Mike Johnson has an interesting post about what he considers is the difference between a photographer and an art photographer. Bear with me as I ramble for a bit about the first part of his statement: being a photographer. As most of you know my posts are not very long or deep so this ramble will be the same.
He starts by saying a photographer is someone who takes photographs. That definition makes me a photographer as, well as you. Many of us who tote a camera with us are regularly asked the question, “Are you a photographer?” My answer to that question has evolved over the years. There was a time when I had no problem telling people I was an engineer. I would then be placed in the box they have defined as an engineer. At some point in my life there was an awareness I only worked as an engineer. Who we are is much larger than any box people have placed us in. So, now when someone asks if I’m a photographer I have no problem saying yes while inside I know I am much more than just a photographer.
I concur with Pierre Teilhard de Chardin; we are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience. As spiritual beings photography is one of many ways for us to participate in this human experience. It is a wonderful way for us to be a more active and vital part of our world. Photography is a passion, a love, a creative outlet, a form of expression and a teacher.Through photography we are able to experience the world around us with new eyes and gain a respect for all of life.
So, yes, I am a photographer (and much more.)
4 Comments
ken bello
There is possibly a sense of security that folks have in assigning labels to everything (and everyone). Does this mean that anyone who has taken a photo with a cell phone is a photographer. Could be a stretch.
Monte Stevens
Yes, security. And, control also comes to mind. We want be the director of all characters on the stage of life. Life would be so much simpler, no surprises, no conflicts. As for anyone with a phone camera can claim to be a photographer. And, some of those images are dang good.
Anita Jesse
What a wonderful post and plenty to mull over. We humans do like to categorize, don’t we? It is a deeply flawed tactic, yet we want to know where to store things. I think we don’t want to have to keep “bumping into them” and continue facing that we don’t begin to understand them. Sort of a, “There, that puzzle is solved . Now, I can be ready for the next one to appear. ” type of thinking.
Monte Stevens
It boils down to controlling all that is around us.Thanks, Anita!!!