Before I even go any further...this is a DISCUSSION...not an arguement, not a who's right who's wrong...just a DISCUSSION of your thoughts on something that sparked me in another post....actually a few b/c sometimes I see posters on here say "I'm not a real photographer yet...but...."

What is your defination of a "Real" photographer? What makes someone real as opposed to ...um...not real I guess?

If you choose not to  have a business even though your work rocks does that mean you're not real?

If you create amazing work...with a P&S....does that mean you're not real?

If you are a mom who does awesome shots of her kids (and the neighbors kids and etc) are you not real?

It's just interesting to me to see what's said....years ago, well twice actually....

I worked at a chain photography (this is not a dis the chains thread please) and though, outside of there, I shot all the time...I worked there b/c even though it wasn't perfection it gave me the opp to learn more about customers and creating beautiful work with limits....I had a man get po'ed one time (it was the holidays and he had to wait) and inform me "You're not a real photographer anyway". Hmmmm

then when I was shooting and building my portfolio ages ago...but I didn't have a business yet...I was told by another photographer that "You're not a real photographer"

Interesting.....

share your thoughts and keep it civil please

Oh, this'll be a fun one...

I don't think it's too hard to define who's a "photographer."  Even if the opinions vary a bit, it's not going to be to dramatic.  Now, try defining "professional photographer" and there may be bloodshed.  :o)

At the most discriminating end, I'll call anyone who sincerely and earnestly pursues photography to be a "photographer."  But, I don't have a problem with calling anyone who happens to be holding a camera a photographer either.

My take in it,

If you think you are a real photographer,  then you are.
If you ask yourself " what would a real photographer do in this situation..."  and do it   it think you are one.

Now granted,  some are better then others.....but  real is still real.

Well, I almost put professional...but that discussion opens a mucho grande can of worms...you know. Not to mention IMO a professional would have to at least have a business, so I'll leave it out for that reason as well.

Good points so far!

I believe most people would define "real" as having a business or at the very least having sold one of thier photos. I don't have a business and am not selling anything either, I shoot for myself...with that said, as soon as I take the shot, it automatically has my copyright and since I took it I am a "real photographer"  doesn't mean I'm good LOL but I'm real.

KJ

Pondering more to define this better....

if someone just takes snapshots but it's not for the love of it, just because...well they want to preserve things...then that's not wanting to be a photographer IMO

However, if that same person is making sure the subjects look just so, or the light is good, or they actually have a clue what some of those buttons do (even if they don't use them all), the LOOK at the picture, not just snap it...that to me is a photographer. It may not be perfect, but they care enough to work with their shots. Real.

I always thought it was defined as someone who had training in the field. A real firefighter is one who has been trained to fight fires...

ProPhoto:

I always thought it was defined as someone who had training in the field. A real firefighter is one who has been trained to fight fires...

Interesting way to look at it as well. Thank you for your input.

Grrrr it posted before I was done

So does that mean photographers who are self taught aren't real photographers (I hate being online for this...so let me say...that is not sarcasm or anything like that....it's just a sentence :)   )

What about  a  Waitress/Actress   ....Actress/Waitress?

Are you what your heart wants to be or are you what you do for 10 hrs a day?

What if the photographer pick up a camera once a week?  vs  doing it all week?

Patrick:

What about  a  Waitress/Actress   ....Actress/Waitress?

Are you what your heart wants to be or are you what you do for 10 hrs a day?

What if the photographer pick up a camera once a week?  vs  doing it all week?

Oooo another great way of looking at things. Thanks.

I think anybody with a camera is photographer.

They just divide into groups, by whatever directionality you choose.


Then there is little easier way - by looking at their pictures - part badly sux, others don't.
Both basic groups are still photographers though.
(seriously, this is the most ingenious definition I've came up with)

 Excellent point, Tomas!

What defines a firefighter and what defines an artist are two different things. It's comparing apples to oranges IMO.

You can go to Art School, but that doesn't make you an artist.  You can go to Photography School, but that doesn't make you a photographer.

A photographer is a person who desires quality in thier workmanship and works to achieve it.

  A professional photographer is someone who's sold an image/print.

RedBarn:

A professional photographer is someone who's sold an image/print.

I think the official definition (by PPA I think) is mentioning that major part of income is made from photography.
IRS would know best

Reason why I disagree is simple - I've sold a some prints, but I'm far from being a pro.

T.

In my  "Heart"...... I am a Photographer. 

RedBarn:

  A professional photographer is someone who's sold an image/print.

 Yeah, I think there are quite a few people that wouldn't meet most of the definitions we've given for "photographer" that would meet that definition of "professional photographer."   

pattyg:

Per Wikipedia:

"A photographer is a person who takes a photograph using a camera. A professional photographer uses photography to make a living."

Couldn't agree more.  I think that's exactly what both are.

Good replies everyone...thanks for keeping it civil ;)

Now, regarding wiki defs....so if I make money as a photographer, but I don't make a living...then what am I ...

LOL.....that's just messing with ya'll b/c I'm like d@mn, what's the middle defination then LOL

KarmaPink:

Now, regarding wiki defs....so if I make money as a photographer, but I don't make a living...then what am I ...

Someone with a little spending $ in their pocket - clearly destined for more photography equipment.

This is a good one karma.

I remember what an old instructor said once. It always stuck.  He used the word "professional", but this could be substituted for "real" photographer in this post.

A "real photographer" knows his/her camera/flash, what it will do in certain situations at certain settings.

A "non-real photographer" gets lucky every now and then. 

Then again, awesome point and shoots out now. Some people are excellent at composition and that's all they need.  So I guess you could say if you got the results you desired. You are a photographer.  If people like your work, etc....A Real one. LOL

Interersting topic...

Personally, I didn't call myself a photographer until I was actively involved in taking a picture.  By actively I mean trying different angles, different settings.

I never called myself a photographer when I would pick up the camera just to take pictures at Christmas or on vacation.

So I guess I would say if someone is "actively" involved in taking pictures...making choices rather than just shooting and moving on...that is a "real" photographer to me.

L Stegall:

KarmaPink:

Now, regarding wiki defs....so if I make money as a photographer, but I don't make a living...then what am I ...

Someone with a little spending $ in their pocket - clearly destined for more photography equipment.

LOL..there we go!

I think you are a photographer if you take pictures.

 But, there are differences in being a photographer.  You can be a professional photographer or an amateur.  I know what the IRS says about it, but I also know some very very good professional photographers who work at other jobs because they can't make enough money doing just photography.

As for the IRS definition, what about stay at home Moms who have no income or do they base it on your husband's income?  Cuz if they base it on your husband's income, there are plenty of us who will never be classified as professional photographers.