"I Am A Photographer!"

brofkand · Aug 13, 2009

At what point did you start calling yourself a photographer or artist, and not feel self-conscious or haughty about it? To me, calling myself a photographer for the longest time felt like I was being pretentious. It's like I am putting myself at the same level as Cartier-Bresson, Mann, or Adams.

I am still working on carrying my camera around town and not feeling like a tool.

rphenning · Aug 13, 2009

I would hardly say carrying a camera around is being a tool. You are doing it for you so why get the idea that it is something bad? I don't call myself a photographer or an artist. Sounds too serious. I am just a kid that likes taking photos.

hoffy · Aug 14, 2009

I have always had an issue with calling myself a photographer or an artist. Simply, I am a lunchtime hack who likes to regularly walk around with a camera taking the occassional photo.

Until last night....

I am a member of a photo club (I display both digi and film prints) and last night was our monthly comp. For the first time since I have become a member, I got a 1 (out of 10)..... The photo (I'd rather link to it, as it doesn't meet category here - Dead Link Removed) obviously was not to the judges liking. Last night, I have to admit, I was gutted and I would hardly have called myself a happy snapper.

But you know what, dammit, I am a photographer. I produced an image that I am proud of. Tough if someone who has 30 years experience doesn't like it (his reasoning, the statue was facing towards the outside of the image and there was too much black space and no interest).

Be loud! Be proud! IF you care about what you do, you are a photographer!

Paul Sorensen · Aug 14, 2009

brofkand said:
I am still working on carrying my camera around town and not feeling like a tool.

I struggle with this as well. I have a serious aversion to bringing attention upon myself and walking around with a camera, especially in "non tourist" places. I have been getting better about it, but it is a challenge.

Of course, there is nothing to feel bad about, but ain't that human nature?

As for calling myself a photographer, for some reason I have been having a better time with that, don't know why, but I don't feel it is at all pretentious. Of course, I don't make a living at it, but not too many of us do!

Travis Nunn · Aug 14, 2009

I don't call myself a photographer, but many of my friends do. If that's what they want to call me that's fine. If I get introduced to someone as a photographer, I just go with it. It really means nothing to me to be called a photographer to be quite honest. I just enjoy photographing and printing things that move me. If that makes me a photographer, so be it.

Paul Sorensen · Aug 14, 2009

hoffy said:
I have always had an issue with calling myself a photographer or an artist. Simply, I am a lunchtime hack who likes to regularly walk around with a camera taking the occassional photo.

Until last night....

I am a member of a photo club (I display both digi and film prints) and last night was our monthly comp. For the first time since I have become a member, I got a 1 (out of 10)..... The photo (I'd rather link to it, as it doesn't meet category here - Dead Link Removed) obviously was not to the judges liking. Last night, I have to admit, I was gutted and I would hardly have called myself a happy snapper.

But you know what, dammit, I am a photographer. I produced an image that I am proud of. Tough if someone who has 30 years experience doesn't like it (his reasoning, the statue was facing towards the outside of the image and there was too much black space and no interest).

Be loud! Be proud! IF you care about what you do, you are a photographer!

Good for you. I really do have an issue that someone feels it necessary to be handing out scores on photos, and to think that yours would rate a 1 out of 10 is absurd. I can see making a suggestion about the composition. (I don't think I agree, however, with the suggestion) but 1 out of 10 is absurd.

thisismyname09 · Aug 14, 2009

I still don't call myself a photographer. It seems to irritate/confuse people when they ask "are you a photographer?" and I reply, "no." while i'm carrying a camera the size of their head. I find this amusing. I think of myself as a photographer, but I don't really say it. I tend to have a problem with getting nervous when random people talk to me when I don't expect it, and I talk without thinking.

cknapp1961 · Aug 14, 2009

I used to call myself a photographer in the 70s-80s when working for a newspaper and a studio, then I joined the Army in 1989 as a Special Electronic Devices Repairer, still taking photos for myself, then went d!g!t@l in the mid 2000's shooting many d!g!t@l images but did not call myself a photographer. Recently though I bought a Bronica ETRS system and some 6x9 folders from Evilb@y and an enlarger, I now find myself telling people I am a photographer even though I am still in the Army as an Electronic Technician.

rternbach · Aug 14, 2009

If I derived the majority of my income from making photographs I'd probably call myself a photographer. It is my avocation and I derive very little if any income from it so that is why my card reads "Photography".

Shawn Dougherty · Aug 14, 2009

hoffy said:
(his reasoning, the statue was facing towards the outside of the image and there was too much black space and no interest)

That's ridiculous... "too much black space"... 30 years experience of what, giving poor, unhelpful and pretentious critiques? the "closing" shadow combined with the gaze of the statue leaving the frame creates a sort of tension which is quite thought provoking. Everyone has an opinion .... yours is the most important.

