Why people have a “problem” with amateur photographers. 

REAL professionals encourage amateurs. They don’t mock them.

To me the only difference between a "professional" and an "amateur" or "hobbyist" is whether or not you get paid. None of those labels determine if you are good or bad.

I went to a car show a few weeks ago and met a bunch of photographers there, everyone was really nice and helpful except 1 guy that critiqued my entire kit. He kept telling me I need to upgrade to a full frame sensor because my camera is essentially trash and he would never use it. I told him I've never made a dime on photography and I'm just a hobbyist and he said the reason I don't make money is because of my gear. I thought that stuff was reserved for the RU-vid comments section but oh well. I just love going out to take/make photos. The other people I met there gave me some great tips for photographing cars and trucks which helped me out immensely.

In a parallel universe you soon realise that Gordon Ramsey, Curtis Stone or Jamie Oliver are not the only cooks on the planet. Plenty of mums and dads serving up wonderful food using an ordinary oven or frypan.

If you're picking up a camera and enjoying it then nothing else should matter!

Interestingly while currently linguistically 'amateur' can be seen as 'low quality' or 'un serious', etymologically it comes from the word 'amare' or to love. Meaning that originally the word was used to describe someone who does the craft for the love of it rather than to feed oneself.

I'm an Olympus user and I've went to local photography group events where I sort of get shunned because micro 4/3 is inferior to them. I avoid those people.

I picked up a camera again about six months ago after not touching one for 10 years. I have two kids in elementary school. In my six months, I have gotten some decent architecture and street shots. But by far, my favorite pictures are those of my kids. If all I ever do is take good pictures of my children as they grow up, that will be enough.

Getting paid for photography is something I will never want to do because it will make it commercial at that point removing any enjoyment.

I’ve been a photographer for 30ish years. Sometimes I get paid, but usually it’s just me doing what I want and having no followers to give a shit because I’m an old man now and no one gives a shit what old men are up to. Anyway, I’ve been through the times where I’ve judged others, then thankfully matured to understand every photographer has something to offer, and we should always encourage each other. I look back at some of my old images I thought were crap because it was just me taking a silly snap to test a lens or something, and I am immediately brought back to a forgotten moment that meant a lot to me for some reason. Then I think “shit, I need to be more in the moment like this” and I wish I had done more of that instead of aiming for technical perfection or the adoration of critics.

I’ve got back in to photography after 20 years and a 20 year old dslr has unlocked so much creativity and passion for me it feels amazing.

Agreed. I've always said, 'Pro' does not mean better. There are several well known 'Pros' whose work and vision is far worse than many skilled 'amateurs' I have seen. Some people go pro without fully learning the craft whereas, there are so many people who don't earn money from photography but have been mastering the art for decades. Now, someone who is a classed as a master photographer, who has won awards and teaches others for instance, is another matter entirely but...saying that, often my fave photos are from people just documenting life and not caring about likes because its real and in the moment..

As an amateur photographer I said thanks to you, we love taking photos, just that. You get the point of what is this real love.

Just like Vivian Maier - She never showed her pictures to a large audience. She has photographed for herself.

THANK YOU! I completely agree. Some people love my photos. Some don't, but to look at them years later and remember the love and joy surrounding the event means everything. The moment probably won't be back.

A great photo is any photo that fulfills the purpose for which the photographer intended. The purpose could be to capture a moment important to you. It could be to make money. It could be to get praise on social media. It could be simply to satisfy your need to take photos. And you can only criticize someone else's photos once you fully understand the intended purpose for that photo.

I love this so much. My core group of people tell me that I should be calling myself a professional photographer and I stop them and say that I am a journeyman photographer. I am always learning and always growing. The journey is what I am about not the word that someone wants to associate with what I do.

I'm a dad photographer and proud. Competition over the community. We can all rise together. If someone has to put someone down to make themselves feel better: it's sad. I hope they find true healing in a way that doesn't have to hurt others.

