Ever wonder what it’s like to step into a photographer’s world? Imagine lugging around expensive gear, chasing perfect light, and then hearing, “Wow, your camera takes great photos!” Cue the collective eye-roll of photographers everywhere.

Whether you’re a pro, a hobbyist, or someone just curious about shutterbugs, this post is here to save you from the accidental faux pas that might make your photographer friend consider switching to interpretive dance. Here are 15 things you should never say to a photographer—unless you want to see their best death stare caught on camera!

Let’s jump right in!

Pressing a button might be easy, but knowing when, where, and how to press it—and spending years perfecting the craft—definitely isn’t. It’s like saying a chef only ‘stirs a pot’ or a surgeon just ‘makes a cut.’ You’re not paying for the button press; you’re paying for the magic that happens after it.

Drop the mic, and cue the slow clap.

Sure, your phone takes good pictures—for a phone. But that’s like saying instant noodles taste just as good as a gourmet meal. Both fill the hunger, but one comes with experience, skill, and a sprinkle of magic… and the other is, well, just quick and easy.

Next time, tell your phone to shoot a wedding solo and see how that goes.

Ah, yes, the classic ‘just one photo’ request. Funny how ‘one photo’ turns into ‘Can you make me look younger?’, ‘Can you remove my ex?’, and ‘Oh, can I get a few more for Instagram?’ One photo isn’t a photo—it’s a process, a prayer, and sometimes a Photoshop miracle.

Spoiler alert: It’s never just one photo!

Another classic comment! The photographer, pouring their heart and soul into capturing the perfect moment, the perfect light, the perfect expression… and then THIS. It’s like telling a chef that their stove is amazing. Sure, it’s a tool, but it’s the skill, the vision, the artistry that makes the difference.

Next time, try something like, “Your photos are stunning! How did you capture that light/expression/moment?” Now THAT’S a compliment that’ll make a photographer’s heart sing.

The “How’s my photos coming along?” question. It’s like asking a surgeon, “How’s my operation going?” while they’re still sawing through your leg.

Photographers, they’re a sensitive bunch. They pour their heart and soul into each shot, and they’re waiting for that moment when you see their work and your jaw drops. So, instead of asking “How’s my photos coming along,” try something like:

• “Wow, you’re capturing some amazing light!”
• “I love the way you’re using colour in this photo.”
• “That’s a really creative angle!”

Basically, give them some specific feedback on what you’re seeing. It shows that you’re paying attention and that you appreciate their work. And who knows, you might even get a behind-the-scenes look at their process!

“Can you make me skinnier?” request. It’s like asking a painter to add a fourth dimension to their canvas.

Sure we can Photoshop it, but Photographers, they’re artists, not magicians. They can use lighting and angles to flatter their subjects, but they can’t defy the laws of physics.

Next time, try something like:

• “I love the way you captured my eyes in that photo.”
• “I feel so confident in this photo.”
• “You made me look like a supermodel!”

Compliment their work, not their ability to alter reality. And who knows, you might even get a few more flattering photos out of it!

“My friend is coming to the wedding and bringing their camera.” announcement. It’s like telling a chef that you’re bringing your own food to their restaurant.

Photographers, they’re professionals. They’ve spent years honing their craft, learning the art of light and composition. And they’re being paid to capture the memories of your special day. So, instead of inviting your friend to tag along with their camera, why not just trust the professionals?

Besides, your friend’s photos are probably going to end up on Facebook anyway. So why not just let the professionals do their job and enjoy your day?

“Oh, you print your own pics? Are they the same price as Walmart?” question. It’s like asking a chef, “Oh, you cook your own food? Is it as cheap as McDonald’s?”

Photographers, they’re artists, not just button-pushers. They put a lot of time, effort, and skill into their work. Their prices reflect that.

So, next time, try something like:

• “Your photos are beautiful! How much do you charge for a session?”
• “I’m interested in getting some professional photos done. Would you be available for a consultation?”

Show that you value their work and are willing to invest in it. After all, your memories are worth it.

“I can do that with my mobile!” and “Can I have the RAW files?” comments. It’s like telling a chef, “I can cook that myself!” and then asking them for their secret family recipe.

I keep repeating this. AGAIN, Photographers, they’re artists, not just button-pushers. They put a lot of time, effort, and skill into their work.

So, next time, try something like:

• “Your photos are beautiful! How much do you charge for a session?”
• “I’m interested in getting some professional photos done. Would you be available for a consultation?”

And as for the “Can you quickly send the 3 best photos of me right after the event?” request… well, let’s just say that photographers have a lot of work to do after a shoot. Editing, retouching, colour grading… it all takes time. So, be patient, and appreciate the final product!

