Lately it seems like everyone and their dog is starting up their own photography business. And really, that's great. In fact, I'm a little jealous. But it's great too, because it means that there are so many photographers to choose from to document our family.

But, as I was looking at some of the online galleries for a few photographers I admire, I got to thinking about the professional photographers I got to work with years and years ago. For instance, when I was in grade 9 or so, our youth group got a picture of all of us taken to give our youth pastor (Nelly) for Christmas or retirement or something. And one of the big Chilliwack photographers came and did the session. He was awesome. He paid attention to every single detail...even gathering leaves from around the park where we were shooting so he could strategically scatter them to make the picture better.

And that's my beef with a lot of these new photographers. They just don't have the same eye for detail. They don't watch to make sure their subject's hair isn't flying away all weird on one side. They'll have her lie on the grass, but they miss the big patch of ground where the local kids were playing ball and chewed up the lawn. You know what I mean.

And don't even get me started about the stay-at-home-moms who splurge for a fancy camera and suddenly think they're talented. I've gotten so many invites from women like this who want to take pictures of my kids. I look at their websites and think my kids take better pictures! (and if you fall into this category, but you read my blog, chances are I'm not talking about you. These are mere distant acquaintances who've friended me on Facebook purely to try and drum up business. No chance.)

And I guess you get what you pay for. These photographers are mostly cheap, so I guess I shouldn't expect Don Young quality in a portrait. But it would be nice.