Quote:
Originally Posted by cosmicma
at what stage would someone class themselves as a photographer opposed to someone who just takes photos
i would say that the title would be given by others rather than being self appointed
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Interesting concept, but why should photography be any different to any other walk of life? There are certain professions you cannot practice unless you are suitably qualified, Doctor, Teacher etc., but there is no law that says you cannot set yourself up in business claiming to be an expert in that field, in fact just claiming to be an expert makes it so. If you drive a car, you're a driver - nothing says you have to have passed your test before you get that title.
So, you can open a shop and call yourself a florist. You may not know a flower from a leaf and as a consequence you may not stay in business long. But, in the eyes of the law you are an expert in all matters floral.
The same applies to photography and the parallels are closer than you may think. Photography is a unique blend of technical and artistic ability, different levels of competency in both is normally required to produce an acceptable image. What makes the profession different is that you can be trained in the former, but not necessarily in the latter. Sure, you can be taught the rules of composition, how to pan a shot etc. but the true artistry is either there or it's not.
However, if you want to set yourself up taking technical photographs of engine parts, which requires little or no artistic input, and your images are of outstanding technical quality, just what your client wants, does that make you any the less a photographer?
Can you imagine opening a studio that says, "Fred Bloggs - Recorder of Digital Images (but if you call me a Photographer, I'll change the name)". If you wanted a photographer, where would you look in Yellow Pages?
When you registered the firm at Company House what would you put in the box marked, 'Description of Company'? Would you write, "In abeyance. I'll let you know when my clients decide".
To conclude. If you want to call yourself a photographer, then go ahead. If you're good you'll make a living - If you're not you'll starve. Simples.