In Which The Intrepid Amateur Photographer Accosts The Hardened Professional

If you are a working person in any trade, profession, sport, or racket, you will eventually learn to be wary at the pub. Also at cocktail parties and weddings. Because as soon as you get a drink and a sausage on a stick and slow down for a moment...someone will steam up to you and ask a professional question. You'll be lucky if you haven't just bitten into the sausage, because that one question will be followed by 6 more. Don't get mad - it is the way of the world. Few professionals or tradespeople escape it, and if you are a business person with your name on the advertising, you will get it in spades. Put down the half-eaten sausage and give them a good, professional answer. Do it cheerfully, but accurately, because you will be judged forever on that first reply. If you are the business figurehead use it as a chance to push your wares. If the questioner seems to be serious - treat them seriously. If they are just making a joke, you may resume the sausage. If it becomes an attempt on the part of the questioner to score points for themselves, hand them the empty sausage stick and go look for another. On the other side of the wurst, if you are asking a pro a real question for a real reason, accept what they say in good part. They are not likely to tell you the financial secret of their success ( Work hard, eat regular, and stay outta jail...) but they may be able to shed some light on a technical question that you haven't understood. Be fair - don't buttonhole someone and expect a full lecture. If you get one, stand there manfully and listen to what is said. Most professional photographers - with the possible exception of art copyists and funereal shooters - are people persons. They can talk and will talk. If you give them a chance to speak about what they like, you may get some real insights into the business and the art. Tip: If you want to talk equipment, talk to another amateur. You'll both be able to gush over the latest spec sheets and reviews. It is likely that the working pro only recognises their own camera because it has masking tape over the cracked bit and smells familiar. Many of them have the same settings on it that they came out of the box with - they daren't change anything because it would spoil their characteristic look. The good ones can sell that look and the really good ones can sell it even if the lens cap is still on...