New word needed II

I've been avoiding a label. When asked, "Are you a photographer?", I make it a point to reply, "I do photography", and leave it up to the one asking the question.

In a way, that is plagarized from a few of the most respected participants in this beautiful activity that I've had the great fortune to meet. "Softness" and a sort of quiet modesty appear to be a common trait among the truly significant, and I choose to project the same image.

Those who have arrived do not scream and shout about how good they are. There is no need. come to think of it ... there is no need, or benefit to be derived, for anyone to do that.

Dear Matt,

Dear Matt,

I was a little taken aback by your suggestion that non-professional photographers should be referred to as dilettantes. I seemed to recall that it had a bad connotation - so I went to the old Macquarie and looked it up.

One definition has it as a person who pursues an art or science (and that seems to embrace photography, all right) in a desultory fashion. That doesn't seem to describe most of the enthusiasts I meet. The further appellation of "dabbler" seems also somewhat of a put-down. But the next sentence refers to a "love of and art or science, esp. of a fine art".

That seems better, and it seems that the root of the word is "delight".

Still, I wonder if it might be wise to settle for just being referred to as a mad dog and let it go at that....

Uncle Dick

I've worked as a "professional" when hired to do work such as; industrial photography, weddings, book design, photo restoration. I never call myself a professional unless I'm asked if I am one on the job, my answer was always yes.

Personally, I like to label myself as "advanced amateur photographer", or "photographic artist". The words artist, photographer, professional, are all too generic, anyone with a camera - and short on talent - can claim those titles.

Paul

photographer

Ole said:

It's not "mine" - it's a quote from someone else who quoted someone else again from a heated debate on photo.net.

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Oops! Before I posted my last message, I had to look up what a Luddite was, and then just thought the term was pretty funny,...Luddite Elitist.

But seriously, I still think that the title of 'Photographer', particularly when it's associated with your name in conversation with the folks who are interested in your photos, is about as dignified as it gets. However, in other parts of the world, perhaps it helps to have more to the name. Perhaps it's necessary to be more specific (fine art photog, landscape photog, wedding photog, photographer specializing in _ _ _ , photojournalist, portrait photographer, staff photographer, etc.). I don't know. This may be one of those things where you'll know 'it' the moment you read 'it', as more APUG members give out their suggestions.

Marc

Uncle Dick said:

Dear Matt,

I was a little taken aback by your suggestion that non-professional photographers should be referred to as dilettantes. I seemed to recall that it had a bad connotation - so I went to the old Macquarie and looked it up.

One definition has it as a person who pursues an art or science (and that seems to embrace photography, all right) in a desultory fashion. That doesn't seem to describe most of the enthusiasts I meet. The further appellation of "dabbler" seems also somewhat of a put-down. But the next sentence refers to a "love of and art or science, esp. of a fine art".

That seems better, and it seems that the root of the word is "delight".

Still, I wonder if it might be wise to settle for just being referred to as a mad dog and let it go at that....

Uncle Dick

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Dear Uncle Dick:

The "smiley" was intended to be an essential part of my post. I'm sorry if I came across a bit more serious than I intended.

To a certain extent, I was trying to gently poke fun at our fascination with labels.

Also to a certain extent, I was trying to suggest a term that isn't particularly familiar, and at least sounds elegant and mysterious.

And also to a certain extent, I was thinking about those devoted amateurs who care a lot about what they do, and help advance the art and science, without having the benefit of official titles, or monetary reward.

Matt

Back in the day, when I was a "Professional Photographer" I used to say "I am a professional photographer... that means my wife has another job too"

You don't have to actually make money to be a professional, just be trying to make money.

FWIW, I have seem professionals that couldn't take a good picture, and amateurs that could seemingly take excellent photos without even trying...

Pro vs Ama is just a purpose issue. Highly misused in my opinion. It doesn't really go Nematoad, Neophyte, Beginner, Intermediate ... then somehow go through amateur and pro.

Though I guess if there was a guild you could go through "Apprentice, Journeyman, Master" If you go to college you can claim whatever your degree is and maybe becoem a Doctor of Photography.

Personally, I always liked the postfix "extraordinaire" to just about anything... so perhaps "Photographer Extraordinaire"

Show your work, if they like it people will says "he is just like a professional photographer"

If you just want to sound impressive come up with your own titles... I am a Level VII, Class III Photographer with emphasis on Monochromatic Images of non-moving objects... what level dungeon master are you?

Words are just that words...

To back up Absinthe's post, it really is a bit of a continuum. I am what I consider to be an advanced amateur. I occasionally charge for professional jobs. I don't consider myself to be a professional because I don't seek them (and usually refuse them). Some would, however, consider me to be pro or semi-pro. Also, there are probably some advanced amateurs who shoot more and are better than some full-time professionals.

You can also eschew the problem of titles & credentials by focusing instead on what you can produce: photographs.

My business card, should I make one, would read:
Michel Hardy-Vallée
Photographs

And I would probably add something about silver gelatin and all that.

Expert photographer.

Dear Friends,

Thank you for such a variety of considered responses. I think I will go with the one encapsulated in "Absinthe's" post - journeyman. It tells thinking people that I have passed my first stages of learning but am still in the process of gathering more knowledge and experience. It tells them that I can make a workman-like job of whatever they set me - without promising the Earth. It also reminds me that I am not yet a master of the art and have something to aspire to.

Funnily enough, I am Master in a guild - indeed the supreme head -of the Backstabbers Guild of Australia ( Incorporated in 1998 at a Smorgy's Family Pizza Restaurant in Melbourne. Auspicious premises for a venerable organisation.....). The BGA carries on the fine traditions of treachery started by the Borgias and so ably reinforced by various rulers down the ages. As the REB of the BGA ( ask off-list) I preside at an annual NOA and set the tasks for the apprentices in the coming year. We award prizes and certificates of special recognition to people outside the Guild who have done the dirty in the most memorable fashion. We cannot claim to have deposed the former premier of the state but we have our suspicions who did. I digress....

Thank you again for your thoughts.

Uncle Dick