So you want to be a photographer

To become a photographer all I have to do is to get a camera and start taking pretty pictures, right? Well, technically that is true, Merriam-Webster defines a photographer as; one who practices photography. Merriam-Webster defines photography as; the art or process of producing images by the action of radiant energy and especially light on a sensitive surface (such as film or an optical sensor). But, is that really all there is to it? Let’s talk about it.

The art of the process

Merriam-Webster defined photography as the art or process of producing images. Ah ha, the art or process! Surely there is more to photography than merely pushing a button. Is merely pushing a button a process or one step in a process? The process is finding something to photograph, composing the photograph by choosing what to include in the frame, ensuring that the object(s) are in focus (or artistically out of focus), setting the exposure, then pushing the button. What about the modern cameras that set the focus and exposure for us? Doesn’t that make it finding something, composing, and then pushing the button? Again, technically yes, but I believe there is more to it. I believe the process and the art are truly one. I believe it is the art of the process, not the art or process.

I believe it is the art of the process, not the art or process.

Clay

Study and learn

To truly become something intentionally, such as a photographer, one must study and learn. I don’t mean you have to attend a school or formal classes. To truly achieve your goal to become a photographer you need to study photographs and the process of making a photograph otherwise I believe you’re just a person with a camera taking snapshots. I define a snapshot as a casual photograph without any particular thought other than “saw object, took picture of same.” There is nothing wrong with snapshots, we all take them, but I don’t believe it is truly a photograph that is made with intent and purpose.

To study photographs is to look at them with depth and purpose. Critically look at the content. Look at the light. Look at the focus or lack of focus. Observe the placement of the elements contained within the frame of the image.

To learn about photography is learn how to control you equipment. Learning to adjust the exposure levels, learning where to focus, learning what to not only include in the photograph but what to exclude.

To truly achieve your goal to become a photographer you need to study photographs and the process of making a photograph

Clay

Becoming a photographer

One day, I shall become a photographer, but today I am still a student learning to become a photographer. For me, this is a lifelong journey dedicated to becoming a photographer. There are days when I begin to think I have become a photographer and then I suddenly realize I still have much more to learn. Much more skills I need to hone. Becoming a photographer is more than just buying a camera and starting to take pictures. Becoming a photographer is a way of thinking, seeing, and feeling about the things before us. Becoming a photographer is about being able to capture the true spirit of those things and being able to relate that to those who view our images.

Join me on the journey and path to become a photographer.