Is a photographer an artist?

[Pieter12]

My NFTs are worth plenty of money. I actively bought and sold and convert my BC into CM. They are worth more than my downgraded worthless KODAK stock.

Not to change the subject, but your NFTs are worthless in real money. They may be worth something in BC, but the value of that depends on whether you can convert it or use it for the all same things as real money. All subject to change without notice. And your Kodak stock wasn't real money, either.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

is a craftsman an artist? if not what's the difference between the two?

There is none.

 

[Pieter12]

There is none.

Maybe in Germany. But being a craftsman does not necessarily mean you have the creativity necessary to be an artist. A craftsman may be able to replicate a piece of art down to the most minute detail, but not be able to create something new on their own.

 

[Bronson Dugnutt]

Meme check

 

[busrider]

Not to change the subject, but your NFTs are worthless in real money. They may be worth something in BC, but the value of that depends on whether you can convert it or use it for the all same things as real money. All subject to change without notice. And your Kodak stock wasn't real money, either.

You are not changing the subject. Correct, things only have value when you assign value. That is why there are bidding wars on the floor of the stock exchange, Sotheby's, RE Open Houses, or the local Self-Storage place when someone does not pay their bill.

Regarding "photography", nothing different. Someone likes what they see, they exchange something of value for it. Unfortunately, most "art photography" in 2022 is quite bland, its more like truck stop post cards printed big. I wouldn't exchange anything for it.

 

[Pieter12]

Unfortunately, most "art photography" in 2022 is quite bland, its more like truck stop post cards printed big. I wouldn't exchange anything for it.

Try going to a major city gallery or museum, it's quite different there. Not that it's all that much better.

 

[busrider]

Try going to a major city gallery or museum, it's quite different there. Not that it's all that much better.

I have. It depends which one you are talking about.

 

[busrider]

An opinion that may be held by some is a photographer's work must be renowned or the photographer must be famous in order to be considered an artist.
That is very far from the truth.

I always asked my first semester students how many rock stars they knew. I then asked how many really good or professional singers had they known. And like myself, most of them knew someone that had a great singing voice and made money from their singing gigs (weddings, corporate events, touring bands, etc.). Then I would say, there are even less famous photographers than there are rock stars, but there are many great photographic artists and that is what your goal should be. Being famous is like winning the lottery, and not many people ever get remotely close to that, but working to master your trade (commercial photography in this example) or polish your skills through your chosen art is very real and obtainable.

If someone is seeking fame or fortune, I think there are better avenues to go down other than photography.

Photographers are artists, but not everyone is good at art, and someone will finish at the bottom. To be good at it, like all artists, photographers must work with their chosen craft. Overnight success is an illusion that may have been invented by Hollywood. In the arts there is a negative occupation reminder called, "the starving artist." It was my job as a commercial photography instructor to help direct students seeking a place in the profession not to starve, but to learn to thrive. If you are lazy, your work shows it. If you are dedicated, your work progresses. If you love what you do, you are happy and are too busy to complain.

Have fun with your chosen art.

Outstanding post!

 

[Vaughn]

An opinion that may be held by some is a photographer's work must be renowned or the photographer must be famous in order to be considered an artist.
That is very far from the truth.
...

Photographers are artists, but not everyone is good at art, and someone will finish at the bottom. ... If you love what you do, you are happy and are too busy to complain.

Have fun with your chosen art.

And it does not have to a contest. Wish others well and keep going...