Podcast #33 – Conversation with Carlos Baez
Kerry and David talk with Carlos Baez about the recent controversy over the new video called Engage (http://engagingfilms.com), using specialty lenses, getting started with lighting, trends in wedding photography, staying inspired, and much more.
Carlos lays down the challenge to Camera Dojo listeners to post images taken with a single light source. To submit your images, add them to the comments on this page.
Be sure and check out Carlos’ website at http://carlosbaez.com and check out his DVD at http://www.photographymentor.com/school/seethelight
Show Hosts
Kerry Garrison (http://kerrygarrison.com)
David Esquire (http://esquirephotography.com)
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[...] with a single light source. To submit your images, be sure to add them to the comments on this Page at Camera [...]
The podcast and interview were great, but it did seem like Carlos came across a little bitter at the newer photographers. Granted, he has had some very bad experiences, but I think he overgeneralized quite a bit. Now, there is no excuse for a new photographer not to know what a CF card is or how to properly set an aperture, but let's not overlook some of the brilliant new photographs taken by new photographers. While he may not bother to look at the 3" lcd on the back of his camera, the immediate feedback, among other advances, has helped some photographers greatly speed up their learning. And shooting in RAW and using 3rd party programs like Aperture have been a great blessing to the new generation of digital photographers that enjoy and have skill using such programs.
Instead of complaining about new photographers, it would be more helpful to focus concretely on problem areas and suggest ways to improve.
I don't know Carlos Baez but he sounds like a very insecure person with a very high and mighty demeanor…
Carlos goes on an on about how great he is but if this is the case, why is he worried about how cheap and bad the new photographers are, after all they will never be able to compete with him, right?
He mentions how he was inspired by Joe Buissink, the difference is that Joe is a very humble and inspirational photographer and you will never hear him put anyone down or toot his own horn.
While, according to your own words, you are a great photographer, you still need to learn how to be a humble individual, Mr. Baez.
I listened to the interview, and I think one of the best points brought up was that there should be some sort of license or permit in order to consider yourself a 'professional' photographer.
Carlos said he thought he would get some heat from the newer photographers for this, but I am still fairly new to it, and I wouldn't mind doing whatever I needed to do in order to earn the right to say I was a professional. In fact, I never say I am a professional. I say I'm an aspiring photographer.
Needing a license (just like you need a business license for the state or your county you live in) will weed out those who aren't serious, or just after someone's money, because it won't be worth the effort for them.
Being trained and licensed would add additional credibility to a field that already gets a bad rap for the bad behavior of a few. There are a lot of us out there, I suspect, who wouldn't mind additional regulations, etc… because we love it and are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed and be happy and make our clients happy.
I too got very bad vibes with this interview. I feel there is always something more to learn from everyone who shares their experiences. In the case of Carlos, I doubt i would want to spend any time in his company. He did com off very arrogant and bitter as another person stated.
Seems to me there are two camps when it comes to "newbies" in the photography field – those that are bitter and those that embrace the change. Those that are bitter resent the newcomers and complain rather then see the cold reality of change. Those that embrace it see it for what it is and go about using their knowledge to help others and at the same time profit from it (DVD's, seminars, blogs, etc.). I would suggest Carlos take this later route but highly doubt his personality would work with others.
As to licensing, I feel that is a bad road to go down. Maybe a license for something that has to do with health or safety but beyond that, it's best the market takes care of it itself. Photography is an art not a science. Let people have the freedom to pick and choose what they want not some bureaucrat that thinks what art is best for them.
To Carlos Baez's credit, there are a number of beginners out there presenting themselves as professionals. I recently experienced one of these that was hired by my niece for a recent family event. When she walked in I suspected that she didn't have a clue. When I saw her shooting with a pop up flash from 20+ feet away, I had a good idea that her shots might not be that great. I could go on… Anyway, the proofs were posted on her website and all my doubts were confirmed. Composition was poor and almost all were hideously over-processed. Bottom line for me…that's why you need to see a photographer's work prior to hiring them. If they don't have anything to show you, then you probably don't want to hire them. So I understand where Carlos is coming from on this.
That said, after hearing the enthusiasm and zeal of Roberto Valenzuela in his interview, Baez did come across a little stiff. Valenzuela would be a hard act to follow. Either way, I learned something from both. Thanks for the podcast.
Good one. I like the passion he has for the profession.
Good one. I like the passion he has for the profession.