What is a photographer?

[Birdsnapper]

A couple of years ago I was asked if I were a photographer. I replied that I wasn't - I just had a camera and took photos and that it would be many years before I could call myself a photographer.

However, I heard an interview with an author who defined writers. Adapting his criteria to photography, if you say 'yes' to most of the following, then you're a photographer. You may not be a good, but you certainly are a photographer.

Do you walk around looking for shots?
Are you upset when you can't get out?
Do you have to take photos - even when you should be doing something else?
Are you always looking at others' photos and mentally criticising or praising?
Do you hate all those who take better pics than you?

[yelvertoft]

I prefer a simpler description. Do you enjoy taking photographs and are pleased with the results? If so, you are a photographer. You may not be a very good one, but that's a far more subjective question.

Personally I don't like the artwork of Tracey Emin. Does that mean she's not an artist? No, it doesn't, it just means I don't think she's a particularly good one.

Comments on an electron to the usual address...........

[Christine]

To all but the last question ,yes.

Originally Posted by yelvertoft

Comments on an electron to the usual address...........

This one should be in the macro section

[Birdsnapper]

Originally Posted by Christine

To all but the last question ,yes.

Hi Christine,

I meant the last question to be light-hearted, but have to admit to being envious of the great pics on this site. There's a truly awesome amount of talent out there.

[Saphire]

I think I am a photographer , I answered yes to all questions.

[Lello]

Here are some more questions for you ...............................
Do you lay in bed thinking about photography?
Do you dream about photography?
Do you wake up thinking about photography?
Do you daydream at work thinking about photography?
Would you rather take photographs instead of working? (for those of us that aren't so lucky and do take photographs as a job)
Do you bore family, friends or anybody that will listen about photography?
If so then you must be A photographer,..................................... ...... Or completely mad

[ollieholmes]

Originally Posted by Lello

Here are some more questions for you ...............................
Do you lay in bed thinking about photography?
Do you dream about photography?
Do you wake up thinking about photography?
Do you daydream at work thinking about photography?
Would you rather take photographs instead of working? (for those of us that aren't so lucky and do take photographs as a job)
Do you bore family, friends or anybody that will listen about photography?
If so then you must be A photographer,..................................... ...... Or completely mad

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. No, i dont work. But i do all day
5. Yes

Hmm i think i am a photographer and or completly mad.

[Canis Vulpes]

Originally Posted by birdsnapper

Do you walk around looking for shots?
Are you upset when you can't get out?
Do you have to take photos - even when you should be doing something else?
Are you always looking at others' photos and mentally criticising or praising?
Do you hate all those who take better pics than you?

Yes
Yes
Hmmm, not really.
Yes
Hmmm, not really - admiration and inspiration.

Originally Posted by Lello

Here are some more questions for you ...............................
Do you lay in bed thinking about photography?
Do you dream about photography?
Do you wake up thinking about photography?
Do you daydream at work thinking about photography?
Would you rather take photographs instead of working? (for those of us that aren't so lucky and do take photographs as a job)
Do you bore family, friends or anybody that will listen about photography?
If so then you must be A photographer,..................................... ...... Or completely mad

Yes - but sleep a priority
Yes
Yes
Yes - definately
Yes
Oh, Yes!


Thats it <stands up> 'My name is Stephen and I am a photographer'

[Saphire]

Originally Posted by Lello

Here are some more questions for you ...............................
Do you lay in bed thinking about photography?
Do you dream about photography?
Do you wake up thinking about photography?
Do you daydream at work thinking about photography?
Would you rather take photographs instead of working? (for those of us that aren't so lucky and do take photographs as a job)
Do you bore family, friends or anybody that will listen about photography?
If so then you must be A photographer,..................................... ...... Or completely mad

Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes , but its housework (Sometimes)
Definitely Yes
Another definite Yes. I am Mad