What’s the big difference between an amateur and a professional? This is something that I’ve been skirting around in my thoughts for awhile, but only recently been able to articulate. Now that I know the difference, I see it all the time, everywhere I look – I don’t know if it’s especially prevalent in media production and marketing, or if that’s just my field so I notice it more there.
I’ve seen so many ads for video production gear that push the idea that just by spending money on this equipment you can “finally make your work look professional”. Tutorials and online classes push the idea that if you simply learn from them and sprinkle this technique into your work, it will “look professional” or “look cinematic”. But here’s the thing: Professionals don’t care about looking professional.
An amateur does everything they can to make their work look professional. A professional strives to make their work look right.
While it’s tempting to use specific equipment or techniques just because it’s what your idols use, or because it’s what’s “in” right now in the industry, if you’re making your creative decisions based upon anything other than what’s best for this specific project, the end product is going to suffer.
That’s not to say that there isn’t merit in imitating leaders in your field- Imitation is a great way to learn new techniques, integrate concepts, and continually be on the cutting edge of your industry. But this should be with the intent of finding out more than the “how”; you should be after the “why” as well.
Are you shooting on a 4K camera because you want the shots to have longevity and this video is meant to be relevant for years to come? Or maybe the brand is supposed to be portrayed as high end, and you want a tack sharp image in order to portray this. There are plenty of good reasons to shoot 4K on a project. But “that’s what’s professional” isn’t a reason- it’s an excuse.
Are you using a slider because you’re trying to bring the audience along with the action and make them feel connected to it, or maybe to add a sense of urgency to a dramatic interview? If so, great! But if you’re using a slider “to add production value”, “make a shot cinematic“, or worst of all “add interest to your shots”, you might want to go back to the drawing board.
If the only way you know how to add “interest” to a piece of content is to make the camera move in a straight line, the content is probably fundamentally uninteresting at it’s foundation, and needs to be re-conceptualized from the ground up.
That’s also not to say that you can’t have fun playing with ‘toys’ while working- hardly a week goes by where I don’t ask my wife if it’s in the budget to but a new lens or a wireless follow focus system (thankfully she says no often enough we still have roof over our heads). Shooting video can be a field where you get to play with lots of fun technology and try out some nice gear. But as long it’s both a ‘toy’ and a ‘tool’ to get the job done, and not just a frivolous expense to have more fun while shooting on the clients dime, you’ll be okay.
If you’re worried about your work looking “professional”, you’re either an amateur or you’ve got a bad case of impostor syndrome. If you’re a professional, it’s a given that your work will look it- so best to spend your time and energy asking how to make your work look right for this particular project.
Amateurs ask “How are we going to do this?”. Professionals ask “Why are we doing this?” and “What are we trying to accomplish?” The “how” will follow naturally from that.
Tobias Lansberry 