So, when are you considered a photographer?

NikkiRivera · Jul 5, 2011

What makes somebody a true photographer? Do you have to be a pro, or can you be a noob and still say "Yeah, I am a photographer"?

ngaerlan · Jul 5, 2011

In my opinion if you have a passion for taking photos wether you make money from it or not you are considered a photographer.

www.eternal8photography.com

NikkiRivera · Jul 5, 2011

What if you have a passion for it, but you aren't that good yet?

oldmacman · Jul 5, 2011

I have been shooting for a while and have a passion for photography. While I sell some and have paid shoots, it is not my primary source of income so I would not call myself a photographer. I also paint, sculpt, do pottery and edit video. I also do not label myself a painter, sculptor, potter or editor. Is the label of "photographer" important to you?

NikkiRivera · Jul 5, 2011

oldmacman said:
I have been shooting for a while and have a passion for photography. While I sell some and have paid shoots, it is not my primary source of income so I would not call myself a photographer. I also paint, sculpt, do pottery and edit video. I also do not label myself a painter, sculptor, potter or editor. Is the label of "photographer" important to you?

It is not important, but it was something that I was wondering. So you are saying unless you are a professional (in any field), you cannot use a label?

marmots · Jul 5, 2011

i consider you a photographer as soon as you pick up a camera and actually put effort, and thought into composition
so as soon as you "try" to take good pictures you're a photographer

Netskimmer · Jul 5, 2011

You could always just tack 'amateur' in front of photographer. If asked that's usually what I say. Technically anyone that takes photographs is a photographer, just not a professional one.

NikkiRivera · Jul 5, 2011

Netskimmer said:
You could always just tack 'amateur' in front of photographer. If asked that's usually what I say. Technically anyone that takes photographs is a photographer, just not a professional one.

Ahh, yeah, I see that a lot. Good one. =)

reedshots · Jul 5, 2011

If you have/use a camera and take photographs then you are a photographer. Good, bad or somewhere in between is the real question.

Bitter Jeweler · Jul 5, 2011

Read this for some insight...

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...u-legitimately-call-yourself-photograper.html

NikkiRivera · Jul 5, 2011

Bitter Jeweler said:
Read this for some insight...

http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...u-legitimately-call-yourself-photograper.html

Thank you for the thread link.

Bitter Jeweler · Jul 5, 2011

No problem. It's a fun thread. :sexywink:

jaomul · Jul 5, 2011

NikkiRivera said:
What if you have a passion for it, but you aren't that good yet?

Then you are "a not that good yet" photographer

NikkiRivera · Jul 5, 2011

jaomul said:
NikkiRivera said:

What if you have a passion for it, but you aren't that good yet?

Click to expand...

Then you are "a not that good yet" photographer

Lol, got it! =)

Derrel · Jul 5, 2011

One MUST read the earlier thread at http://www.thephotoforum.com/forum/...u-legitimately-call-yourself-photograper.html and only after having read that thread, can one consider him or herself a photographer. That's just part of the rules...