> On Wed, 28 Feb 2001, Len Paris wrote:
>
> > Chris,
> >
> > I guess if you think my definition of the word
> "photographer"
> > being more than a person that owns and snaps pictures is
> > elitist, then so be it. I'll stick with my
> definition and you
> > can feel free to stick to yours.
>
> Hi, Len. I wasn't trying to imply that you were
> elitist, only that I'm
> not entirely comfortable with a definition that
> excludes the average
> person. It's a mattter of context to some degree.
> If he's talking
> about occupations, it's unlikely that Joe Sixpack
> will describe himself as
> a photographer. OTOH, if he's showing his vacation
> pics to his friends,
> I think it's perfectly valid for him to describe
> himself as the
> photographer. You see what I'm talking about? Being
> a photographer means
> something entirely different to me and you than it
> does to the average
> person, and that's just a peculiarity of the word.
>
> chris
Of course, word usage and context is important. I feel that we
have a whole list full of photographers here. From beginners to
professionals. I believe, and take pride in the fact that it's a
long journey from beginner to pro and takes a lot of effort,
either in self-study, formal training, apprenticeship, or lots
of mentoring from folks that know. Questions and answers are an
important part of the effort to become a photographer. A person
can stop short of being a professional and still be an expert
photographer.
I believe you are right in that anyone can be *the* photographer
but I feel that it takes a lot more than shooting vacation
pictures once a year to be *a* photographer.
Do I believe that amateur photographers are less skilled than
professionals? Nope, I do not. I only believe that
professionals have made a decision to market their skills and
have taken on the obligations of meeting the commitments and
deadlines that the profession puts on them. Amateurs may have
more fun because they don't have to keep food on the table
through their photography, and they don't have to photograph
things to please a client, or boss.
Len
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