Every industry has them.
People who repeat ideas they didn’t test, didn’t question, and didn’t earn—
but speak on them like they’re absolute truth.
It spreads fast.
One person says it.
Another repeats it.
Now it’s “the standard.”
That’s the zombie epidemic.
And if you’re not paying attention, you don’t just encounter it…
you become it.
This Is What It Looks Like in Photography
You’ve met them—if you’ve ever navigated photography spaces.
The ones who repeat the same recycled lines like it’s gospel:
“You’re not a real photographer unless you shoot manual.”
“Always shoot RAW.”
“Never give clients RAW files.”
They don’t question it.
They don’t test it.
They just pass it on.
That’s not expertise.
That’s infection.
How Zombies Are Made
Zombies aren’t born—they’re created.
One person repeats something they heard on a podcast, blog, or YouTube video.
Someone else hears it, internalizes it, and repeats it again.
Now it’s “truth.”
Not because it’s correct—
but because it’s been echoed enough times.
That’s the bite.
And once you’re bitten, you stop thinking critically.
You start chasing validation instead of results.
The Manual Myth
“Real photographers shoot manual.”
Let’s think about that.
You’re holding a $3,000+ camera—engineered with intelligent systems designed to help you get the shot.
And you’re choosing to ignore that… for validation?
Even photographers shooting for Getty—where performance matters—don't always shoot manual. And sometimes they shoot in JPEG.
Why?
Because the goal isn’t to prove you’re a photographer.
The goal is to get the shot.
RAW vs JPEG: Context Over Dogma
Yes—RAW gives you more data.
Yes—it’s powerful in post.
But here’s the truth:
Not every situation requires maximum flexibility.
Sometimes you need speed.
Sometimes you need efficiency.
Sometimes JPEG is more than enough.
The question isn’t: What’s the “right” format?
The question is: What outcome are you optimizing for?
“Never Sell RAW Files” — Or… Why Not?
This one is rooted in fear.
Fear that a client might edit your work poorly.
Fear that it might misrepresent your brand.
Let’s be honest.
If your reputation is fragile enough to be destroyed by someone else’s edit…
that’s not a RAW file problem.
That’s a confidence problem.
Your portfolio defines your work.
Your consistency builds trust.
Not what someone does with a file after the fact.
The Real Standard
There are rules in every profession.
They exist to guide you—not trap you.
The best photographers understand the rules…
and then use—or break—them strategically.
Because at the end of the day:
What makes you a real photographer isn’t how you shoot.
It’s what you produce.
Can you create the image you see in your head?
Can you deliver results—consistently?
That’s the standard.
Final Thought
Zombies chase validation.
Professionals chase outcomes.
Don’t confuse the two.
I occasionally host in-person photography classes, teaching beginners how to get the most out of their camera. This process is simple, make sure you're following my Eventbrite page for announcements. I usually do about 10 slots to ensure I'm able to maximize your experience.
