How do I know what type of photographer to classify myself as

[CastleDesigns]

I don't know how noob that question may sound but it is a question I have always asked myself. I guess it's a sense of wanting to have an identity. I mean, there's people right from the gecko who know what they love,what they love to shoot and specialize in that particular thing. For instance, wedding photographers or portrait, know what I mean? And then there's me.. I love everything. -______-
And the problem with loving everything is wanting to learn everything. Which in my case, I end up doing nothing.

but, well there is a type of photography I enjoy. The type that convey a message,dreamy,surreal,conceptual,experimental type. (But, what is that called?)
And should I stick to two types of photography, how do you classify yourself and know what cilents would hire you for

 

[robbins.photo]

Ok, well this might be a little off the wall, but have you considered just classifying yourself as "A Photographer"?

I know.. whacky stuff. But it just might work.

 

[Designer]

Fine art.

 

[Braineack]

who cares?

 

[e.rose]

who cares?

Agreed.

Just shoot.

Worry about the words later, when you have enough consistency in your portfolio to be able to look back and go, "Ohhhhh... THAT'S what I do..."

 

[KmH]

. . . how do you classify yourself and know what cilents would hire you for

If you want to make money from doing photography you identify and exploit a market that is under served.

 

[astroNikon]

I like photographing about anything and everything.
Though making those pictures from a snapshot to a photograph is more experience and art ....

Just enjoy taking pictures and improve your technique

it doesn't matter how you categorize yourself .. just learn how to get better at it.

 

[Scatterbrained]

Unless you're specifically trying to market yourself I don't see the purpose. Wedding photographers, portrait photographers, commercial photographers, landscape photographers; they're all still photographers. Isn't that what matters?

 

[Derrel]

You sound like a new and confused type of photographer. Perhaps in the future your "classification" will become obvious. I would not worry too much about "classifying" yourself or your work at this point.

 

[robbins.photo]

who cares?

Agreed.

Just shoot.

Worry about the words later, when you have enough consistency in your portfolio to be able to look back and go, "Ohhhhh... THAT'S what I do..."

I'm just looking forward to the day when I can look back through the portfolio and not think, "Ohhhh.. I shot that? Ick.." Lol

 

[Overread]

Unless you're specifically trying to market yourself I don't see the purpose. Wedding photographers, portrait photographers, commercial photographers, landscape photographers; they're all still photographers. Isn't that what matters?

+1

If you're not marketing yourself then just be a person who uses camera - ergo a photographer. Specific niches are often only for advertising and even then very few of those people will be totally exclusive to those subjects outside of their commercial work.

 

[webestang64]

My personal business card says Photographer but I put this on there also......-Specializing in Fine Art Black-n-White and Photographic Restoration.

 

[Braineack]

I would like to meet these geckos, btw.

 

[deeky]

I agree with "who cares?". But I can also understand your desire for an identity. A lot of people don't need it, but if you need it for yourself, ok.

Photography is a visual art. If you want identity, let your photos identify your style rather than your (or someone else's) words. Put together and maintain a portfolio (any file of your favorite shots) that you can look back on. Treat it like a mirror - a tool to look back on who you are. If there is a weak piece, there's where you focus on improving. What particular style or subject tends to end up more predominant in your collection of favorites?

I wouldn't get too hung up on it, but if you do need identity, let your photos do the talking. Also remember that identity will most likely change over time. That's a good thing.