How Many Photographs Does A Photographer Have To Take To Get A Money Shot?

 Being mostly a music and entertainment journalist photographer. I'm usually around big crowds of fans taking pictures of their favorite bands and rock stars with their trusted cell phones. I've got to say that some cell phones give my Canon SLR camera a run for its money as far as technology goes. Besides the amazing photos that these advanced cell phones slash cameras take. Fans have become really savvy about the art of photography. Even talking about the terminology that comes along with the trade.

So, for today, I thought I'd talk about the holy grail of taking pictures: "The Money Shot"!

I like to think of a Money Shot as the best of the best of my photos or a single photo that I shoot in a single session. How many pictures do you have to take before a money shot pops up?

The number of shots a photographer needs to take to get a "money shot" (a perfect, sellable image) varies widely depending on the type of photography and the photographer's skill, experience, and conditions. Here are some general insights: (I'm referring to both professional and skilled cell phone photographers alike). 

Professional Shoots (Portraits, Fashion, Studio Work):
In controlled settings, experienced photographers often have a higher success rate. They might shoot 10-50 frames to get one perfect shot because they carefully set up lighting, composition, and pose.

Wildlife Photography:
This can be one of the most unpredictable forms of photography. A wildlife photographer might take 500-1,000 shots during a session just to capture one iconic, perfectly timed moment.

Street Photography:
In this spontaneous genre, photographers often work with trial and error. They might shoot 50-200 photos per outing to find one that captures the desired emotion or story.

Then there's what I consider the hardest type of photography to catch the elusive Money Shot!

Event Photography (Especially Concert & Music Photography)
For dynamic, fast-paced events, photographers often take hundreds or even thousands of photos during a session to capture fleeting moments. They might need to take 100-500 shots to find one stellar image, especially if the scene changes rapidly. Here's one of my recent Money Shots that I took of Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) in Las Vegas a few years ago. (With added F'X's)

Beginners vs. Professionals:
Beginners often need more shots to get a great image due to less refined techniques, while professionals, with a better understanding of their equipment and conditions, can often get great shots with fewer frames. 

What I See:

Whether it be a professional shooting with a SLR Digital Camera, or a fan taking pics of their favorite band or musician with their cell phone cam. 

"A Money Shot Is A Money Shot No Matter What It's Shot With"!

Have Fun Taking Pictures. I Know That I Do :-)

GE