Am I a "photographer"?

[Claire]

I was browsing the photography forum of the biggest Swedish photo communities. The age old question (in that forum at least) is "Can I call myself a photographer on my business card?"

Then a big discussion starts and I'm curious to see the POTN:ers opinion.

Am I a "Photographer"? Are you?

[clickcanon40]

well... I use a DSLR camera, I take pictures avidly, and I get paid at times. I think if you get paid at some point to take pictures and have an slr or dslr you could be considered a photographer. Maybe not a pro or semi-pro or whatever, but photographer is not an incorrect statement.

Dictionary.com defines it as- "a person who takes photographs, esp. one who practices photography professionally."

[Karl C]

At this time, I don't have business cards so, for me, it's a moot point. However, when I did have cards, I wasn't too comfortable with the title since I do not draw an income from photography. Personally speaking, it's hard to use the title "photographer" if I shoot for pleasure. If someone needs to contact me, I just write down my email address.

My humble two bits...

[elysium]

On my business card, I have put it down as "Clarity Rebirth (my portfolio's name) Photography"

The reason why I chose to word it like this is that it does not put me down officially as a photographer by title or qualification but is an overview of what my portfolio covers.

If people wish to hire me as a photography by viewing my photographic portfolio, then I am happy to do so. Otherwise, im just someone who is interested as a hobby.

[John_B]

Am I a "Photographer"? Are you?
Claire,
Yes I am ;) are you? ??? :lol:

[gjl711]

I’m not sure I understand the question. “Am I a photographer?” Well, anyone who takes a picture is a photographer, no? But I think what you might really be asking is “Am I a professional photographer?” but that is a much different question. But even there, as there are no standards, anyone can print up business cards and start earning a living taking pictures. But then the question really becomes “Am I a good professional photographer?”

[AngryCorgi]

But then the question really becomes “Am I a good professional photographer?”

If you have made enough money using your camera to swim in (a la Scrooge McDuck), then I suppose you are a good professional photographer. ;)

http://www.fi-donc.nl/collectibles/wdcc/2004scrooge.jpg

[Claire]

I’m not sure I understand the question. “Am I a photographer?” Well, anyone who takes a picture is a photographer, no? But I think what you might really be asking is “Am I a professional photographer?” but that is a much different question. But even there, as there are no standards, anyone can print up business cards and start earning a living taking pictures. But then the question really becomes “Am I a good professional photographer?”

I did ask the question like that just to see everyone's take. Many in the Swedish forum wants to print up business cards etc and everyone is asking if they can use the title "photographer". And that's when the discussion starts...

I just want to see what you guys think and see if you guys reason like the Swedes. :)

[squashed]

I am a photographer because I take pictures. I am not a pro and I would never put "photographer" on a business card because its not my business... Its my therapy.

[JimAskew]

I am a pro bono photographer and proud of it :) I could charge for my work, and, in fact, have been offered payment after the fact. But I always say no...photography is what I do to keep my life in balance.

[gjl711]

In the states there are very few professions that require some sort of certification or license before you are allowed to practice your craft. Doctors, lawyers, teachers, truck drivers need to prove some level of competence before they can go out and practice their craft. Others like engineers usually need to prove some level of education before they will get hired.

But photographers fall into the “anyone can be one” category. All that is needed is the will to make a go of it. For example, my son financed a large chunk of his schooling taking head shots and putting together portfolios for the theater crowd with his old Rebel and kit lens. He had made up business cards, passed them around campus and within a month paid off the investment in camera. All the rest went to tuition. He was a working professional, had business cards and needed nothing more than a trip down to Kinko’s to get them printed up and camera gear to start his business.

[Tandem]

I call myself a photographer and I have it printed on my business cards. I let others decide if they want to tack on the professional part, I don't use the word to describe myself.

I receive a good portion of my income from my day job but that will change once I retire (in 230 days).

[shutterfiend]

If you're printing business card to hand out, so people can hire you and pay you take picture of themselves and loved ones, there's little else you could call yourself.

Possible alternatives:
1. Paid photo-taker, not sure whether to call himself a photographer yet.
2. Party pooper with enormous camera contraption, who's constantly asking people to stop having fun and LOOK like they're having fun.
3. A person who rearranges all the furniture in your living room, makes you stand next to Uncle Al ... and smile !?!

