I need some input (Page 3): Someone is not a mechanic because they bought a box of tools. There are good mechanics with bad tools, and bad mechanic's with the finest in hardware...

catchlight.. Loc: Wisconsin USA- Halden Norway

Someone is not a mechanic because they bought a box of tools. There are good mechanics with bad tools, and bad mechanic's with the finest in hardware... attitude and a cell phone can be surprising.

The outcome makes you the photographer, not the act of photographing...

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

rjaywallace wrote:

Howard, what you are talking about is called plagiarism.
Synonyms include: copying, infringement of copyright, piracy, theft, stealing, poaching and appropriation.

Not really. He started what he was going, may, to do.... Therefore, by posting, you are giving permission......you were warned...

Toby

rjaywallace wrote:

Howard, what you are talking about is called plagiarism.
Synonyms include: copying, infringement of copyright, piracy, theft, stealing, poaching and appropriation.

Since Howard explained how he might use your comments and you still willingly presented them I question if that is plagiarism. I suppose you could argue that he needs a signed release but I doubt if anyone will provide any thoughts that could be measured in anything other than bitcoins. Lighten up.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

Years ago, I was failing miserably at golf, so I sold my clubs and starting shooting with a Canon Elan 2e. Much better ”shots” and not so dependent on hand-eye coordination. I still have to stay mindful of sway avoidance tho.

ggab Loc: ?

quixdraw wrote:

Alternate universe title - "Is Photography your passion, or do you just have a Camera."

I like it.
How about "Is Photography your passion, or do you just have a Phone"?

DeanS Loc: Capital City area of North Carolina

martinfisherphoto wrote:

I hope you're not trying to alienate your members. Whatever your list of criteria for either is bound to piss a few folks off. That's like asking if you take good photos or just snap shots.. I think I would rather ask the group if they consider themselves a pro, or as a hobbyist. At least this way to qualify as a pro you can probably find established criteria printed somewhere and just use that which would keep your Opinion from entering the picture..

I’m gonna solve this prob of “pro or hobbyist” for the masses for eternity. I am a professional hobbyist!

Oh wait, perhaps that should be “hobbyist professional.”

😎😎😎

Meadwilliam

Howard5252 wrote:

I plan to write an article for my Camera Club, the title will be "Is photography your hobby or do you just happen to own a camera?"
I want to hear your thoughts on this matter. You may be quoted without credit or I may use your UHH name; and I may shamelessly use some of your words in my opinion parts. I am looking for ideas, thoughts, and anything you feel is relevant to the topic. Thanking you all in advance.

There’s a critical difference between a good photo and a photo of something pretty. The first is art; the second is a postcard.

ssiretire Loc: Warsaw, KY

I am really surprised at some of the comments. Two points I want to comment on.
First. You really have me thinking on where I am as a photographer. Not a professional but have made money in various ways. I am proficient enough that I am the go to guy whenever friends and family need pictures taken but would never charge for that work. I have carried a camera with me for years for various reasons. Photography is just another tool to make my life complete.
Second. I post nothing online which I feel is my property. If its there feel free to use it.

nadelewitz Loc: Ithaca NY

Howard5252 wrote:

I plan to write an article for my Camera Club, the title will be "Is photography your hobby or do you just happen to own a camera?"
I want to hear your thoughts on this matter. You may be quoted without credit or I may use your UHH name; and I may shamelessly use some of your words in my opinion parts. I am looking for ideas, thoughts, and anything you feel is relevant to the topic. Thanking you all in advance.

Kind of an odd question.
If you aren't a paid pro, then it is a hobby. It's just a matter of how dedicated you are to the hobby.
Where's the line between "just happen to own a camera" and being an "advanced amateur"?

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

nadelewitz wrote:

...If you aren't a paid pro, then it is a hobby. It's just a matter of how dedicated you are to the hobby.
Where's the line between "just happen to own a camera" and being an "advanced amateur"?

I occasionally do some plumbing to build or repair something. I don't do it for money.
Is plumbing one of my hobbies? I never thought that it was. I just do what needs to be done.
I don't get up in the morning and think "I am looking forward to doing some plumbing".
I think a hobby is something more than just something you do occasionally when it needs to be done. On that basis you can take pictures without having photography as a hobby.

Maybe a hobby is a "slippery slope" toward something more.

Country Boy Loc: Beckley, WV

I don't think it has anything to do with the equipment you have. I have friends that buy top of the line equipment but may hardly ever use it. I think it has more to do with the effort expended in trying to master the art, continued improvement, enjoys reading about photography or buys videos or books to better understand techniques. Along with the quest to improve goes the regular use of the equipment. Camera owners pull out the camera for a special event or vacation but the person that makes a hobby of photography looks for opportunities and will often major in some specific area like macro or landscape or sports etc. Most camera owners would have a special appreciation for a great photo of a bug or other odd photo. The person with a hobby looks to see how it looks, the setting and light used.

Doyle Thomas Loc: Vancouver Washington ~ USA

my Photography is not a hobby, it is a passion.

cbtsam Loc: Monkton, MD

Kmgw9v wrote:

Certainly not the only defining factor, but one who owns and uses more than one body and multiple lenses for different purposes, and is not a pro; is a dedicated hobbyist.
Like many of us.

What of one who owns one decent point-and-shoot, or just a cell phone, and shoots all the time, fiddles with post, and shows them off to good response by other camera owners? It seems to me that passion trumps gear every time, and I say that despite my lust for gear.

tradio Loc: Oxford, Ohio

Photography is just one of many, many hobbies. I just can't seem to narrow it down to just one.

dick ranez

I take photographs for my own enjoyment, I guess that makes me a hobbyist. I give them away - or occasionally sell them - but I don't think that makes me a pro. The image capture is only part of the process, and the variety of tools I use to do it include multiple camera bodies and lenses for various purposes. Some people care about car horsepower, potting soil mixes, or or fashion items, I don't. I do pay attention to innovations, trends and capabilities of imaging equipment so it may confirm that I am in fact a hobbyist.