More often than not, a professional photographer takes pictures to produce photos for a client. He is paid to do things such as conceptualize a shoot, scout for models, book a location, hire a make-up artist, a hairstylist or a designer who could supply the outfit, dress or costume. He may have to set up big studio lights or compact flash units a la
Strobist to light the scene.
Renting specialized lenses, if the photographer doesn’t have it, will surely be part of the budget and hiring a Photoshop “magician” if needed – which is almost always – when dealing with commercial clients. Most probably, directing skills are a must. Acting like a total nutcase is a plus too, to get better reactions from hardy subjects.
Annie Leibovitz, when tasked to take portraits of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, had two sets of equipment and likewise, two teams of assistants. While shooting on the first location, the second team would be setting up the second location and as soon as the first set finished, the first team would then rush on to the third location. And so on.
The professionals would have to do these things because they are being paid. Heck yeah, they enjoy their jobs, but, it is a job nonetheless. They are being paid to do these things.
