by ☆ ƒåitĥ ☆
Member since:
August 8, 2006

What makes a person a 'photographer'?

August 26, 2008 06:05 PM EDT (Updated: August 26, 2008 06:17 PM EDT)
views: 73 | rating: 9.7/10 (19 votes) | comments: 20

I've wondered this for quite some time now, so I thought I'd ask all of you what you think makes someone a photographer. How does one get that title?

I always feel weird when I call myself a photographer because I still don't have enough confidence to give myself that title. I don't know if that makes sense at all, but that is how I feel.

Now the only reason I even call myself a photographer is because I guess being paid for your work or getting your photos published means you're bonified... but what do YOU think?

Thanks for your help on this one.
~ Faith
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Comments: 20

Tiffany G. Aug 26, 2008, 6:51pm EDT
I would call you a photographer. I have seen your work and its great!

I would consider a photographer a person who takes pictures that have good quality and lighting and can distinguish the differences in aperature and knows how to use the settings on their camera. "I really am not even sure what that word aperature means but I know its important"
Anna m. Aug 26, 2008, 7:02pm EDT
A photographer is a person who takes a photograph using a camera. A professional photographer uses photography to make a living.
Anna m. Aug 26, 2008, 7:02pm EDT
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographer
Anna m. Aug 26, 2008, 7:03pm EDT
so anyone can be a photographer but not everyone can be a good photographer
CyberGwen ! Aug 26, 2008, 7:16pm EDT
I think that I know what you meant Faith. I think that a good photographer has a skill that is in the genes, trained, or just practiced to fruition. They see things that others don't and can make a simple moment convey so much.

They can make the ordinary seem not so ordinary, force the viewer to see things in a new way or just wrap up a whole barrel full of emotions in one simple 5 X 7 shot in time.

There are a lot of great photographers on Gather and you are one of them. I need to get out an practice more, but I am getting there. Suzy R. does some great stuff too!
Marianne R. Aug 26, 2008, 7:42pm EDT
If you make income taking photos, then you're a photographer. Most of us are what I call hobbiests or amateur photographers.
Rebecca [Future Teacher] Aug 26, 2008, 7:43pm EDT
Good question Faith. I think a photographer is someone who can capture the true beauty and feelings within things. Technique and skill come with time, and it's something all photo enjoyers enjoy, but a photographer has those things and can capture things not everyone can see.
Edward W. Aug 26, 2008, 10:17pm EDT
I wrestled with that myself years ago. Then, when I started to make money from taking pictures, I finally accepted the title of 'photographer'. Nonetheless, I still don't consider my own work to be all that good.
~*~Danyale~*~ N. Aug 27, 2008, 4:33am EDT
passion
Suze P. Aug 27, 2008, 6:39am EDT
I think that anyone who makes a living and gets paid for taking pictures can call themselves a photographer, though, as Marianne said, some are hobbyists and some people have a special eye, and they know how to use their cameras and different equipment and effects to make simple things seem beautiful and extraordinary.. people who can do that are truly photographers, to me.. artists, really.. Wish I could do it, because I've seen some truly beautiful shots here and on other sites online that I don't think I'd ever have the skill to take.
Lacey K. Aug 27, 2008, 8:48pm EDT
A photographer is a person who uses a camera. A pro photographer can support themselves on the income they make from their photography. I also like to think (hope) that a pro has a good, working knowledge of exposure, comp, lighting, dof, camera equipment, metering, etc.
April H. Aug 28, 2008, 1:49am EDT
I thin you make a fine photographer. And to me if you are paid then your a photographer.
Elmo A. Aug 28, 2008, 1:37pm EDT
I think that your work shows me that you are a photographer. But, as far as you are concerned, if you think you are, you are.

I don't think that the money is the issue. I get paid sometimes, but I am not sure whether I am a photographer or not. I know that if it were not for digital technology, I would without doubt not be a photographer. I was on the way to learning conventional photography, and could have done so, but digital made it so much easier.

You are something because you do it. Digital cameras make it so easy for so many to keep on trying without spending a fortune.

Again, about money, one of the greatest (some say the greatest) golfers of all time was Bobby Jones. He did not get paid to play golf. He was always an amateur.
Norah L. Aug 28, 2008, 4:44pm EDT
The dilemma of money aside, a photographer (in my opinion) is someone who can take photos that show more than just the subject. A photographer is a person who has artistic talent and can apply it to their photography. I think you pass the test!!
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Aug 28, 2008, 9:10pm EDT
A photographer is a person who takes a photograph using a camera. A professional photographer uses photography to make a living.
Ms. Meacham: Money Maven Sep 3, 2008, 4:17pm EDT
Nice answer Dan.... I'm with you. ; )
Ms. Meacham: Money Maven Sep 3, 2008, 4:19pm EDT
Actually, I think being a photographer is not unlike being a writer or being a journalist. You are, if you do. Even once counts.... as long as you plan to continue on with the venture and continue perfecting your talent. That's latter part is the key, for me. Hope this helps Faith. If I were you, with your skill and growing expertise, I'd for sure be holding my head up high and saying "I'm a photographer." Indeed, I'd even be passing out business cards that say it too. ; )
Lucky Stars Sep 3, 2008, 4:27pm EDT
I'm not sure, Faith but when you figure it out, let me know. :-)
I say I'm going to be a photographer. I guess the question is.......... when?
I don't think being paid has anything to do with it though.
You, my dear, are a photographer in my book.
Donald M. Sep 8, 2008, 3:52pm EDT
You learn by experience and as it has already been said. Drawing the eye to a subject. Trying to take pictures from the correct angle. I think you are a great photographer. I have seen a lot of your work here on gather. I know you cannot show the wedding pictures without the permission of the clients.
My son is now getting paid for his weddings, Birthday parties. He started out on pbase showing what he could do. You may want to check that out and maybe find more business.

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