This word does not mean what you think it means.....

This was previously posted on my business blog....  but I like it, so you get to see it again.

I have a favorite movie.... "The Princess Bride".

 In it, one of the characters constantly and emphatically says, "Inconceivable!", whenever something happens that he didn't plan or expect.  After several of these outbursts, another character, Inigo Montoya states to him, "I do not think this word means what you think it means..."

For the record, Inigo Montoya also has this legendary line, "My name is Inigo Montoya, you killed my father, prepare to die."

I can hear you already...."What does this have to do with anything B?"

Plenty.

Two words I seem to hear and see a lot on photographer websites:  Premier and Specialize

A couple of definitions....(courtesy of dictionary.com)

 

Premier:  

The head of the cabinet in France or Italy or certain other countries; first minister' prime minister

A chief officer

First in rank; chief; leading.

First in time; earliest; oldest

Now, if you find a photographer who is also a governing official in France, I don't know how that makes them more qualified for your wedding.  Chief officer?  If they work for themselves, they are this, yes.  First in rank, chief or leading?  There is no rank system to private businesses.  Oldest?  Well, I doubt everyone can be the oldest business in town.

Soooo.... I do not this this word means what they think it means.

____

Specialize:

To pursue some special line of study, work, etc; have a specialty: "The doctor specializes in gastroenterology."

To be adapted to a special function or envirnment

To render special or specific; invest with a special character, function, etc.

To adapt to special conditions; restrict to specific limits

To restrict payment by endorsing over to a specific payee

To specify; particularize

As I understand it, to specialize means to choose one thing and do it well, or at least put your effort into that one thing and attempt to do it better than any other thing.  If this is the case how can a photographer "specialize" in Weddings, Family Portraits, Beach Portraits, Architecture, Commercial, Seniors, Couples, Children, Babies, Travel Photography, Boudoir Photography, Stock Photography, Photojournalism, etc. etc.?  I mean, these photographers really put all their effort into being the best at ALL these different types of photography?  Wow, that's impressive.

 Again though.... I do not think this word means what they think it means.

Some of you may think I'm being mean, but really, just truthful.

In summary:  Anyone who calls themself "The Premier ____" is likely giving themself a false title, possibly to a European Government position.  And anyone who specializes in EVERYTHING is simply a "Jack of all Trades, Master of none."  Sorry, but its true.

Just how I see it....

-B