Chris wrote:
> The difference depends on how you want to define "photographer." In a
> literal sense, everyone who take photos is a photographer. I like that
> definition, and so do dictionaries. If you want to qualify it further by
> describing yourself or others as professional photographers or serious
> amateur photographers, that makes sense. But limiting it to the
> intelligensia of photography smacks of an elitism that I find a little
> uncomfortable.
And then Len wrote:
> 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.
No need to argue, gents.
The real problem with your definition, Len--which I understand as a proud
attempt to define "photographer" as someone whose depth of knowledge about
technical matters is more than superficial--is that you're overlooking a
whole class of character that I happen to be very familiar with: technical
polymaths who can't take photos worth a damn.
The fact is, lots of guys out there think that learning a whole lot about
equipment and technique is a good way to gain access to the identity known
as "photographer." And often, it just ain't--because some of them still have
all the aesthetic sensitivity of a turnip and wouldn't know a good picture
if it was a snake and bit 'em on the katuschka. Or, if they do know a fine
pic when they see it, they still don't have more than the haziest idea how
one goes about actually shooting one. But they can define "circle of
confusion" and name the chemical components of color developers, gaddangit!
Chris implies that there are many people who deserve to be called
photographers who "only" take pictures. He's right, unfortunately. I
sympathize with your position that it would be more noble for people who
took pictures to also know something about the science and the craft, but in
photography it's the results that count--not the knowledge. A fair number of
superb photographers don't really know beans about technique. And sometimes,
very intelligent people who know a great deal about the craft aren't worth
beans as shooters. Sad but true.
--Mike
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