What Does a “Real” Photographer Look Like?
With the barrier to entry seemingly getting lower and lower, I started thinking about the question, “What does a ‘REAL’ photographer look like?
Common Misconceptions
Are they an old white guy with a Nikon camera?
Are they some preppy white girl with a Canon DSLR?
Are they a super young highschool student with an iPhone?
Or Are they a middle aged person with a Sony camera?
The answer is all of the above and more. There’s no one size fits all when it comes to what a photographer looks like. This includes age, sex, camera body, shooting style, etc.
So Who is a “Real” Photographer?
A real photographer is someone who cares about the craft.
So does this include someone who is relatively new? What about people who only take photos for social media? Does it include someone who doesn’t know anything about film, or the rich photographic history?
Again, the answer is all of the above.
Someone who is new, but produces great work is a photographer. The same can be said about someone who only takes photos to post on social media and those with little to no knowledge of the history of photography.
Scientist or Artist or Someone in-between?
While photography can technically be a science, most people think of it as an artform. And with all things artistic, many things are open for interpretation.
Stop putting limitations on what someone should or shouldn’t look like or shoot with.
Stop excluding people from the experience based on made up metrics and rules that no one follows.
Respect the artform and the artists who create.
A real photographer looks like someone who takes photos (period).
If this message encouraged or inspired you, I would greatly appreciate a comment or like letting me know you enjoyed it. Every bit of appreciation helps.
If you’re interested in hiring me for your portrait session or photography project please fill out my contact form or send me an email.
If you’d like to view my work, check out my portfolio.
