What kind of Photographer Am i?

[tigidig4x]

Hi guys! I came again for another question for myself.

I want you to know guys that, i really love photography. But i study Information Technology as 3rd year student Computer Networks major. I want to learn photography not as a professional but a a hobbyist. I'm not an absolute beginner (i think) because i know the basics. I do not want to work as a paid photographer because i treat this only a hobby. I want to cover some events not for the money but for education.

Now, i'm a photographer in our school news publications. I shoot street photography, landscapes, and i also covered one event in a hotel without getting payed. I want to cover any other kind of event like wedding and portraits but i don't expect a fee, since i do it for myself and to be able to learn.

Now my question is, what kind of photographer am i? Freelancer? Amateur? I looked at definitions on this in the Internet, but every other sources has different definitions, so decided to ask here in the professionals instead. Thanks so much.

 

[rpm]

Well depends but you'd probably simply fall under 'Amateur' or 'Hobbyist'; otherwise some people might call you a leech for undercutting the market hehe

But don't let your concerns about your field of study or intentions define what sort of photographer you are/can be.

I have a Bachelors in Social Sciences majoring in Politics and Sociology; I am doing a Masters in Business Information Systems (specialisations being Project Management and Enterprise Systems) but doesn't stop me from pursuing my passion in photography. Whether I get paid for an event I cover or I am doing personal projects; I see myself both as a Photographer and soon hopefully a Systems/Business A

 

[imagemaker46]

Why do you have to define who you are as a photographer? You own a camera and take pictures.

 

[mishele]

^^^What that cool guy said!! Just have fun and stop worrying about labels.

 

[tigidig4x]

Thank you guys! I really don't mind the labels like that. It's just that i want to know what kind of work am i doing.

At the first poster, sorry dude, i don't plan to leech. If i cover events, i wouldn't ask for a fee but if they would give, then great and if not, still great. I just want to learn, hehehe so don't worry bro.! ^_^

 

[mishele]

Amateur

 

[rpm]

Thank you guys! I really don't mind the labels like that. It's just that i want to know what kind of work am i doing.

At the first poster, sorry dude, i don't plan to leech. If i cover events, i wouldn't ask for a fee but if they would give, then great and if not, still great. I just want to learn, hehehe so don't worry bro.! ^_^

Haha not saying you are but its the opinions of some that I've noticed across some forums. Have fun.

 

[Overread]

Amateur - Hobbyist - Enthusiast - mad crazy person with a camera -

etc....

Any of those will do as a title. Taking the "odd job" here and there does not qualify you as a "Photographer" in the working sense. Anyone can do a weekend shoot here and there for friends/acquaintances and it doesn't make them a "pro" or anything. They are just earning a little pocket money doing performing a skill that they have on a one-off event. People do this all the time, I know people who will come round and paint rooms for example - they are not painters, they are not interior designers - they are just people with a brush, some paint and enough know-how to get the job done without making an utter mess.