Everybody & Their Mama is a Photographer
I'm not sure if it's the impact of social media, reality TV, TV TV, or what have you,
but it just seems like everybody and they mama is a "photographer" these days. Seriously, is it just me? Do we all not have a friend or someone we know who never in their lives practiced photography and then suddenly woke up one day and decided they were a photographer? In any case, I've noticed the trend over the last few years and even back when I started film making in 2000. As someone who went to school and studied film, it's somewhat frustrating when you see someone classify themselves as a photographer or filmmaker without any training. It just seems disrespectful to the craft of photography and/or film making.
Even as a filmmaker who went to graduate school for film, I would never classify myself as a photographer. The reason is because, although I have photography knowledge, I'm not a photographer. It's the same thing with any cinematographer or videographer I work with. I can wear the hat of a videographer or a photographer, yes; but I respect their individual craft so much that I would never classify myself as one. With the advent of social media, many people really think just because they can take a picture, they're a photographer. That's kind of like saying because you can make a couple baskets, you're a professional basketball player. It's just not true.
In a small way, our culture of instant gratification has played into this mindset. We're use to "going live" and posting thing instantly online, we like our instant coffee and our microwaves. The problem isn't wanting to be a photographer, but you have to pay your dues first and learn the craft before making such claims. The best photographers have skill and finesse when it comes to making a great photo that comes with years of experience. The first thing one must do when taking on a new profession is to humble themselves and be willing to learn.
Whether it's formal education at a university or online classes via YouTube, take the time to learn the craft of photography and/or filmmaking before simply jumping right into it and calling yourself a photographer or filmmaker. This isn't just good for your credentials, but it's good for your work and final product as well. Don't just brush it off haphazardly like photography is some kind of a hustle that anyone can do. Take it seriously, study technique and style, research cameras and equipment. Don't take it as a slap in the face if you're one of those people who fit the description in the first paragraph, it's okay; just take this as a learning moment. Take this as one of those articles that push you towards perfecting your new craft. If you do that, you, yo' mama, and any other friend you have who wants to be a photographer will have all the success in the world.
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