Best. Shawn

EASmithV · Aug 14, 2009

hoffy said:
I have always had an issue with calling myself a photographer or an artist. Simply, I am a lunchtime hack who likes to regularly walk around with a camera taking the occassional photo.

Until last night....

I am a member of a photo club (I display both digi and film prints) and last night was our monthly comp. For the first time since I have become a member, I got a 1 (out of 10)..... The photo (I'd rather link to it, as it doesn't meet category here - Dead Link Removed) obviously was not to the judges liking. Last night, I have to admit, I was gutted and I would hardly have called myself a happy snapper.

But you know what, dammit, I am a photographer. I produced an image that I am proud of. Tough if someone who has 30 years experience doesn't like it (his reasoning, the statue was facing towards the outside of the image and there was too much black space and no interest).

Be loud! Be proud! IF you care about what you do, you are a photographer!

I personally like your photo. The large amount of black space creates a void this is true. BUT the absence of the other shit the "judge" would have liked actually does provide a point of interest. It makes the statue a stronger point of interest, and makes the statue seem lonely due to the STORE IS CLOSING sign.

I hate it when "experienced" people can't get their head out of their ass, judging a photograph not by the emotion it conveys, but by how many rules of composition it meets.

As someone here said before, "You own the damn thing, make your own rules!"

Mike Crawford · Aug 14, 2009

hoffy said:
Last night, I have to admit, I was gutted and I would hardly have called myself a happy snapper.

Looks like a fine shot to me and many others here. The 'closing' shadow takes a bit of time to be recognised and read giving the whole photograph a more poignant feel. As for the composition, perhaps you should have asked your esteemed judge if he has heard of the rule of thirds!

I remember reading that Edward Weston applied to join the Royal Photographic Society in the UK and was turned down. One reason being that the judges found the lack of shadow detail in his prints of sand dunes did not meet their high standards.

Steve Smith · Aug 14, 2009

I have been a photographer since I was ten. Not sure if I am an artist yet.

Steve.

2F/2F · Aug 14, 2009

Only for sake of convenience in a discussion will I use the title "art" in reference to photography, and even then, I would never refer to myself as an "artist" just because I take pix. For instance, I use the term "art" to differentiate between commercial work and other work. I also sometimes use the terms "artistic" and "aesthetic" interchangeably. I use other words based on the word "art" to refer to a photographer's freedom to make personal decisions. As in, "When you are making art for yourself, instead of making commercial pictures for someone, you can do whatever the hell you damned please. If you are lucky enough, you may actually be hired for commercial work because of your personal style of artistry."

I have no huge problem with the term "photographer", though I usually just say that "photography is a hobby" when referring to personal work, or "I take pictures" when asked the question "What do you do at work?"

In other words, being an artist makes one an artist, not being a photographer. The simple term "Photography is an art" does not fly with me at all. I think of photography as a set of techniques and media that can be used by artists, but not an art in and of itself any more than "paint on canvas" is an art in and of itself.

Ian David · Aug 14, 2009

I think if I made my income from taking photographs, I would happily call myself a photographer. Not sure when I would feel comfortable calling myself an artist - generally I think the application of that term is a matter for others to judge, not me. Unless someone makes their living from producing art photography, I would probably think them pretentious if they called themselves an artist.

Hoffy, re your photo - I like it. I have never participated in a photo club, but from the stories I have heard and the output I have sometimes seen displayed by local clubs around here, they are places to avoid. They seem to be frequented more by people who like gear and rules, than people who like art.

perkeleellinen · Aug 14, 2009

Well, I take photos for artistic rather than commercial reasons so I suppose I'm a photographer and an artist. I never use those terms though as it just causes confusion, people assume that's your job and if I correct them and say no I'm just an amateur doing this when I get free time, I sound pretentious.

Edit: just realised how similar my post was to iandavid's above!

msage · Aug 14, 2009

Funny, I have "called" myself a photographer for 30 plus years. It is who I am and what I do.
Michael

Prest_400 · Aug 14, 2009

hoffy said:
Until last night....

I am a member of a photo club (I display both digi and film prints) and last night was our monthly comp. For the first time since I have become a member, I got a 1 (out of 10)..... The photo (I'd rather link to it, as it doesn't meet category here - Dead Link Removed) obviously was not to the judges liking. Last night, I have to admit, I was gutted and I would hardly have called myself a happy snapper.

But you know what, dammit, I am a photographer. I produced an image that I am proud of. Tough if someone who has 30 years experience doesn't like it (his reasoning, the statue was facing towards the outside of the image and there was too much black space and no interest).

Be loud! Be proud! IF you care about what you do, you are a photographer!

