pumps, fishnets and a leather miniskirt?

Seriously, why would it be of importance to someone that they look like a professional photographer?

[VinceC]

Most professional photographers I've been around are the worst-dressed person in the room, if not the building.

[back alley]

Originally Posted by Ben Z

High heel pumps, fishnets and a leather miniskirt?

Seriously, why would it be of importance to someone that they look like a professional photographer?

for the chicks...?

[ywenz]

Originally Posted by back alley

for the chicks...?

Especially if you tell them you're from MTV.com. They go crazy for that ****.

[back alley]

i am very musical...

[kbg32]

Why is it that when you're out walking around with your camera, in hand, stop for a crosswalk, someone invariably comes up to you and says, " Nice camera. How much did that cost?". Luckily the cross light always changes at the right time.

[back alley]

Originally Posted by kbg32

Why is it that when you're out walking around with your camera, in hand, stop for a crosswalk, someone invariably comes up to you and says, " Nice camera. How much did that cost?". Luckily the cross light always changes at the right time.

you must be more friendly looking than i am.
people rarely stop me let alone ask me questions on the street.

[yossarian]

You guys are forgetting the Banana Republic vest.

[ywenz]

Banan Repulic was selling a courier bag that had a strong resemblence to Billingham.. what with all of its lack of padding and everything! I was real tempted to pick one up for $19..

[Joe Brugger]

Got one of those Banana Republic Billingham knockoffs years ago. It can hold more gear than most humans can lift.
According to the Nachtwey DVD, black is out. Pressed jeans with a white linen shirt are the uniform. And always speak slowly, with significant pauses.

[back alley]

Pressed jeans with a white linen shirt are the uniform.

omg, the 70's are back!!

[x-ray]

Originally Posted by VinceC

Most professional photographers I've been around are the worst-dressed person in the room, if not the building.

You must know me! Where and when? Don't forget a simple but elegant strand of pearls with black. Heals are optional depending on how much equipment and whether I'm dodging bulltes. Simple flats are better in sand.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/phot...00&ppuser=2450

[Fred]

"omg, the 70's are back!!"

Cool, the music from Deep Purple, Led Zep and Fleetwood Mac.....

[back alley]

Originally Posted by Fred

"omg, the 70's are back!!"

Cool, the music from Deep Purple, Led Zep and Fleetwood Mac.....

OMG! the 70's are back!!

[ywenz]

Originally Posted by Joe Brugger

Got one of those Banana Republic Billingham knockoffs years ago. It can hold more gear than most humans can lift.
According to the Nachtwey DVD, black is out. Pressed jeans with a white linen shirt are the uniform. And always speak slowly, with significant pauses.

Here ya go!
http://cgi.ebay.com/BANANA-REPUBLIC-...QQcmdZViewItem

[Socke]

Looking like a pro, and with the help of a press pass, you can get admission to a truck on a techno parade and explore new perspectives with a 28.

[Todd.Hanz]

Originally Posted by Socke

Looking like a pro, and with the help of a press pass, you can get admission to a truck on a techno parade and explore new perspectives with a 28.

Ouch, that looks like it hurts, I'd rather get the vest

Todd

[Todd.Hanz]

BTW, where do you keep the film when you wear that outfit...never mind.

Todd