When is it ok to call myself a photographer?

brucemuir · Apr 7, 2012

Just DONT call me late for dinner

Worker 11811 · Apr 7, 2012

Stop calling me Shirley!

firstdue · Apr 7, 2012

Most people take pictures (pronounced pitch-izz round these parts), very few are photographers.

If you're using film, you're probably a photographer.

ChristopherCoy · Apr 7, 2012

mawhin said:
The cards are for when I'm out shooting. I meet folks, and sometimes I ask to take their photos. Sometimes they ask me. And rather than scratch around for paper and a pen, or fumble with fat thumbs and a small phone, now I've a pretty card.

This.

If you aren't participating in photography for income purposes, you need something to distinguish you from the "creepy guy with a camera." A business card at the very least shows that you have a shred of professionalism when photographing strangers.

Yamaotoko · Apr 7, 2012

Personally, I've always had a struggle with that 'title', I think because there are so many 'wannabe, please please can I be a' photographers it almost has a negative connotation (in my mind at least). I have always referred to myself as an Artist, because that's how I saw myself, a photographic artist. When I started working full time as a photographer, as well as an artist, I had to rethink my take on the title... Even though I work and derive my income from photography (whether professional or artistic) I still consider myself an Artist... Just as I did when my day job was as an accountant!

Dshambli · Apr 7, 2012

I have the same reservation. Although I'm not nearly as qualified as you, even on my blog's tagline I list "cameras" rather than photography, as I too feel weird using the term.

fotch · Apr 8, 2012

If you think you are a photographer and want to call yourself one, that is your right. Now, whether others will consider you a photographer or a fool, depends on what they think of your work. I think most people who are familiar with your work would consider you to be a photographer or photographer extraordinaire.

dpurdy · Apr 8, 2012

There are no qualifications to being a photographer. The worlds full of them.
Dennis

Mainecoonmaniac · Apr 8, 2012

How about "Human being that happens to make photographs"?

MattKing · Apr 8, 2012

There may be some rules about this issue in Germany, but as far as I am aware, none exist in Canada, the US or the UK.

If Ralph thinks of himself as a photographer, he should be entitled to describe himself as one.

I know a whole lot of others will certainly agree.

John Austin · Apr 8, 2012

Mainecoonmaniac said:
How about "Human being that happens to make photographs"?

Nice one MCM, this one makes sense, or any of the other similar ones I can't be bothered wading through

But being realistic, given I have woken up after a sleep following lunch by Quinninup Lake tasting friends wine and home brew, I will say when you earn your full time living as a photographer

The one that really gives me the shits is the pretentious "Fine Art Photographer" used by ultimate pseuds

RalphLambrecht · Apr 8, 2012

a photographist mabe?

benjiboy · Apr 8, 2012

Grumpy Old Man said:
Nice one MCM, this one makes sense, or any of the other similar ones I can't be bothered wading through

But being realistic, given I have woken up after a sleep following lunch by Quinninup Lake tasting friends wine and home brew, I will say when you earn your full time living as a photographer

The one that really gives me the shits is the pretentious "Fine Art Photographer" used by ultimate pseuds

If I ever see anyone who refers to themselves as a "fine art photographer"it really makes me see red, because you can bet your boots their work is neither "fine" nor "art", and as my mother used to say "self advertisement is no recommendation".

Yamaotoko · Apr 8, 2012

RalphLambrecht said:
a photographist mabe?

I've been referred to as a 'photomologist' when turning up to a job before!

Yamaotoko · Apr 8, 2012

benjiboy said:
... as my mother used to say "self advertisement is no recommendation".

Mine would say "Whether it's being a nice person, rich, or a lady, if you have to tell them you are, then you aren't."

ChristopherCoy · Apr 8, 2012

dpurdy said:
There are no qualifications to being a photographer. The worlds full of them.
Dennis

Sure there is. You only have to know how to click a button and burn a cd for $50.

achromat · Apr 8, 2012

I've been pro for 30+ years and go out of my way to look as non pro as possible. It will give you a lot of freedom. Pro is for the IRS and City tax people. You work should tell the story.. forget about any titles..

