Being a photographer. What does that mean?

So you think you can photograph? Let's see.

The other day I was interviewed for the ‘Lek en Licht’ photo club website. You can read it here though it's in Dutch. One of the questions asked was:

“What kind of photographer are you?”

That question reminded me of a conversation I had with a former mentor some years ago.

At first I thought of myself being a documentary photographer. I've made bodies of work regarding themes as burn-out, autism (ASS), childhood memories. The mentor mentioned above once stated that I am not a documentary photographer, but a conceptual photographer. Initially I thought not, but after giving it some more thought, I completely agree. I tend to work in projects rather than just shooting stuff. Make sure I got some angles I'd like to explore in the subject of my project and then start hunting for images. Conceptualizing the subject rather than just see what's on my path.

---

‘Buying a Nikon doesn't make you a photographer.  It makes you a Nikon owner.'  –  Anonymous

This quote is part of my E-book Unleash Creativity - 109 Inspiring Photography Quotes. You can support Darkrooms by buying this E-book. It’s even cheaper than a cup of coffee…

---

But apart from the type of photographer, when do you call yourself photographer? What does it mean, being a photographer? Are certain criteria needed? Do you need to get paid for your work? Or spend a certain amount of time per week doing it? Having the best equipment?

If so, I can certainly call myself a photographer. Although I take very few photos myself, and if I do it's only on a project basis, I am engaged in it daily. Reading and browsing through photo books. Following my favorite photographers on social media, etc. Being paid is not a criteria as far as I am concerned. Of course, it is nice when you get a paid assignment. For instance, I once supplied the photos for a local city edition of Monopoly.

As for equipment, that's not a criteria either. My DSLR is gathering dust in the cupboard and the pictures taken in recent years were mainly taken with my Ricoh GRII or mobile phone. As long as I don't have to blow up the images to immense proportions, no problem. BTW with the current software solutions for enlarging images, this 'problem' is already a thing of the past.

Even if it is not your profession, you can call yourself a photographer. Someone who runs is called a runner, someone who paints a painter. So surely someone who shoots images is definitely also a photographer? Or should you rather call someone like me who so rarely takes pictures himself, but is very involved in them, a photo enthusiast?

In the end, it doesn’t matter what you or others call yourself.... Enjoy what you do, that's what matters.

One of my favorite motivators, Sean Tucker has this YouTube channel packed with inspiring and philosophical videos. Take my advice and follow his channel.

In the meantime, if you have a spare 15 minutes, watch and enjoy this video where Sean talks about just being a photographer, ignoring labelmakers and shoot what makes you happy!

In his book ‘The Meaning in the Making’, he offers a philosophy for the creative life. It is applicable not only to photographers but to all creatives who produce artwork. It is a manageable 320-page paperback packed with wisdom and interesting lessons. If there's one book you really need to buy, it's ‘The Meaning in the Making’. Thank me later.

Till next time,

Marcel Borgstijn

---