People think photographers enjoy taking photos of them.
Not true.
The fastest way to kill a hobby… is to turn it into free labour for everyone around you.

I have been a hobby photographer for more than 20 years.
Olympus is my loyal partner.
On every trip, I carry two cameras … one long len, one fast prime or wide angle len.

Looks professional, right?

But the moment people see two cameras on my shoulder, something magical happens.
I am no longer a tourist.
I am promoted to “professional photographer”.
My holiday quietly becomes a “free wedding studio”.

In my early years, I was too polite to say no.
And that was when the nightmare began.

First, people assume I am free labour.
I take one photo, then suddenly everyone lines up like school photo day.
No please, no thank you. Just call your name and pose.

Then comes the “Miss World and Mr Universe” expectation.
Harsh sun, ugly background, messy hair, never mind.
If they don’t look slim, tall or young enough…
it becomes your fault.

When I try to help, they don’t listen.
I explain: stand sideways under shade, use light, avoid the midday sun.
But some aunties insist on full face, full white, full ghost portrait.
Then still complain.

And of course ! they want everything instantly.
Photographers shoot RAW for editing.
They want Bluetooth, AirDrop, Telegram, everything… now.
Some even zoom into their face like quality control officer.

Then comes the retake marathon:
“One more.”
“Last one.”
“Hair not nice, take again.”
Five minutes later, I am wedding studio, event crew, and post-production department.

Worst part?
I lose my own photos.
I want mountains, sunset, street shots, architecture.

But they want themselves in every frame.
My memory card becomes 70% V-sign, thumbs up, Doraemon fist, and stiff passport poses.

I came home tired, not inspired.
That was the moment I realised something important:

When a hobby becomes stress, the joy disappears.

So I changed strategy.

Now I say,
“I shoot in RAW. Cannot transfer to handphone.”

If they still insist, I take very creative photos (Just like the image attached) …
too bright, too dark, a bit out of focus.
After that, nobody asks for round two.

Today, I choose peace.
I love photography.
I love the silence behind the viewfinder.
I love capturing moments for myself, not for everyone demanding a tourist pose.

So the next time you see someone carrying a camera, appreciate their passion.
Don’t assume they are your personal photographer.
Some photographers just want to enjoy the holiday like everyone else.