When is it ok to call myself a photographer?

[Thomas Bertilsson]

Ralph,
With your credential and accomplishment, I'd think it'd be fitting to call yourself a photographer - perhaps more.
How about "Wizard of Darkness and light?" ;)

Or perhaps 'Magician Way Beyond Monochrome'?

[Old-N-Feeble]

You're not a photographer... unless you are. I've been a photographer for 38 years even though I've taken no "real" photos in 28 years. Once a photographer... always a photographer. You are who you are and want to be... nothing more and nothing less. Who are you and who do you want to be? Know thyself.

[BrianL]

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 or a Professional Photographer or Amatuer Photogrpapher, such as is done with lawyers, accountants, doctors, etc. So, I'd suggest it is purely subjective as when and if you do claim to be a photographer.

My son first made such a claim in about 3rd grade when he got his own slr after showing me he understood basic exposure and composition. He actually has a better eye than I. He'd strap on the Yashica FX-3 with whatever lens he'd decide to use for whatever the day's shooting project was and load the camera with the film he decided on that moring based on research from the prior evening. He learned to read the film charts and specs; something I never bothered to do other than in a narrow way. We'd walk with the others in our group and if a stranger came up and asked about us, he'd hold up the camera and answer he was a photographer. That school year he did shoot the group class photos for each grade along side the pro that was hired and during the year photographed some of the kids and events. At the end of the year when the year book was published, a number of his photos were used.

For me the defining moment was when a class I was taking asked me to teach the class the following year as the teacher was leaving and the teacher also suggested and recommended to the school that I replace her. They reviewed some of my work as well as other applicants and offered me the basic and intermediate class in adult ed. I figured that I then qualified but never put it on my card. If I had it would have read something like: A.Sc. Business Management, B.Sc. Accounting, J.D., Certified Public Accountant, Lawyer, Real Estate Agent, Certified Mediator, Photographer, Certified by Society of Audio Consultants. I simply limited my card to the two practicing professions and used separate cards because the regulatory departments in the state prohibited listing more than one.

[Darkroom317]

Whenever you you use an actual camera, not a phone, to create images. In general these photos should be formally interesting or artistically meaningful. Having read your book, Ralph, you are definitely ok calling yourself a photographer.

[Old-N-Feeble]

^^^ HAH!! A "celltographer"... I love it. :D

[brucemuir]

Just DONT call me late for dinner :)

[Worker 11811]

Stop calling me Shirley!

[firstdue]

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]

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.

[SteveR]

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]

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]

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]

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

[Mainecoonmaniac]

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

[MattKing]

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]

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]

a photographist mabe?

[benjiboy]

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".

[SteveR]

a photographist mabe?

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

[SteveR]

... 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."