I think you are absolutely correct. I am a dad, grandpa and semi pro photographer who helps out my daughter on occasion as a second shooter and I don’t give a crap what anybody thinks about my photography or the camera equipment I own.

I'm remembering my good friend spending an entire day in the darkroom working on ONE negative, dodging and burning, using numerous sheets of good photo paper to finally get the image the way he wanted it. This was 1972. The lesson he left me with was this...."only two things matter when shooting pictures...framing and exposure." Today's phones and digital cameras do a fantastic job of the exposure part, although the cameras have a pretty high learning curve if you venture into the manual settings. Ansel Adams was famous for his patience. He would put the camera on a tripod, frame the scene, and wait for the light to change, sometimes for days.

I told my wife I didn’t feel like a “professional” photographer and she pointed out I enjoy it and get paid for it. Not sure that makes me a professional but I’ll take that definition. All my favorite shots I’ve never been paid for tho. Doesn’t make them any less my favorite.

I know a bunch of legit pros that still use 10 year old dslrs. I used a 5dii up until 4 years ago. I still use glass from the 90's...i get weird looks from these kids with kits that cost 5 times what I'm using. Some of these people grill me and i feel like i have to tell them my accomplishments for them to say it's ok for me to use what i use lmao. I don't even do it professionally anymore. I love photography much more just doing it for myself. I don't miss weddings one bit lol

thank you I needed to hear this, I get so caught up in trying to improve and be better that it actually hurts more than it accomplishes.

I've loved photography for over 20 years now, and ultimately it's really just for me. I haven't posted my work on Instagram or anywhere else in around 10 years now haha, and frankly I haven't felt motivated to truly edit my photos for maybe just as long... Which is maybe a separate issue, potentially around burnout and loss of drive, as editing used to be one of my favorite things. But now I've got thousands and thousands of photos from my trips and hikes and everyday life that I hope to one day edit and share, but if that doesn't happen I still enjoy going back and looking at them myself. And while I have done some paid work here and there for friends and family, mostly events (weddings, family sessions, headshots, etc.), I don't want to make photography my career. It has and probably will always be a passion of mine, and it just brings me joy capturing those moments and memories... That feeling of nailing an awesome shot or creating art. Now I won't lie and say I don't also enjoy the gear aspect and have GAS sometimes haha, but it's typically for $200 lenses or vintage glass to adapt, and that is also just a lot of fun for me to explore and experiment with as another aspect of the photographic process. I think the rise of youtube gear reviewers, influencer street photographers, etc., has kind of changed the game the last ~5 years and brought some of that trendy hypebeast culture to photography. Which is not necessarily a bad thing as it allows more people to find and get into it, but like you said it also leads to a lot of elitism and pretension, consumerism/materialism, tribalism, and a propensity for technicality over creativity. Anyways, an interesting topic and video! I really like your commentary and discussions.

Tony Northrup made the comment that the difference between a professional photographer and an amateur is that the former has to get an acceptable image, whereas the amateur may not. But the amateur may be producing generally better more original work. Or comment like that.

I love that you let your nephew use your camera, I am an amateur photographer and I am privileged enough to have spare cameras and lenses available, I handed a 20D and 17-85mm lens to my 7 yr old niece, a couple of seconds of tuition, look through there, press this and she was off. She got straight down on the floor, laid out and took one of the nicest photos of our dog under the table, she was so excited to be using a real camera, running around pointing the camera at everyone and everything. I hope I have encouraged another photographer later in life.

this is my absolute favorite photography related video I have ever seen.

Thank you for this video. I am a retiree who shoots landscapes. A long time ago Elliot Porter got me interested in this genre. I don't share them with anyone. It is about the joy of connecting to my environment and capturing the moment. Put am camera in my hand and I am happy.

