Who considers themselves an "Advanced Amatuer"?
MWAC
Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy
I know I have been shooting for just over a year, but I no longer consider myself a "beginner" when it comes to my camera or photography as a whole. I think of myself more along the lines of an Advanced Amatuer, I still have a lot to learn but I have a firm grasp on my equipment and what it takes to get a good image at least 80% of the time. I was wondering who else considers themselves in this catagory?
Advanced Amatuer as defined by a number of photography clubs and organizations as: Photography enthusiasts who have obtained beyond basic skills in photography.
MWAC wrote:
I know I have been shooting for just over a year, but I no longer consider myself a "beginner" when it comes to my camera or photography as a whole. I think of myself more along the lines of an Advanced Amatuer, I still have a lot to learn but I have a firm grasp on my equipment and what it takes to get a good image at least 80% of the time. I was wondering who else considers themselves in this catagory?
Advanced Amatuer as defined by a number of photography clubs and organizations as: Photography enthusiasts who have obtained beyond basic skills in photography.
I know I have been shooting for just over a year, ... (
show quote)
I DEFINITELY have been labelled worse things... :thumbup: Count me in.
I consider myself as an advanced am in landscape photography, based on the fact that I have a strong knowledge of aperature, shutter, ISO, depth of field. Do not have to consult the manual when I use the camera, NEVER use any AUTO settings (aperature priority only) and check the histogram after every shot, which is only done in RAW. Even calibrate for white balance.
If you asked me to do a wedding, I'd be a dunce, as it is not my area of interest.
I consider myself as an amatuer how is advancing......always leaarning something.
tinosa
Loc: Grand Rapids Michigan
In my opinion the difference between an advanced amatuer and a pro is one of them gets paid for their images. They are both constantly climbing the learning curve.
My lenses are not very expensive, my bodies are not very fancy; except for that "I get it" the why and the how. Now am working on the when. Am not sure where I want to take my photography yet but certainly want to learn more.I think everyone with a camera is a photographer just like everyone with a car and a license is a driver; being considered an artist though,is where is at for me.
how about trudging up a mountain with a 30 lb. camera backpack including a tripod, spending a few hours shooting "whatever" with various film and digital cameras but not getting paid for it...just a "hobby of love"... that's a real advanced amateur, like myself years ago..now, too many health issues but still enjoy less challenging conditions.
Don't worry about it. Some days you're a PRO... some days you forget to bring your camera.
Even as a PRO some days you still don't get paid.
I have been taking pictures since the late 50's, enlarger sitting on the toilet, developing tanks in the bathtub etc. Digital since 2000, my 50D counter has been around 3 times. I think I have a fair eye for composition but do I know what every knob on the camera does, not hardly. what classification am I in, who knows. Some days your the dog and some days your the hydrant.
Well, I might qualify; I learned developing and printing at my father's knee c. 1950. My first camera (that I remember) was a Voigtlander Vito C, 3 semesters community college photo-journalism, most recent camera purchase high-end non-dslr (probably my last, considering my age).
I have had my photos with stories published in BMW Owners of America, a member magazine (member meaning no pay,)and The Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve Newsletter (Im a volunteer also no pay). My friends use them for their facebook profile pics and holiday cards - guess what? no pay. The Garden Center that I sometimes shoot for (in exchange for hanging my photos in their shop commission free) has one on the front of their web page. I have been paid for both framed art and party shoots, but I still consider myself an enthusiastic wannabe (is that the same as advanced am?)and still have no clue about photoshop, and half the things the photog braniacs are talking about on UHH.
I have seen many a fool behind the wheel, as well as behind the lens. A piece of paper does not certify you as competent, only your actions.
Reading some of these comments, I think I would fit in the advanced amateur category. I find myself looking at everything as "photo material". Always shooting RAW, playing with different filters and post production techniques, have most of my camera settings/buttons figured out - at least the ones I use frequently. I am always reviewing the manuals and checking tutorials on line or in books. I see shots I like and try to figure out "How'd they do that?" Where will I go with my photography? Not 100% sure. Have done a couple "jobs" but refuse to do weddings. Camera gear is always packed and ready to go wherever I go.
Interesting discussion.
I'm definitely a photographer, how advanced, I'm not sure. I have been using a camera of some sort for about 50 years, but that doesn't make me a good or advanced photographer. I am still learning everyday and a lot from this forum. I do teach a short course to people who want to learn the basics of how their cameras work and how to shoot on manual mode. The more I think about it, I guess I might be an advanced amateur.
Last Light 20mm prime
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