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And if you want more photography stuff to read, there's a place on the interwebs where past emails I wrote are stored.

You'll find 'em in the "Newsletter Hub."

Remember, I'd like to know what you want to know about photography.

So, if you have any questions, email me at sam@samdamico.com. 

And for what it's worth, when you send me an email unless someone's lookin' over my shoulder, I'm the only one who sees it.

While meeting with a photographer today during a private lesson, they asked when we can call ourselves photographers.

The answer is whenever we become interested in photography and make our first picture.

The question also reminded me of a previous email I sent you, so I'm resending the email as a reminder.

And it gives me a leisurely day because I don't have to figure out what to write about.

Thanks for the question, Jay.

This email elaborates on my in-person answer to you in more depth.

First Published: Sat, 11/16/24

It's interesting; many photographers I speak with don't consider themselves photographers. 

It boggles my mind.

They have a camera and make pictures, yet they're reluctant to refer to themselves as photographers.

This reluctance, however, is evidence of the photographic community's diverse and inclusive nature.

Some even use the term "real photographer." 

I guess that term describes those who've achieved a certain skill level or recognition in the field.

So, when do we know when we're "real photographers"? 

Well, unless we're a hologram, we're real.

So we can scrap that part of the discussion. 

The question remains: when do we know when we're photographers? 

Describing ourselves as photographers isn't a matter of someone else recognizing us as photographers; it requires self-recognition and acceptance, which we must first give ourselves.

Is it when we have a lot of photography gear?

Is it when we have accumulated a certain amount of pictures?

Is it when we have a specific type of camera?

In terms of writing, Steven Pressfield says, "A writer is a writer when he says he is."

The same can be said about a photographer.

A photographer studies and practices photography.

In other words, a photographer dedicates whatever time they can to studying and practicing camera operation, composition, and light.

Another way to put this is that we're a photographer if we make pictures. 

Furthermore, If we're involved with any aspect of our photography studies and practice, we're being a photographer.

So, it doesn't just involve making a picture; it requires everything we do before making a photograph. 

And although many photographers don't see themselves as photographers. 

They are.

Maybe they don't see themselves as "good" photographers.

If that's the case, I'd ask 'em "why?".

Suppose their judgment of "good" or "bad" is based on their critique of their work; in that case, I'd suggest they're good photographers because they're actively involved in critiquing their work.

We can always get "better," but that "getting better" has to be based on our critique of our work because self-critique guides us on the way to becoming better photographers.

Furthermore, self-critique is not about being overly critical but about identifying areas for improvement and learning from our mistakes, which can help us become better photographers.

Remember, as photographers, making the best possible pictures is why we study and practice. 

And usually, we study and practice to become better photographers.

The Introduction To Photography class starts soon. 
  
More ways to study and practice photography with me are below.

Call me if you need help determining the best course for you.

I'll help you be a better photographer—study and practice photography with me. 

Currently scheduled classes are below.

Smaller classes mean better learning, so class sizes are limited to 5 participants plus me.

But smaller classes also mean spots fill up quicker, so sign up soon. 

And what if the timing doesn't work for you in any of my scheduled group classes? Private in-person lessons suited to your schedule are always an option.

And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture daily.