I've just discovered your channel today with this video. I have to say i'm very lucky that for once RU-vid algorythm did a good job. That's a great topic to share with us. This is a conversation i have with a lot of people / close friend and it's not always easy to explain what make a "great photographer" not based only on followers. In particular nowadays where social network is a huge part of our life and lot of person use this scale has validation. Most of photographers i love (aside well known historical photographers) are often peoples that have a great eyes and love for photography, and spend more time outside doing what they loves instead of build huge fanbase or debate about whatever best gears is. Honestly, the Vivian Mayer example is a good one. Sry for my crappy english, is not my native language. I'm so glad to have found your channel.

this is probably one of the best motivational videos ive ever seen

A couple years ago I got my first camera that my friend gave me, a canon eos3. I always wanted to take pictures and after learning how to shoot film I couldn’t stop, I took pictures of everything and took it wherever I went, I fell in love with photography. I later got my hands on a Nikon N60 and had a blast using it as my primary camera. Less than a year ago I got my first digital camera, a Sony a6400 I wanted something nice but nothing crazy, I got it new and did make a horrible financial decision but I could care less I love the camera and take it everywhere. I rarely ever upload my pictures to social media or anything but I love sharing them with friends. Throughout the entire time I’ve been doing photography especially in the later half I’ve had so many people ask and tell me that I should do it professionally but I just like taking the pictures for me and the people around me. I have photo books filled with all my film pictures and every time I look at them I can’t help but smile, as much as I want to do photography as a “professional” and make money off of it, I don’t want it to kill my love of photography and start looking at it as a job and something I HAVE to do, I just wanna take pictures.

Thank you. I went back to film. Cause I wanted to learn the chemistry more than taking the photos. Cause taking the photo was easier on digital. And I found out I’m a better darkroom printer than a picture taker.

a term professional photographer is just what is implied - you do it as a job. whether you're a certified photographer or not, that's based on your education in the field.

Great sentiment. I have thought about this a lot lately when I see people shitting on film photographers, like the endless "film doesn't make your images special" or "I used to shoot film, never going back to it" like, dang man just let people enjoy what they enjoy. And I absolutely agree a lot of pictures made by amateurs will in the long run matter more than a lot of commercial ones. Not all, in either category, obviously.

i'm in a facebook group for beginners photography and the amount of comments that harshly criticize an amateur photographer and do not provide any helpful advice or critiques and discourage them from pursuing a professional career is devastating to me. people is constantly reminding each other that its a beginner's group and to reel it in.

If I could like this video more than once, I’d like it 57 times

Thank you for putting this out into the RU-vid-verse. It is a very positive viewpoint and a good reminder for us to continue to take photographs for ourselves.

I never cared about being known for my photographs, I even hate being the guy that is known around his friends as the photographer because when I have my camera I wanna look at something, realize how special or beautiful that thing is and capture it with my camera, but pretty much capture it with my eyes first. It is a nice feeling to show someone a picture I took of them and see how happy they get seeing that picture, but I mostly really care about capturing it in my eyes and photographing it so it can be a memory for someone down the line.

When i started back somewhere in 2018-2020, I watched a lot of youtube to learn as much as possible. Especially in 2020 i worked close with someone who was in miss Norway and had a lot of fun. I really enjoyed every aspect of what i was doing. From editing to shooting to just talking about photography! But i felt all the videos i watched were all about how to get the clearest and sharpest and most high quality picture, I have thrown away so many good pictures due to a bit of noise or motion blur, that i now love and I'm currently working on editing. Stuff that I now realize only adds to the pictures. I have started posting again on social media, not to specifically get a lot of views but to hopefully make it into a job someday, and I feel like caring less about the "quality" of my pictures have really woken up my love for photography again, as I had a 3 year long break where I only photographed every now and then, feeling extremely discouraged due to the equipment I had. Only thing I care about now is maybe getting different lenses for different styles not because I feel like I need it to show what I want to show or what I can do.

Well said. Take pics of what you like and if other like them good but your focus is how photography makes you feel.

