Are you a Photographer?

[Algernonep]

I have been into photography for a short time. But, I read a lot and have become a very advanced beginner. I have started a photography club at work and actually guide beginners in exposure, etc. I have been shooting for some people and have gotten paid for some of my work. I shoot everyday and my photobag has grown. I have develop a great passion for photography. But, the question here is when can you consider yourself a true photographer? I call myself a photographer but I'm still reading and learning more everyday. I have a photoblog and post some of my work there. I hope to do photography when I'm done serving my country in the US Navy. I don't think I consider myself as an amateur anymore. What's your opinion? When did you consider yourself as a true photographer?

[PnwGuy]

"A person who takes pictures either as a hobby or as a profession"

[harrypalmer044]

Hi there,
From what I know and have experienced not just in photography but life we never ever stop learning from our experiences. I am sure that even the most advanced and professional photographers around including some outstanding ones on this site will tell you they have never stopped learning. You are a photographer, you have captured moments in time and shared them with others. You have helped others with their skills using your experiences and knowledge. "You are a photographer".
Have a great day.
David.

[candleman]

i think you can call yourself a photographer when

1. other people call you a photographer.
2. you get the ultimate accolade for your work:
when someone when viewing your work says "wow you must have a really nice camera"

[m.c.adams]

Personally, I think you can call yourself whatever you care to. I sometimes call myself a rocket scientist. I've been taking photographs for about 35 years now and I mainly call myself a guy that takes a lot of photographs and on the rare occasion, a photographer. Right now, I'm calling myself the guy who is cleaning his carpets on Sunday morning.
Mark

[tiffanyjay]

lol, I like you're answer M.C Adams

[daft_biker]

Originally Posted by Algernonep

When did you consider yourself as a true photographer?

When I realised I enjoyed using a camera.

Dunno about all that very advanced amateur rubbish though. Amatuer means you do it because you love it - how can you be advanced at loving doing something? I can look at recent macro shots taken by folk that have been world famous for 30 years and think I've got better ones.....what does that make me in my own mind? A very, very advanced amateur? Nope, I'm an amatuer photographer plain and simple. Now if only I could get my macro action shots up to Stephen Dalton's standard I'd be a very happy amateur

[m.c.adams]

Originally Posted by tiffanyjay

lol, I like you're answer M.C Adams

Thank you. I have a greatly varied resume. This afternoon, I'll be cook and dishwasher, tommorrow, back to Mechincal Tech, and try to throw in photographer in between.

[sdphil]

Dictonary says:
A photographer is a person who takes photographs using a camera. A professional photographer uses photography to make a living while amateur photographers take photographs for pleasure and to record an event, place or person.

So, anyone using a camera is a photographer much like any one driving a car is a driver.
Now there are kids that somehow get the keys and there are prof. race car drivers. BIG difference in "driving"

I think I only consider myself a real photographer when a image I shot inspires me and I know I got what I was going for. ( I have saved several images with PP and though I do like the result and the final image is a keeper I always know that it was not what I originally "saw" ) If others see it too then I am a good photographer. If I sell a shot then for that image I am a professional photographer not to be confused with a good photographer.
( I have seen lots of trash that people have actually paid for.)

I also think that a good photographer "sees" the shot and can produce it with whatever camera he/she has available.
His/her talent and ability lies in creating the scene to inspire emotion of in the viewer.

I've said it once I'll say it again....


Using the phrase, "I'm a ___________" (fill in the blank) is a very limiting statement.

So, no... I do not call myself a photographer.