When did you call yourself a photographer?

[tasmo2]

At what point did you say the words, "Im a photographer"? I posted some of my shots on facebook and a friend of mine that is a photographer said "hey I didn't know you were a photographer!" and it made me pause for a minute. I love photography, I am learning photography, but have never said those words before. I am a photographer. I don't feel good enough, worthy of the label.. kwim? Of course people who are not into photography always call me one, but to have someone who knows the art, and is seasoned use that word to describe me was wild. But is there ever a time where you think you are good enough for it? I would love to hear some other points of view on this.. thanks!

[wmdjameson]

Originally Posted by tasmo2

At what point did you say the words, "Im a photographer"?

The first time you pick up a camera, point it at something and press the shutter you are a photographer. I've heard people say you become a professional photographer as soon as you make your first sale... I don't entirely believe that statement! I feel that (and it may take YEARS) when you depend on your photography for a living that you can call yourself a professional and get away with it. On the other hand, I know people who have said you must have a degree and be a full time shooter to be considered a professional. BULL!! You don't need a degree, you need to know what you are doing, be able to adjust for a given situation and FEEL COMFORTABLY JUSTIFIED calling yourself a professional. Just because one buys $4k worth of pro equipment doesn't necessarily make you a pro. Now, as far as being an 'artist'.... that's a debatable subject and another discussion entirely.

Anyway, enough ranting!!! to answer your question, Yes, in my opinion, you are within your rights to call yourself a photographer and be proud of it.

[StillFocus]

I didn't think I was good enough at first, but then I saw some of the work other people are getting paid for in my area. I decided that my standards were a bit too high.

[tasmo2]

Originally Posted by StillFocus

I didn't think I was good enough at first, but then I saw some of the work other people are getting paid for in my area. I decided that my standards were a bit too high.

That is SO true! I have seen some of the websites from others in my area and I think man my 5 year old could have taken that! LOL! So maybe im a bit too critical as well. But you look at all the other flickr pages on here and im almost embarrassed to put mine up.. LOL! I just keep telling myself, I have only been shooting for a few months, they were once there as well. ha!

[windrider86]

It took me years before I even attempted to sell a photo because it took me years before I felt my images were good enough. The same goes for calling myself a photographer.
I dont buy that just because you have a camera you are a photographer. That's like saying if you own a computer you are a programmer.
Friends and family are infamous for telling you how wonderful your work is (please dont take that the wrong way) So take the comments with a grain of salt. Take a piece to your local gallery and ask their opinion of it
lol I also agree that many so called "professional photographers" should have left their cameras in the their back pockets and some amateurs should really be showcased

[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.

[tasmo2]

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 agree to an extent... I started in painting when I was young so to see something in your head and reproduce it is not all that hard for me. BUT I still don't consider myself "a photographer" yet.

And I completely agree a camera does NOT make someone a photographer anymore than using a spatula makes someone a chef!

[tasmo2]

Originally Posted by windrider86

Friends and family are infamous for telling you how wonderful your work is (please dont take that the wrong way) So take the comments with a grain of salt. Take a piece to your local gallery and ask their opinion of it
lol I also agree that many so called "professional photographers" should have left their cameras in the their back pockets and some amateurs should really be showcased

Ha ha! how right you are!

[MarlonT42]

I don't think I have ever called myself a photographer...people have referred to me as a photographer but It's just I see other peoples work who call themselves photographer and I think to myself..."There is no way I can compare my work to theirs"

I've got so much to learn about photography. It's nice to get complimented on my work, but to me it's still a hobby that I truly love!!! Have I made some money, yes! Have I had some of my work published, yes...but to me that doesn't mean squat. Some of the stuff you guys put out there is just amazing and inspiring!

And like I said before, I feel I am no where near many of you here

[WooD]

When I got my first check.

It was only $200, but I got paid.