My Biggest Pet Peeves About Being a Photographer

As a photographer, there are plenty of rewarding aspects to my craft, but there are also some frustrations that come with the job. Photography isn’t just about pointing a camera and clicking a button; it’s a meticulous process that involves creativity, skill, and a keen eye for detail. Over the years, I’ve encountered a number of habits and misconceptions that can get under my skin. Here are my biggest pet peeves about being a photographer:

1. Refusing to Use the Viewfinder

I get it – modern cameras have incredible focusing systems and bright LCD screens that make it easy to shoot without using the viewfinder. But hear me out: looking through the viewfinder is about more than just seeing the shot. It’s about framing it properly, blocking out distractions, and getting fully immersed in the scene. Not using the viewfinder means you’re missing out on the precision that helps you truly compose your shot. It’s not just old-school—it’s a practical method to improve your photography.

2. Neck Straps are a Pain (Literally)

If you’ve ever worn a camera around your neck for hours, you know the strain it puts on your body. Yet, people continue to use those dreaded neck straps! Cameras can weigh anywhere from 200 to 800 grams, and letting that weight pull down on your neck all day is terrible for your posture and comfort. Switch to a shoulder strap or sling—it spreads the weight more evenly and saves your neck from the ache. The only exception I can think of is when you're using a super-light camera or a point-and-shoot, but otherwise, do your neck a favor!

3. Tape on Cameras Doesn’t Fool Anyone

Putting tape over the logos or certain parts of your camera might seem like a stealthy move, but newsflash—it doesn't make your camera invisible. Everyone, including thieves, knows what a camera looks like. In fact, it might draw more attention than it deflects. At best, it’s an aesthetic choice (think of it like Nelly’s signature face plaster). At worst, it’s a desperate attempt to keep a camera that’s literally falling apart in one piece. If it’s the latter, it’s probably time to invest in some repairs!

4. Gear Talk Can Be Boring

I love photography, but I don’t necessarily love gear talk. Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate a good chat when you’re genuinely seeking advice on a purchase or trying to learn, but endless discussions about specs, lens sharpness, and brands can get dull quickly. My go-to advice? Just get a Canon—they're user-friendly and reliable for most people. For 99% of people, the camera brand won't make or break their photos.

5. Please Stop Showing Me Your Phone’s Sunset Photos

I know sunsets are beautiful, but showing me every sunset photo you took on your phone is a bit much. You’re proud of your photo, and I respect that, but I can only feign interest so many times before it gets exhausting. I’ll politely compliment it and move on, but deep down, I’m hoping you understand that it’s not the same as what I do with a professional camera.

6. No, I’m Not Pretending to Take a Photo

Some cameras have dampened shutters that don’t make the loud click people associate with taking pictures. So, when someone questions if I’m actually taking a photo because they didn’t hear the shutter, it’s a waste of time to explain that my camera is quieter than usual. Trust me, I’m not pretending to shoot; I’m just being discreet.

6.5. Not Interested in Photographing You? Don’t Take it Personally

If I didn’t take a photo of you, it’s nothing personal—well, maybe it is. It could be that you’re not doing anything interesting enough for me to capture. Either way, getting mad at me for not snapping your picture is your problem, not mine.

7. Don’t Threaten to Break My Camera

I’ve had people tell me they’ll break my camera if I don’t stop shooting. Let me just say this: don’t threaten my equipment. Photography is my livelihood, and I’m not afraid to defend my tools. I’m not a naturally aggressive person, but push me far enough, and you won’t like my response. Let’s keep it civil, and no cameras get harmed, okay?

8. Blocking My Shot at Protests is a Big No-No

This one mainly applies to protests or high-intensity situations where people know they’re doing something wrong. If you put your hand in front of my camera to stop me from photographing you, I will consider it harassment. I’m not there to interfere with your cause—I’m there to document it. Blocking my shot is cowardly, especially if you believe in what you’re doing. Own your actions and let me do my job.

9. Don’t Blame Photographers for Media Narratives

Photographers, especially journalists, are often at the front lines of important events. We’re tasked with documenting the truth as we see it, and while we might not always control how our work gets used or spun by the media, we’re not to blame for the message. If you have an issue with how things are portrayed, take it up with the bigger forces at play—don’t attack those of us who are just doing our jobs.

10. Yes, Photography Is Easy—Until You Try It Yourself

A common misconception is that photography is easy. I often hear, “Anyone can do it!” Sure, anyone can take a photo, but creating a great photograph takes skill, practice, and experience. Mocking professional photographers while we’re making an effort is disrespectful. If it’s so easy, why aren’t you doing it? Until you’ve landed your first paid gig and nailed it, don’t belittle the work that goes into photography.

Conclusion

Being a photographer is a rewarding career, but it comes with its share of annoyances. From awkward conversations about gear to people blocking shots at protests, these pet peeves are part of the job. Still, I wouldn’t trade it for anything else, because at the end of the day, capturing the world through my lens is worth every minor frustration.

FAQs

1. Why do photographers prefer shoulder straps over neck straps?
Shoulder straps distribute the camera’s weight more evenly, reducing strain on the neck and shoulders, especially when carrying heavier gear for long periods.

2. Why is using the viewfinder recommended over the LCD screen?
The viewfinder helps block out distractions and allows photographers to better focus on framing and composition, making it easier to capture more precise images.

3. Can putting tape on a camera prevent theft?
No, taping your camera doesn’t make it any less obvious to thieves. It’s more of an aesthetic choice than a functional one.

4. Why do some cameras have quiet shutters?
Some cameras are designed with dampened shutters to be more discreet in situations where loud clicking would be disruptive, such as during weddings or quiet events.

5. Is photography really as easy as it looks?
While it may seem simple, professional photography requires technical skills, artistic vision, and experience to consistently produce high-quality images.