I became a photographer in 1995, when my daughter was born. Her baby book had a place for pictures every month, as opposed to the every other month of typical baby books. A baby looks pretty much the same for the 1st couple of months -- only bigger. By the 3rd month I started wondering how I could change the picture up, how do I make it better? I started paying attention to backgrounds, then lighting (although, all natural light).
So I became a photographer in 1995.
When did I call myself a photographer? Off and on through the years. The funny thing is, I'm still not completely comfortable saying that I am one.
I'd prolly say a year and a half or so ago. I finally stopped getting upset about genuine critical input, and became interested in hearing it. I still may not change a thing about an image because of a critique, but I sure can allow myself to look at one of my own images from someone else's POV without it ruining my day.
The second thing that makes me think I've become a photographer is that 90% of the time, I get the image I'm going for.... That means a great deal to this photog who used to virtually pray for an image to happen even a little remotely as I'd hoped it would.
I would be remiss if I didn't credit this community with teaching me as much about personal understanding of myself as a photographer as well as multiple skills and techniques that have been imparted to me by many of you.
In terms of making effort and getting every shot more than just a point and shoot I would have to say 1985. I traded my watch which was a fancy divers watch for my dad's Rico Camera. (Still remember those manual bodies?:)
It was the best trade I ever made and thus a passion was born. I have frustrated just about every person who knows me. I was just a slow photographer all my life. Thinking to much and pressing the button to little. Yet..consider that those were the days when film was the medium and in SA especially it never was cheap.
For my 21st I was given the dream machine of that time. Nikon F4s. That was the ultimate weapon of maximum photgraphic enjoyment. Let me stop here since this could become a very long post :)
In essence I believe everybody is a photographer really.
But then from dictionary.com:
"photographer - a person who takes photographs, either as a hobby or a profession"
hence
*** I am a photographer ***
and have been since I was about 5.
From Webster dictionary:
"Photographer: one who practices photography; especially : one who makes a business of taking photographs"
This is my understanding. Does taking photos as a hobby turn one into a photographer?
Definition of hobby:
"a pursuit outside one's regular occupation engaged in especially for relaxation"
There are quite a few "hobbyists" here who are more talented, skilled, and experienced than many professionals out there. Having a business license and the ability to collect sales tax does not make you a photographer. Your skill with your camera does....
There are quite a few "hobbyists" here who are more talented, skilled, and experienced than many professionals out there. Having a business license and the ability to collect sales tax does not make you a photographer. Your skill with your camera does....
Hi, Jeb, You hit this on the head! None of the dictionary definitions make any qualification about the quality of the photographs taken. Is therefore the definition of a photographer:
"One who takes photographs recognized by many as good quality."
the correct one in this forum?
There are quite a few "hobbyists" here who are more talented, skilled, and experienced than many professionals out there. Having a business license and the ability to collect sales tax does not make you a photographer. Your skill with your camera does....
Originally posted by marnet:
Hi, Jeb, You hit this on the head! None of the dictionary definitions make any qualification about the quality of the photographs taken. Is therefore the definition of a photographer:
"One who takes photographs recognized by many as good quality."
the correct one in this forum?
I'd agree with that....
I know I'm a better photographer since being here because of all the techniques and guidance I've gotten that has both made me more comfortable, and adept with my camera. That has made the biggest difference in the quality of my images and my enjoyment level.
That has nothing whatsoever to do with whether or not I make any money at it.
Me too, I wondered about this topic, as people have asked me if I was a photographer. I just say to them I'm an enthusiast. But somehow saying you're a photographer sounds better.
