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What makes a "photographer"?
Feb 24, 2020 10:01:03 #
BigDaddy wrote:
A Photographer is one taking pictures
A professional photographer is one earning a living taking pictures.
A professional photographer is one earning a living taking pictures.
That is the basic understanding. However, the term "professional" covers much more than to make a living in a particular field. In the public mind the term "professional" has for a long time been the perception that a person has attained the highest standard, skill, and ability in a given field of endeavor, regardless of how they make a living.
Feb 24, 2020 10:03:17 #
Don't let the photographer you were yesterday stop you from buying a new camera tomorrow.
Feb 24, 2020 10:06:35 #
CHG_CANON wrote:
Don't let the photographer you were yesterday stop you from buying a new camera tomorrow.
WHEW !!!! A new camera every day???
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Feb 24, 2020 10:11:44 #
I made my living in Photography for over 55 years. News, Industrial, Wedding, Portrait, Candid, School, Santa retail, Travel, I was President of the Industrial Photographers of NJ, I was in sales and marketing of a Old very famous Color Paper manufacturer (Pavelle), I moved on to become the President of an X-ray manufacturing company. Did all of this make me a professional Photographer? Not necessarily. I am retired now and do a lot of general photography, not very good at Landscape work or Bird images. I simply enjoy my Hobby. Emphases on HOBBY.
My opinion is that if you can make a living doing what you like to do, Great. If not, look for something else.
Don
My opinion is that if you can make a living doing what you like to do, Great. If not, look for something else.
Don
Feb 24, 2020 10:15:23 #
donrosshill wrote:
I made my living in Photography for over 55 years.... (show quote)
Congratulations on your many great achievements
Feb 24, 2020 10:15:26 #
ELNikkor wrote:
Not sure making money is the key issue. Could be more along the lines of demonstrating expertise in the craft, to consistently be able to produce photographs which show artistic and technical excellence, regardless of equipment or subject.
👍👍
Feb 24, 2020 10:16:04 #
scallihan
Loc: Tigard, OR
If you love photography, if your camera is nearly always with you, you're a photographer. Photography was my husband's passion. He did sell a few images to stock houses pre-digital for N.P. postcards, bookmarks, mouse pads, etc. and had a couple of non-juried gallery showings (no sales 😑). But even if he had never sold anything, he was a photographer. I participate in an Art Critique group as a photographer, and my work is well-received, though I have never sold anything.
You are a photographer.
You are a photographer.
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Feb 24, 2020 10:18:37 #
donrosshill wrote:
I made my living in Photography for over 55 years.... (show quote)
No, it makes you an ex-professional photographer currently working on your hobby😉
Feb 24, 2020 10:28:57 #
Feb 24, 2020 10:31:44 #
Scruples wrote:
Photography is a unique weaving of art, science and life. Each of us is not any better than the other “camera operator.”
We must see the world in its unique design, intricate or simplistic but always appealing.
Everything we see is a photograph waiting for a story to be written and shared.
Let us remember the camera, no matter what kind, does 1% of the work. The remaining 99% of the work is done by the nut in the viewfinder.
We must see the world in its unique design, intricate or simplistic but always appealing.
Everything we see is a photograph waiting for a story to be written and shared.
Let us remember the camera, no matter what kind, does 1% of the work. The remaining 99% of the work is done by the nut in the viewfinder.
When will you be "weaving" those pictures you said you would post about your pictures in that restaurant?????
Feb 24, 2020 10:37:33 #
FotoHog wrote:
That is the basic understanding. However, the term "professional" covers much more than to make a living in a particular field. In the public mind the term "professional" has for a long time been the perception that a person has attained the highest standard, skill, and ability in a given field of endeavor, regardless of how they make a living.
Sure, but imo, professional means earning a living at it. Others have a million different views of what professional means to them in the field of Photography, but the OP asked for my opinion. The other adjectives you think the public mind assigns to professional are, imo, just assumptions one makes if someone actually earns a living at photography. They are probably good assumptions because it's not easy to earn a living from photography w/o those particular attributes (skill, high standards, ability). Of course with the right marketing much is possible...
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Feb 24, 2020 10:37:53 #
On a more serious note, it takes more than picking up a camera, turning it on, pointing it at something and exposing the image to be called a photographer. A photographer understands the difference between a snapshot and a compelling and quality photograph. (I would say a 'work of art' but I fear being roundly criticised as a poser or a snob or worse. Who knows what malice lurks in the minds of certain regulars on this site). However, I do digress. A compelling photograph tells a story, keeps the viewer in the photograph and inspires the viewer. If the person holding the camera can inspire such feelings in the viewer, hopefully a discerning viewer, he or she can be called a photographer.
Feb 24, 2020 10:39:43 #
srt101fan wrote:
So the person taking my picture for a COSTCO ID card is a photographer?? Who knew!......😕
By Webster's definition, yes.
Feb 24, 2020 10:42:40 #
Feb 24, 2020 10:43:50 #
Picture Taker
Loc: Michigan Thumb
Definition is "some one who makes photographs" Quality is not in the definition. So now how how do we move one.
I guess I am a photographer but working to be a better photographer. Now what is a BETTER photographer, no line in the sand for that.
OPTIONS: 1) quit, 2) buy better equipment, 3) keep trying. Still not knowing the definition of BETTER what do I do. My definition of a good picture is if my wife says it's good. She is a good tough critic
I guess I am a photographer but working to be a better photographer. Now what is a BETTER photographer, no line in the sand for that.
OPTIONS: 1) quit, 2) buy better equipment, 3) keep trying. Still not knowing the definition of BETTER what do I do. My definition of a good picture is if my wife says it's good. She is a good tough critic
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