Can you call yourself a "photographer" ?

[sarahgirl777]

So I have a little pet peeve. I met two people this last week and in talking with them they said, "Oh, I'm a photographer too". Ok great, I love talking shop with other photographers. Well in talking with them I found that one of them shoots only in auto mode and doesn't know what shutter or aperature are. She tells me she is only a natural light photographer (which I have come to realize lately usually means a person doesn't know HOW to use light so they just shoot outdoors) Not always the case, but a lot of the time. Anyways I invited her over to "play" before I knew all this and was just amazed at what she didn't know, but was calling herself a photographer and had even shot weddings.

The other person I met who claims to be a photographer, didn't know what a speedlight was or a hotshoe, but she had a DSLR.

Anyways, just needed to vent a little and say to those who want to be a "photographer" be it professional or hobbiest, Please take the time to learn your art! The internet along with the Manual for your camera has tons of information, read it, you'll be happy you did and your photography will show it. Owning a DSLR rather than a point and shoot doesn't automatically make you a "photographer".

[FrankLamont]

Well, of course now everyone's a photographer, but whenever you say the word people always think it has to do with professionalism, and THAT's what irks me.

So if you want to distiguish yourself from them, just say I'm a professional photographer. Aye.

Now, the thing is... if she shoots auto and shoots weddings -- what is the world coming to?

[Nicole]

But shooting on automatic also doesn't automatically mean you aren't a photographer... Just to balance things out, I was reminded of this article on the DPS blog: 4 Reasons Not to Write off Shooting in Automatic

Do I shoot in Auto? No, but I can't help but think that the mode you shoot in is not the only deciding factor of what makes a photographer.

[BryanC]

What was your defining moment, learned piece of knowledge, or particular experience where you called yourself a photographer?

What would your reaction be if someone with more years of experience, more knowledge, and a wider variety of better, more expensive equipment didn't consider you a 'photographer' like themselves?

I don't ask these to be confrontational or negative, but out of curiosity.

[candleman]

Originally Posted by FriedChicken

professionalism, and THAT's what irks me.

So if you want to distiguish yourself from them, just say I'm a professional photographer.

agreed.

if you have a camera and are actually trying i dont see why they cant be called photographers... in a crude sense of the term.

BUT,
i have a car.. that makes me a driver.. it doesnt make me a professional race driver.
big difference

Photographer = creativity
Professional photographer = knowlege + skill + creativity
(this is a highly complicated formula.. please all you mathematicians out there... dont mess with it)


just my opinion.

[calmaxgan]

She tells me she is only a natural light photographer (which I have come to realize lately usually means a person doesn't know HOW to use light so they just shoot outdoors)

So those of us who can't afford an artificial lighting set-up aren't photographers either?

I do partly see where you are coming from, as I would never be brave enough to call myself "a photographer" even though I know I do a vastly better job than any of my friends. It is somehow made to feel pretentious. But it is nothing to do with skill level, really. If you enjoy taking photographs and spend time doing so, then you are a photographer. Same as calling myself a pianist because I have spent all my life playing the piano... but I am not a professional.

As 'FriedChicken' said, if you want to differentiate yourself, just put 'professional' in front of it...

[Nicole]

Originally Posted by BryanC

What was your defining moment, learned piece of knowledge, or particular experience where you called yourself a photographer?

What would your reaction be if someone with more years of experience, more knowledge, and a wider variety of better, more expensive equipment didn't consider you a 'photographer' like themselves?

I don't ask these to be confrontational or negative, but out of curiosity.

I think those are very interesting questions actually (which is why I'll chime in with my 2 cents).

I think that when *you* consider *yourself* a photographer can vary greatly, just as when others consider you a photographer may vary greatly. I doubt if there's any single experience / type of gear / piece of knowledge that is universal in considering yourself a photographer. Professional photographers may share more of these characteristics, but I'd venture to guess that people consider themselves professional photographers at different points too.

It's something I've been considering myself as I've made my own strides in photography. I've only recently begun considering myself a photographer because I'm starting to hit a level of consistency in getting the shots I want while knowing how I want to shoot, and I'm earning a bit of money from it. (I'm not sure what I'd consider myself before that... maybe just an amateur photographer ) Am I professional? Not really, but that's because I consider a professional as someone who has these things but also is earning their living from the job. So I'll add to candleman's formula

Professional photographer = knowlege + skill + creativity + ability to earn a living with it

[kencaleno]

Originally Posted by BryanC

What was your defining moment, learned piece of knowledge, or particular experience where you called yourself a photographer?

What would your reaction be if someone with more years of experience, more knowledge, and a wider variety of better, more expensive equipment didn't consider you a 'photographer' like themselves?

I don't ask these to be confrontational or negative, but out of curiosity.

The defining moment? When I learned how to make a photographic image,before picking up the camera to record that image.

When you know what you are,and what you can do, others'
opinions don't count

The equipment that matters is between your ears-any camera can record an image.

This shot was taken yesterday with a $100 point and shoot camera

[kencaleno]

Originally Posted by Nicole

So I'll add to candleman's formula

Professional photographer = knowlege + skill + creativity + ability to earn a living with it

I'll correct candleman's formula:

Professional Photographer = basic knowledge + some skill + Earning a living

Qualified/Certified Photographer = Great knowledge + versatility + Creativity + Guaranteed consistent quality of work. Regards, Ken

[candleman]

Originally Posted by Nicole

(I'm not sure what I'd consider myself before that... maybe just an amateur photographer ) Am I professional? Not really, but that's because I consider a professional as someone who has these things but also is earning their living from the job. So I'll add to candleman's formula

Professional photographer = knowlege + skill + creativity + ability to earn a living with it

GAAA! my lifes work ruined... i forgot to carry the 1 !


but seriously..
well said, i think you completed the formula.. its correct now.
to be a true "professional" a living must earned as well as the other factors i mentioned.