“Are you a photographer?” The first question that many people ask when they see my camera. I’ve always struggled with that question and hesitation creeps in to provide an answer.
So when do you call yourself a photographer? Anyone with a camera or an iPhone can take photos. But does that make you a photographer? I’ve always thought you’d call yourself a photographer when you made money at it, and I’m far from that happening especially in today’s world of thousands of photographers. Then when I think of “amateur photographer” for some reason it doesn’t seem to represent the seriousness of my passion for photography. To me in today’s world, amateur seems to have more of a meaning like you don’t quite measure up, you don’t qualify as a professional, and in general…you’re not really that good at something. Thus, my struggle.
So today, while reading one of several new books that I recently ordered, finally someone makes sense with the term amateur photographer. Jan Phillips’ book, God is at Eye Level, Photography as a Healing Art nails it for me. I needed to be reminded that the latin root of the word amateur is the verb amare, to love. An amateur is someone who does something for the pure pleasure of it. Now here’s another important part. “For an amateur, the important thing is the experience, not the accomplishment.” To be totally honest here, I do want my photographs to have impact, to evoke some sort of emotion when someone views them, but the bottom line for me is the experience.
Whether I’m on the farm or in my city or in the desert or on my travels, I enjoy the experience. I enjoy getting lost in a field of weeds, a section of the woods or the desert, a neighborhood in MY city or a brand new country…and by getting lost I mean, hours go by and it seems like minutes. It’s getting so excited the moment my eyes lands on the subject…the experience of varying the composition…the capture…then the process of downloading my photos in an eagerness to view the outcome. Simple, yet thrilling to me.
Just reading this section of Phillips’ book has finally given me the confidence to say, I’m an amateur photographer and feel good about it! What about you? Have you ever struggled with this? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
On a side note, Phillips dedicates her book to “all the photographers who are using their vision in the service of community and compassion, making images that inspire us and remind us of the beauty that is ours to safeguard and honor.” I’m so struck with her spiritual teachings that I’m going to re-read each chapter, reflect and share my thoughts with you. So once a week, look for the title of my post, Photography as a Healing Art. I will welcome your thoughts!
You my beautiful Sis are without a dought you are a Photographer! You may ask how would I know if you are or are’nt . Well when we were in NYC visiting with you I seen how hard you work at getting the perfect shot, also I have seen a few more photos than you post here at Gotham Girl.
Love you and our Photos.
BRO
But you’re my brother!!! Way too kind my dear! But, thank you!!! xoxoxo your sis
Yes, I have felt that way with my crafting projects. Crafting for me is a healing art, and I thank you for reading Jane Phillips book, because you helped me. 🙂 I LOVE YOU! xoxo
Glad to help! I know you’ll follow along with my weekly post, Photography as a Healing Art…because regardless of what “it” is…photography, crafting, music, etc…we can all learn! Love you my sweet!
In our eyes, you are a photographer and a writer. You are going to leave a legacy behind.
Oh, so sweet Nikki! Thank you!
I agree with the defination of an amateur. And, I understand the satisfaction within being an amateur…but, when I think of you and see your beautiful photos, the word that comes to my mind is, Photographer! Every time!!! Luv & hugs. GH
But you’re my frister! 🙂 Thank you my dear!
Thank you so much for sharing this! I just bought two copies – one for myself and another for an “amateur” photographer friend. I love keeping up to date with your spiritual self.
You will really enjoy this book! Thanks for stopping in and commenting!
I love it that your brother and sister are supportive. My opinion, YOU ARE a photographer…. it does not make any difference if you are getting money from it or not. I have seen ‘professionals’ …..ugh…. they have the right name but sometimes not the SOUL that is in the pictures.
You are a photographer, like I think I am and Ginnie is. We put our souls into the job.
So glad I found your site as I am googling wabi Sabi and it brought me to you! Many of your stories hit home for me bc I am at a cross roads in my career and I am terrified right now as to what I should do next. photography is one of my true passions but I have only played around with my slr that my husband bought me about 5 years ago by taking pics of family and trips but don’t know how to expand my ideas and thoughts. Thank you for sharing your life!
Hey Cayla: I’m so happy you found my blog and I so appreciate you taking the time to write! Oh how I have been in your shoes! Seriously, if it wasn’t for my photography, I would be knee deep in therapy right now! To me photography is absolutely magic! Keep in touch!
I have read this post with great interest, Robin, because I relate to ALL of it! I have long ago realized I don’t photograph for money but for pleasure. I keep thinking it’d be nice to earn some income from it but the pressure would probably NOT be welcomed. So I keep adjusting my expectations/dreams. BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR, I keep reminding myself.
In fact, Astrid and I were just talking all about this last Saturday while we were on our way to a photo hunt in Marken. Sometimes it’s important to re-address what it is we’re doing with our cameras!
The question I’m usually asked here, because of my huge lens (they think I work for the newspaper) is if I’m a Professional Photographer. I always say, “NO, I’m a professional amateur.” That seems to fit what you’re saying, too, and I love it.
This Jan Phillips book sounds like one I would like to read, so I will start looking for it. Thank you. Thank you.
Ginnie, I can’t believe how we are so much on the same page of life!!! Thank YOU!
One of the first photography books I bought and read was “God is at Eye Level.” I need to pull it off the shelf and re-visit it.
Hi Sue! Thanks for stopping by! I read this book like I do most books. FAST. Then I thought doing a chapter a week blog posting would make me slow down, work on the chapter reflections and write about it. That has made such a difference! P.S. I love your 2011 personal challenge – Waiting for you. Very very cool!
Fantasitc series idea. What a great way to immerse yourself and inspire us along the way :))) I struggle with calling myself a photographer, especially since I have so much to learn on the techie side of my camera, but strangely enough once I started getting into photography and set painting aside for a bit, I actually found it easier to call myself an artist. Somedays I even call myself an Artist!