Can I be an photographer if I don't have an SLR?

Question

I you only have an compact. I'm 17. I would probably do some parties,dances, maybe even some weddings.

Answer 1

As others have pointed out, it's not the camera, it's the photographer who makes the images. An SLR is only one kind of camera. Lots of pros use rangefinders, view cameras, and some even use point-and-shoot cameras, depending on what they are doing. I would work on developing an approach to photography with the equipment you have, and at the same time, learning about how various cameras, lenses and lighting equipment is operated.

I don't think that you can photograph weddings with a compact, though, at least not at a professional level. You might want to do a couple of weddings for free to see if you like that kind of work, and what might be needed to do it right.

Weddings are about mood, timing, and getting a good shot of all the guests. Then there are the formal portraits. The right equipment really helps with getting these things done properly. However, the candids can probably be done with the camera you have.

Answer 2

Stick with the parties and dances. You can use your camera at a wedding as a GUEST. Then you can present a nice little album to the B & G as a gift. A compact camera is not up the the task of shooting an event as important as a wedding.

The photographer makes the image. So, yes, you can make nice images with your camera. Get some books on beginning photography and art. Study your camera manual. Learn what the settings do and how they affect your picture. Visit websites of established photographers, places like www.photo.net, kodak.com. betterphoto.com. Read the forums and look at the galleries. Pay attention to the lighting and composition. Think about how you might make a similar picture, then try it. Compare. Read some more. Practice some more. Join a camera club. Take a class at your local college. Have fun! Good luck.

Answer 3

No you don't need to have a DSLR to be a photographer but if this is the direction you want to continue on, then I would suggest buying a DSLR. You can find some brand new ones at good prices around $500. Plus you can consider used from a reliable source like a pro camera store.

If you want to really get creative and have more control of your pictures you may want to consider this.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com

Hope this helps,
Kevin

Answer 4

Of course...my first 35mm camera was a Kodak point and shoot. I couldn't do close-up shots or telephoto but I went out and bought some filters (for special effects) at my local camera shop and did some awesome landscapes and such. It's not the camera that makes a photographer..it's the person behind it and what they make the camera do for them.

Answer 5

Yes, Of course !!
SLR turn your work easy. "BUT "

Your eye turn you a good photographer !!! ( Not the camera ) The best photographers of the world, started using simple cameras, Don´t give up !!!!

Answer 6

Here's a photo journalist using a non-dslr shooting assignments for Vanity Fair and Newsweek.