M Stat · Apr 8, 2012

When I was living in Los Angeles, everyone was either a model, an actor(ress) or a freelance photographer. Being called a freelance photographer meant to most people in the (entertainment) industry that you were hopelessly unemployable, broke and starving. It was certainly no mark of distinction to be called a photographer, but who cares. I say be yourself and call yourself whatever you want. As the song says, "Whatever you want to be, you'll be in the end.".

Tom Stanworth · Apr 8, 2012

The chances are that if you are asking yourself this question you are a photographer and have been for some time.

Its far easier to be a photographer when there are people standing in front of your prints at an exhibition who would get confused if you tried to tell them you were something else. There is that point at which it is not worth fighting, even though the title is quite pointless. Its a word on a website, or business card, that makes things make sense for other people; however, at the end of the day, anyone who make photos is a photographer. 'Professional Photographer' is separate distinction and even this is having to change due to the changes in the industry. I know a number of photojournalists, who work for prestigious agencies, who bring in far more income from their view work than stills, but they remain professional photographers in my book (and theirs) because this is their main focus (at a motivational and emotional level) with the videography existing to support the stills due to the realities of the changing industry.

Failing to acknowledge yourself as a photographer, when selling work, is suicide... you gotta get comfortable with it. After all, that's why the public is there - because of your photos! Telling that you are not a photographer bursts the bubble and renders your work some sort of accidental byproduct of an incidental activity. One only as to look at the amateur and non-pro categories of some of the major international photo competitions (where pro is reserved for those making the majority of their income from stills) to see how untrue that judgment is. The standard is often higher. In my book, a professional is anyone who consistently produces work, or photographic services, which others wish to (and do) pay for.

fotch · Apr 8, 2012

Perhaps it is whatever you do, most of the time. If you spend most of your time taking and producing photos, your a photographer.

I wonder what if the new breed of digital picture takers who use software to manipulate the image should be called Photoshopers or Digitizers?

Steve Smith · Apr 8, 2012

BrianL said:
A photographer is simply one who takes photographs. There is no regulatory agency that has set a set of standards or other requirements, to qualify to be a Photographer.

Even if there was, I would still use the term.

Steve.

Rep4621 · Apr 8, 2012

I have problem labeling myself and wouldn't call myself a photographer. My buisness card only has my name and contact info. Other people can label me whatever they want.

That being said, I have no problem labeling others and "photographer" seems like a title suited for you.
If it feels somewhat comfortable then I suggest you do it.

Leigh B · Apr 9, 2012

Anybody who takes pictures is a 'photographer'.

Whether or not you're a highly-paid photographer depends on the clients' opinion of your work. That's up to them.

- Leigh

Peter de Groot · Apr 9, 2012

fotch said:
Perhaps it is whatever you do, most of the time. If you spend most of your time taking and producing photos, your a photographer.

I wonder what if the new breed of digital picture takers who use software to manipulate the image should be called Photoshopers or Digitizers?

Even if you use software you are a photographer. And I think Ralph should put photographer on his business card if he wants to. I have my company name on my card, my name and some other details. My company name shows I am involved into photography. And that they can hire me if they need photo's. I rarely call my self a photographer though. I'll leave that to others.

frobozz · Apr 9, 2012

It turns out I'm a Pro Photographer, and I didn't even know it. I had brought my camera (FTb and two lenses) to a concert where they explicitly allowed still photographs, but requested that no audio or video recordings be made. As I got it out to take a picture of my wife to test the lighting, a managerial type ran over and told me I wasn't allowed to take pictures. I reminded him of the signs all over the entry doors saying that I could. He said that no "interchangeable lens cameras were allowed" despite that not being mentioned anywhere in any way. I asked how on earth that made any difference. He said that made it a "pro rig" and those were not allowed. I pointed out that I was a hobbyist, and for goodness' sake I was shooting film, how professional did that make me in this day and age... but he was insistent. If the camera came out, I would go out. So there you go, apparently I'm a pro photographer because the lens comes off my camera. Now you know.

Duncan

When is it ok to call myself a photographer?

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