When did you call yourself a photographer?

[Raoul Isidro]

I was first called a "photographer" back in high school when I was the only sports photographer for the high school newspaper, because nobody wanted to do it. When there was a game on between seniors and juniors, and I was usually late from the milk bar, they would quip: "Hey, where's the photographer? We wouldn't start playing until he's around..."

[kencaleno]

When I learned photography,and was able to "make" a photographic image,before using a camera to capture that image.

[amberskies]

I don't call myself a photographer... I'm still a newbie.

[Dodge]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I called myself a photographer when I was able to see an image in my mind and be able to reproduce it with a camera. As far as im concerned, if all you're doing is pointing a camera at something and pressing a button, even if youre adjusting focus or exposure, you're still not a photographer: you're a person that takes pictures.

Just because you have a camera doesnt mean youre a photographer. Sorry.

I kind of disagree some here, but only in as much that seeing the potential for a great picture in something that is already there and actually framing the shot etc to exploit what you have before you and produce a great shot, is just as valid.

That said though, I just see myself as a bloke with a camera, always will I think as I really don't aspire to be anything more. If we happen to take a good pic, then it's a good pic regardless of what we label ourselves.

It's really not important, but I'd say that anyone that takes pictures regularly as part of their hobby which happens to be photography, can justifiably call themselves an ammateur photographer, regardless of skill, if they feel the need. Whilst anyone earning consistently from photography without any other income would be classed as a professional photographer. I guess if you work a regular job whilst making regular extra cash from photography, you could call yourself a Semi-Professional if you wanted to.

That's how I see it anyhoo.

[Athas_orm]

I'm not a photographer.