What is a "Photographer"?

[Peapod Photo]

Hi guys! I recently had an annoying discussion with someone on Facebook, who seems to think that because he has an iPhone 4, that's enough to make him a "photographer". I just made my own post about it on my blog here, but what do you think makes a "photographer"? Is it just anyone that can point and shoot with a phone? Can anyone call themselves a "photographer"?

...just thought I'd ask and see what other people thought... :-)

[ravncat]

A photographer, is someone who makes photographs regularly, with the intent of making a photograph =D.

A professional photographer, is someone who openly affirms, that they are a photographer.

[NicoleScraps]

Merriam Webster says that a photographer is one who practices photography; especially : one who makes a business of taking photographs.
I think that the technical definition is as stated above one who practices photography or anyone who takes photos. However, I think that when you use the word "photographer" it is generally associated with a person who is very skilled and takes photography seriously either as a hobby or a business.

A useless label.

~Eric

[nickbedford]

"Professional" simply means one who does something as their source (or main source) of income.

If you're a photographer but not making any or much money from it then you're not a professional, but anyone who holds a camera and takes a picture is not a photographer.

A photographer is usually defined as someone takes part in photography as an activity or an art, not just to have a camera lying around.

[Sime]

cat + pigeons + smiley 2am coffee

Does it really matter... really?

I did a recent iPhone four project, and based on the artistic merit I attach to my project, I'd call myself a photographer... hourly, daily… | www.gtvone.com (some images may offend... err)

A photographer, these days, is not what he or she used to (have to) be... I think the line has largely been scuffed out...

S

[BuddhaPi]

I have a hammer, does that make me a carpenter??? hardly, just makes me dangerous...
I also have a camera ro two, am i a photographer??? hardly..

[katia]

just nod and say "yep, you're a fauxtographer!"

[nickbedford]

Originally Posted by katia

just nod and say "yep, you're a fauxtographer!"

"What do you do for a living?"
"Oh, I'm just a photomographicker".

[faeriegodess612]

When I started getting into this seriously I would sparingly tell someone that I'm a photographer. Then I would usually get that question of " Oh, Who are you with?" Then I'd have to explain that I'm not a professional, just a hobbyist at the moment. So I stopped telling people. I'd say what makes you a "photographer" is like Nicole's post of the Merriam Webster definition. I'd say that even though you might not make a living at it, doesnt mean that you cant produce the same quality of work that someone who does make a living from it. So therefore, your both photographers.

And Sime,...dude,..You gotta smile more. Out of all the photos in that lil video, the only ones where your smiling are when your with the kid that I'm assuming is your son. You look like your pissed off most of the time. And like life is not good without coffee and music. lol