One way of looking at it is this: Many of the now historic photographs that were taken decades ago, ordinary street scenes, photographs of people, relations or complete strangers, many of which were seen as ordinary and noting special are now considered as a rich and important source and are of historical value. I think many of the ‘Ma and Pa/amateur’ could well fall into the same category as those in the future.

Just rewatched this episode/clip and I'm so glad you made it. Totally agree and at this stage in my photographical journey I actively have said no to working at assignments. Mostly because I don't need that added stress in my life, already working a full time job, and that it doesn't really makes me happy. I've always enjoyed the casual part of documenting the life around me. Nerding out on some photo technique to broaden my tool bag and always being able to get a shot that I feel is important for me. I admire my friends that took the professional route, mostly because I know how much work they have to put in, and I'm also sure that isn't for me. But one thing I've to do is making more portriats of my friends..stage portraits that is. It will be a nice challenge and hopefully it will bring some joy to them as well.

You hit the nail on the head with this one. I have had many hobbies over my lifetime, but none in which I have seen so much criticism of others. The level of gatekeeping is beyond measure. We can all learn no matter what skill level we are at, and we can all pay it forward to others just getting started. I don't think all the greats from the days before internet sought so much approval of others, they took photos because something in them said they had to. And I am pretty sure Lightroom was not around to doctor every image.

Im an archaeologist. I photograph artifacts with scale bars and interesting features. My photography is fit for purpose, the purpose being documentation. Its fun to try and get the right shot so i can explain my research better to others

It's so much fun opeing up the eyes of others to photography and making it more enjoyable AND helping someone who just getting started that're hungry to shoot and shoot everything they see can be a reminder to do the same and still be as curious about the world as the first time I picked up a camera. This was/is such a great video and subject to talk about!

Thankyou.. People ask me why I bother with a YT channel , I point out that it is just a creative space for me enjoy my work. Nothing else. If I had to keep up a channel just to stay monetized the joy would be gone.

I've been told to start an Instagram so many times, yet I still haven't done it. I take pictures primarily for myself, and while it's flattering that people want me to share them and see them, it's not really what it's about for me. Thanks for making this video. You helped clear up some thoughts about this!

Some of the greatest photos ever have been taken on affordable, old, beat up cameras.

My main complaint is a review on line of a piece of equipment clearly designed for enthusiasts is trashed by people saying it’s junk because it doesn’t cost five thousand dollars. There are many good lens, and bodies that can be purchased from major companies at consumer prices. The vast majority shoot family photos on cell phones. I tell people on line whatever you use to make images if it pleases you that’s all that matters. Be happy and enjoy your camera.

If this video was on Yelp, I would give it a full five stars. Having shot "professionally" for over 25 years, my general impression of the (far too) many "professional photographers" on RU-vid and TikTok, etc. is that they make the majority of their income from video ad revenue, hocking LUTs, and making deals with camera companies to "influence" purchasing. I have many friends who are "amateurs," and they take photos that make my jaw drop! Thanks for the truthful assessment of the industry!

Honestly this is why I’ve stopped interacting with most photography groups on social media. If I’m just out shooting some prime therapy it’s not the point that I use the “correct” lens’s or “professional” settings.

I know a lot of amateur photographers that turn out better work than so called “PRO” photographers …..

Im doing photography as a hobby. I can't afford a camera just yet (and i don't think its worth the money right now) so i just decided to make the best photos with my phone that I can just to prove a point. If it goes somewhere, cool. If not, also cool. Same for my YT channel

The term amateur photographer came about when photography was first invented and people that were highly knowledgeable, as knowledgeable as professionals (people who were paid to take portraits at the time), experimented with the medium and the various materials they could print on. I loved reading the early history of photography because it changed my perspective about the word amateur and made me more comfortable being called one :) I think just like you said, for some reason the word is used in a negative connotation today and people mock those who are not deemed “professional”

I've been a beginner and made a living from photography. I've been formally trained, published, blah blah blah. One thing I have learned is a good eye is a good eye and that can be anybody regardless of camera, education or titles people give themselves. I am and always will be just a "Photographer" taking pictures of whatever catches my eye. Any add on labels don't mean anything, never did!