[BillsBayou]

My business card says "Geek"

[RandyMN]

My business card says "Geek"

But are you a good geek?

[AngryCorgi]

But are you a good geek?

lol

[20droger]

But are you a good geek?
I've heard he is.

[SlowBlink]

I'm an Artist who currently choses Photography as his medium. Take that Sweden! :p

[condyk]

We are all many things and will or will not be one or other of those many things in each moment, either through self perception or perception of others.

So, for example, on Tuesday I was wandering to my local greasy cafe and there was a security scare and the roads around Kings Cross station were closed by the police. I had my camera and took some shots. Some will see me and assume I am a pro, some will see me and assume I am a d**k head, some will see me and assume they can mug me, some will see me and assume I am a security danger myself! Who is right?

I may see myself as an amateur, but then there is a terrible explosion and I take several shots which are later featured on TV and in print media all over the world. I make good money from the shots, so was I a pro in that instance ... or when do I become one? When I sign over rights? When the cash arrives?

If I add photographer to my business card does it make me a pro? Does it make me a photographer? Can I be a pro in aspiration when no one ever bought anything? Realy the question is pointless ... go shoot ... go print some cards ... don't think about such stuff. It really doesn't matter.

[BillsBayou]

I've heard he is.

Unfortunately, my reputation preceeds me.

"Bill, can you show me how to use my camera?" "I can show you how to read your manual."

"Bill, can you show me how to use my new laptop?" "I can give you the number to Geek Squad."

"Bill, can you tell me what's wrong with my bonsai?" "It's dead. You should paint it green."

[bishop13]

At this point, it'd be more accurate to call myself a "faux"tographer....

[rane]

well... I use a DSLR camera, I take pictures avidly, and I get paid at times. I think if you get paid at some point to take pictures and have an slr or dslr you could be considered a photographer. Maybe not a pro or semi-pro or whatever, but photographer is not an incorrect statement.

Dictionary.com defines it as- "a person who takes photographs, esp. one who practices photography professionally."


Is this two definitions then?
The first statement is a lot more exclusive then the second.

[clickcanon40]

Esp one who practices professionally... I dunno, I just answered the question best I could. I dont think there is a definite answer... So ya, there are tons of definitions

[fWord]

Business card says:

Failed Artist- Will take photos for spare change

[solthar]

My business card says "Geek"

Sorry, but this calls for a dictionary blob:

geek Slang. –noun
1.a peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, esp. one who is perceived to be overly intellectual.
2.a computer expert or enthusiast (a term of pride as self-reference, but often considered offensive when used by outsiders.)
3.a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts, as biting off the head of a live chicken.

How's the chicken? :lol:

[fWord]

How's the chicken? :lol:

I bet it crossed the road.

[scrumpy]

If you play golf, are you a golfer?

[gjl711]

Sorry, but this calls for a dictionary blob:

geek Slang. –noun
1.a peculiar or otherwise dislikable person, esp. one who is perceived to be overly intellectual.
2.a computer expert or enthusiast (a term of pride as self-reference, but often considered offensive when used by outsiders.)
3.a carnival performer who performs sensationally morbid or disgusting acts, as biting off the head of a live chicken.

How's the chicken? :lol: How the heck computer experts got the same label as one who bites off the head of chickens is beyond me. Hmmm... unless... biting chickens and choking chickens is analogous. That must be it. ;)

[gjl711]

If you play golf, are you a golfer?No, just someone with a nagging wife.

[BeccaNH]

Personally, I think anyone who uses a camera is a photographer. Doesn't make them a good photographer, but they are making photographs so that makes them a photographer.

[Claire]

Business card says:

Failed Artist- Will take photos for spare change

I need to get one of those business cards that says that!! :lol:

[cdifoto]

I'm not a photographer. I'm a picture whore.

[Claire]

I'm not a photographer. I'm a picture whore.

Hm, I wouldn't put that on my buisiness card...

[cdifoto]

My business card doesn't say "I shoot porn too, this is nothing" either.

[forsakenme720]

I take fine art photos; therefore, I'm a fine art photographer. I don't ever plan on doing anything for money, nor do I expect to sell any fine art prints (it's not a realistic goal). But yeah, I'm definitely a photographer :)

Dave

[Wyn]

I'm not a photographer. I'm a picture whore.

thats funny!!! lmao