It’s like telling a chef, “All you do is cook food, how hard can it be?”

Photographers, we’re artists. We have to understand lighting, composition, and post-processing to create beautiful images. And that takes time.

So, next time, try something like:

• “Wow, I’m so happy with the photos. You captured the light so well!”
• “I love the way you capture emotion in your photos.”
• “You’re so talented! I’m so glad I hired you.”

Show that you appreciate our work and the skill that goes into it. After all, they’re the ones who are going to capture your memories for a lifetime.

“Can I have the unedited files?” request. It’s like asking a chef for their raw ingredients instead of the finished dish.

Editing is part of our creative process. It’s what makes our photos unique and beautiful.

So, next time, try something like:

• “Your photos are amazing! I love the way you edit them.”
• “I’m so impressed with your work. You’re so talented.”
• “I can’t wait to see the final product!”

Show that you appreciate the work and the skill that goes into it. After all, we’re the ones who are going to capture your memories for a lifetime.

And as for the “Can you take one with my phone too?” request… well, let’s just say that photographers have a lot of work to do during a shoot. They’re focused on capturing the perfect moment, and they don’t always have time to switch between cameras. So, try to be understanding and let them do their job!

“Oh, it’s really beautiful! Normal, you have a very good camera.” comment. It’s like telling a chef, “Oh, that’s really delicious! You must have a very good stove.”

Our camera is just a tool. It’s our vision, our composition, and our editing that make photos beautiful.

So, next time, try something like:

• “Your photos are amazing! I love the way you use light and shadow.”
• “I’m so impressed with your creativity. Your photos are so unique.”
• “You’re so talented! I’m so glad I hired you.”

Have you ever told a cook “Don’t worry about the burnt bits, I’ll just pick them off.”?

Yes, we can use Photoshop to enhance your images, but we can’t create something out of nothing.

So, next time, try something like:

• “Your photos are amazing! I love the way you use colour and light.”
• “I’m so impressed with your creativity. Your photos are so unique.”
• “You’re so talented! I’m so glad I hired you.”

Show that you appreciate their work and the skill that goes into it. After all, they’re the ones who are going to capture your memories for a lifetime.

And as for the “I’ve got no budget but happy to tag you in the finished pics on Instagram” and “WE can’t pay you, but the exposure will be…..great……” comments… well, let’s just say that photographers need to eat, too. Their time and talent are valuable. So, if you want to work with a professional photographer, be prepared to pay them a fair price.

It’s like telling a chef, “Can I have the raw ingredients so I can cook the meal myself?”

Show that you appreciate their work and the skill that goes into it. After all, they’re the ones who are going to capture your memories for a lifetime.

And as for the “Your lens cap is on” comment… well, let’s just say that photographers are human. They make mistakes. But it’s always good to be aware of your surroundings and double-check your equipment before you start shooting!

“I tasted your food and added some salt.” See if you like being told that. “I took your photo and fixed it” comment… well, let’s just say that photographers have feelings too. Their work is an extension of themselves, and it can be hurtful to have someone else “fix” it without their permission. So, next time, just admire the photo and keep your hands to yourself!

“I’ve got no budget but happy to tag you in the finished pics on Instagram” and “WE can’t pay you, but the exposure will be…..great……” comments. It’s like telling a chef, “I don’t have any money, but you can have the leftovers.”

Photographers’ time and talent are valuable.

And as for the “How do I get the photos without the watermark?”… well, let’s just say that photographers need to make a living. Watermarks are there to protect their work and prevent people from using it without permission. So, if you want to use a photographer’s work, be prepared to pay for it!

In conclusion, the next time you find yourself marvelling at a photographer’s work, resist the urge to offer unsolicited advice like, “You should try using a filter!” (because apparently, photographers have never heard of those groundbreaking inventions). Or perhaps, “Did you know you can take pictures with your phone now?” (a revolutionary concept, I know). Instead, try asking something insightful like, “How did you achieve that stunning depth of field?” or “What inspired the composition of this image?” Trust me, photographers are more likely to appreciate your genuine curiosity about their craft than a condescending lecture on how to “fix” their photos.

And for those of you who are still convinced that “exposure” is just a fancy word for sunburn, I urge you to pick up a camera and try capturing the world through a different lens. You might just be surprised at how challenging (and rewarding) it can be. So, go forth and experiment, but please, for the sake of your sanity (and the sanity of photographers everywhere), leave the unsolicited advice at the door.

So, after all this, are you still brave enough to ask a photographer to “just Photoshop it”?

Do you want to hear more about what photographers really feel? Go and check this thread with your heart’s delight!