Great channel. Finally someone raw and authentic. Not afraid to talk his ish!

Honestly I don't know how I ended up on professional photography youtube, and so far things were putting a bad taste in my mouth, but this video has relieved some of that and inspired me a bit. I think photography is so interesting as an art form, and i love just taking photos on my phone. I was more into trying to do art with it as a tween, but as someone who is a painter and digital artist I started to aim for taking clear personal reference photos more than trying to make art of the moments themselves. Seeing your example photos while you were speaking on how much photography can mean to the individuals really started to make me rethink it. It also reminded me of a photo album i have from my great great grandfather, all from the 30s and 40s and taken apparently all by the same person (a great uncle who was a teenager and young adult at the time). They're really playful and fun, some candid, some posed, and plenty of annoyed faces that say "really? another one? put the camera down!" It's pretty magical to see all these years later. No one in the photos is still alive, but they're right there, as lively as ever. I dunno, I appreciate this video for giving me a bit more inspiration to capture what's important to me

As an amateur, I often get asked if I post my photos on Instagram; I don't. I take photos of what interests me and because I love the art of photography. I don't care what arrogant scumbag thinks on Instagram nor am I looking for likes on Instagram.

You’re right, even with 10 year on photography, I really never take it seriously, I love this hobby, I have two cameras and one of them I got it second hand, and film cameras that I got second hand as well. I try to upgrade my work every chance I have, I love practicing, for what? Just because 🤷🏽‍♀️ I don’t like to post it on instagram because I feel like I’m going to become addicted to the comments or likes, as if o want someone to notice. I post it on vsco, I find great inspiration from others and I can check my progress on my own photography. Thanks for making this video 🤙🏼

Vivian Maier came to my mind as soon as I started watching your vid. I personally think it all comes down to this need where we have to have our identity wrapped up into something. Sucky part is… some people let others’ need to identify themselves through something to make them feel better about themselves…discourages them. Amateur versus professional.

You are the photography voice of reason , bravo

I've been shooting for over 25 years, professionally and for just my hobby/love of it. I could not agree with you on your points in this video more. Excellent content mate. New follower here. 👍👍👍👍

Great video and a reminder to just get out and shoot and not worry about whether it will work in social media or here or there, just shoot for the enjoyment. This is why I still like blogs. I can post any and all images and it’s more about shooting and sharing the work than it is the likes it receives, great video, much appreciated

I've been a professional photographer for nearly 20 years. My favourite photos are of my kids i took on my phone. I've captured these great moments in life that are awesome. They're not the sharpest or highest resolution but they're brilliant. Everyone loves them. Last few years ive made a photo book for my wife of the year. They make you laugh and cry.

Professional = doing it for a profit, thus doing what pays most. Not the same as the best, the most artistic, the most interesting. Be free, give it your soul.

I've been shooting film and digital for the past 40+ years. I come from a family of pros, that was their craft and their livelihood. I chose a different profession and still have shot a lot, develop at home, but it's just my hobby. I only share my work with my loved ones and that's it. No IG, no RU-vid or anything else. Photography for me is just mental therapy, peace and enjoyment. That's it

Just for fun... I have been a hobby photographer for over 50 years (yeah, I'm ancient!) started with film - and processed my own Colour & B/W photos back in the day - fell in love with digital in the early 2000's and finally started editing RAW a couple of years ago. Never wished to make money, get famous, whatever. Just enjoy taking pictures of things that please my eye. Maybe that is why I've not stopped? I do watch a couple of 'pro' 'tubers, who, incidentally, have targeted the amatuer and manage to do a great job of sharing tips without looking down on us plebs. Loved this video, thanks for making it, great respect from this grandad photographer! ETA: You got another subscriber, just because of this!