Those jerky judges. The photo deserves much more!
I agree with Paul, it's absurd. I remember in school that a classmate felt that the score that out teacher put into her work deserved more. Our teacher said "You don't know how hard is rating art, because art can't be really rated." "But my work needs a rating for doing it correctly, I don't like it, but I must do it."
I don't like competitions, but I like them; a part of me says no, but the other says to go for it!. Last April I presented three of my photos to a competition (big error). Judges knew nuttin' about photography (plain fact, snapshooters).
Result, I seen a boring photography that was plain Jane, with a lake in the middle, obtaining a better position. I felt discouraged, because I put more effort into there. A mate of mine, did feel discouraged too. Some of us felt that they picked the photos because of the subject, and not the whole photo; (ie, it deserves something because there's a lake in there). I've forgotten it.
Did want to continue shooting, though, when I picked up the OM1.

On topic.
I don't feel comfortable calling myself a photographer; I don't know why. "I'm a photographer", after saying it to myself I make a grin with my face. :rolleyes:
An artist. I think that I could be it when I start doing nice printing and alternative processes.
(edit: I haven't left my habit of telling long stories, though!)

I don't know if I would join a photo club, I doubt it because everyone here is digital . I would join if it was like APUG.

eddym · Aug 14, 2009

brofkand said:
I am still working on carrying my camera around town and not feeling like a tool.

A tool??? I don't get it. The camera is the tool, not you.

SuzanneR · Aug 14, 2009

Agree with everyone... what an utterly ridiculous and unhelpful "critique". Regurgitating the manual from the PPA or something like that without a creative thought about the picture. Ugh. Camera Clubs are the worst places to learn about photography.

Took me a long while to call myself a photographer, and sometimes artist, though I use that sparingly! But I take my work very seriously, and it's not a measure of money... it's a measure of my own commitment to the medium that really counts.

Rick A · Aug 14, 2009

I have a certificate on my wall since 1973 that proclaims me a "certified professional photographer". It was given to me after working for one month at Olan Mills, as a portrait photographer. That being said, I proclaim that your "losing" photo is actually the winner, by mere fact that it accomplished what it should have. Namely, STRONG EMOTION. I dont know about every one else, but I am moved by the strong sense of void portrayed. Obviously, the "judge" was so strongly moved , and possibly frightened by it, that he(or she) couldnt understand the emotion it provoked. I say "JOB WELL DONE" for providing us with an image to contemplate.
BTW I, in no way consider myself an artist, or professional. I only know what moves my conscience, and when my feelings are stirred. So, by all means, put that morrons self indulgent, pissant, uneducated,crack-head opinions out of mind.
Peace, love, and God Bless
Rick

removed account4 · Aug 14, 2009

i wouldn't listen to a word they said.
i have learned the hard way that often times
when people say nasty things like that, it is because they
actually LIKE what you did, but for some reason don't say it.
i was told years ago, buy someone well world-known/famous
who was a teacher at a local art school to throw away my camera
because i was wasting my time ... then he took me to lunch, made a huge scene,
... on the way home, he gave me one of his "posters "
and in the car he shook his finger at me and said "i take photos like this, don't you ever ...

its all a bunch of bs ...

hoffy said:
..... someone who has 30 years experience doesn't like it (his reasoning, the statue was facing towards the outside of the image and there was too much black space and no interest).

i'm not quite sure when i started to call myself a photographer.
maybe it was when other people started to call me the same ...

Dan Henderson · Aug 14, 2009

I call myself a photographer. In fact it is in my web site name. As Suzanne said, it is not about money, it is about commitment to photography. I spend a great deal of my time, money, and energy working to make good photographs, and it is a very important part of my life and who I am. So why should I not call myself a photographer? As for "artist," I have written in my journal about making art and defining my artistic vision and my growth as an artist. So although I have never publicly identified myself as an "artist" (mostly because I use the word "photographer," I consider myself an artist. Whether I am a successful artist or photographer is another question that others can answer.

David Brown · Aug 14, 2009

brofkand said:
At what point did you start calling yourself a photographer or artist, and not feel self-conscious or haughty about it?

When other photographers that I respected started treating me as a peer.

brofkand said:
To me, calling myself a photographer for the longest time felt like I was being pretentious. It's like I am putting myself at the same level as Cartier-Bresson, Mann, or Adams.

There's quite a range between most of us and the "level" you listed.

I was a music major in college. (When did I start calling myself a musician ...)

In a class one day, the professor asked me ( a drummer) if I could play like Buddy Rich. "No,", I replied, "but Buddy Rich can't play like me, either."

ricksplace · Aug 14, 2009

Travis Nunn said:
I don't call myself a photographer, but many of my friends do. If that's what they want to call me that's fine. If I get introduced to someone as a photographer, I just go with it. It really means nothing to me to be called a photographer to be quite honest. I just enjoy photographing and printing things that move me. If that makes me a photographer, so be it.

Me too.

"I Am A Photographer!"

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