When you stop being a beginner?

[Photo Troy]

When does a photographer stop being a beginner?

I've been doing digital part-time for around five years now, having got nowhere with film and disposable cameras. I sometimes get called "the photographer" when I'm at gigs and lately I've been pondering the question. I've never thought myself as "expert".

My own website is at www.stagerightphotography.com and young Dan has a new portfollio there at: http://www.stagerightphotography.com/Dan/index.htm

So when does someone stop being a beginner, and when did you or when will you go longer be a beginner?

Troy

[Hybrid]

I can't think of any real guideline as to when someone stops being a beginner. Buy a new bit of equipment, you're a beginner with it. Sometimes it's pretty straight-forward, such as a new lens, but you're still having to learn how the lens handles. Other times, it's a bit more in-depth, such as a new camera (body or point-n-squirt).

Personally, I'd stop worrying about what "status" you might have, and keep taking photos. It's the photos that matter.

Anyone who begs to differ is a fool.

[krennon]

Do you ever stop being a beginner? My old man was a pro tog of antiques and fine art for all of his working life using mainly Large & Medium Format and occasionally 35mm....He retired 5 years ago and he has bought a FUJI S5 PRO as he had a couple of Nikon lenses kicking about.....he is still learning to use digital cameras....the digital darkroom he has no problem with (even though he used do all his own B&W Developing/printing and a lot of colour printing as well) but even he says he is still finding his with digital cameras and I may be biased but he was one of the best in his field so I guess as already suggested that you never stop being a beginner....I know I still class myself as beginner/rank amateur

[chris-p]

I don't see the point in classifying people. I suppose it makes sense with pro's (who I define as anyone who makes a living out of their photography - not just a few quid on the side).

I have always classed myself as an enthusiastic amateur. I've been shooting for about 2 and half years so who knows (or cares?) if I'm a beginner?

[JohnDoyle2]

Hybrid:- Personally, I'd stop worrying about what "status" you might have, and keep taking photos.
I agree with this and the comment by chris-p.

Beginner - perhaps just a state of mind!

[Oly Paul]

I'm of the opinion that you never stop learning and if you think you know all there is to know about phoptography you had better check to see if you still have a pulse.

As to titles they mean very little in photography I know some so called " Pro's" in wedding and portrait photography with all the best equipment that are in my opinion mediochre photographers (thats putting it kindly) but have a very good business sense (which is more important) and make a living at it.

In the fashion and freelance world you are only as good as your lastest portfolio regardless of what you call youself.

[ukhawkeye]

Hi have been involved with photography for nearly 40 yrs, having dabbled with home processing along the way and now the owner of a shiney new canon 50d. Just recently I have signed up for a gcse a level, because no matter how long you have been invovled there is always something new to learn. Ditch the beginner tag and just enjoy yourself

[askrevill]

I think we are always learning, so we are always beginners. It does look like you need a better website though as sometimes people turn off within a few secconds. maybe look at adding some stuff from these guys... http://www.flabell.com/ Nice pictures, but not such a great way of presenting them.

[swan lover]

I agree with the sentiments said by all, I would like to add a quote someone I once worked with said ''you never stop learning'' this as i found out last week is true, used M mode for first time learning all the time, enjoy photography Troy don't worry about labels.