I’m an artist an and a photographer. I took it up as a hobby while I was in the army. A professional photographer who was in my unit taught me the basics, I bought a used SLR with a couple of lenses.and we went out for a photo day. I practice everything he taught me. I went to our hobby lab on post and learned to develop film. I really immersed myself into. I got good enough that I got a position as a photographer for our Division’s Public Affairs Office. I thought I knew what I was doing when I got there. I didn’t know half of what I thought I did. But I learned. Both as a photographer and a darkroom technician. After all half of photography is done in post, and this was in the Neolithic film era before digital photography and Photoshop. I wasn’t school trained as a photographer but became our primary photographer for the Division. I think the fact I wasn’t trained was perhaps a plus because I didn’t have all the rules of photography to hold me back. I already knew composition as a painter. Photography was another way to create an image. Though my work was good enough but not great. We had something that each year every photographer and military journalist and military publication tried out for, it is the Keith L. Ware, award, the Army version of the Pulitzer Prize. My boss said get your best work and send it in. I did. We all did in our office. I didn’t expect to win it and didn’t. After all there is a lot of competition, there’s a few thousand people trying for this award . The following year I put in for it again, then Desert Storm happened, and we went to war. I wanted a real Politzer Prize winning photograph of the war. But I got stuck driving the Public Affairs Officer around. After the war I got out of the Army, shortly after I received a large envelope from the Public Affairs Office. In it was my Keith L.Ware Award. I did it but it was for my second year working there, I initially thought it was for my war photos. It wasn’t. When I take a photo I think will this look good on the wall. If the answer is no I work on making it worth putting up. That’s hard to do when you’re trying to work fast doing photojournalism. I still don’t think I’m a great photographer, but a good one. Some of the guys I worked with were school trained, but they didn’t seem to care, it was just a job for them. I developed their photos as well as my own. I did my best to make their photos great, I took pride in my work as a darkroom technician. In the past from what I know is a lot of professional photographers didn’t develop their own film. But the had a good darkroom technician make their work look great. There’s more to photography than just taking a picture. It’s everything else that follows. Being a professional doesn’t make you a good photographer, having a good eye and a love for the art does.

Couldnt agree more with this video. Im a professional photographer in that people pay a lot of money for one of my images BUT I think of myself as an amateure photographer. My work is very flawed and I make up for that in ideas and post production. I remember talking to a mum at school who took amazing photos. I remember her being so shocked when I told her I thought she was a better photographer than me. Anyone who is critical of other people trying and enjoying themselves making images is in a sad place. To everyone taking photos carry on making what you love.

I consider myself a fan of Ali from OMTC. She may appear to some to be a Mom photographer, but she has photography in her blood in a way most of us can only dream of. I'm not a Mom & Dad photographer simply because I don't have children or other relatives to photograph - I'm an amateur photographer for sure though. With my professional work (non photography related) demanding more and more of me, I don't get to photograph as much as I'd like to. But, every couple of months I volunteer as a concert photographer at a recurring event documenting the entire 6-7 hours long event (no pit - just moving around within the crowd). It's something I always look forward to, and I get to document memories for both myself and complete strangers. I have no doubt some people will have problems with my photos, but that's fine. I'll continue to create them for myself and the strangers - it's not like there is a lot of love coming my way in other ways, so why should photography be any different...

Thank you for sharing this. Such an inspiration! I love photography. I’m not a pro, but I enjoy being creative and expressing what speaks to me. I also enjoy sharing what I’ve learned and that’s why I started my channel.

100% agree. I am just an armature photographer that got in the trap of "I need the best gear and that will make me better" or "how do I get more likes from internet strangers" only to realize my best and most meaningful images were taken with an old Kodak wind and shoot film disposable on top of the twin towers in NYC back in 1996 or some cheap camera I bought 25 years ago and took images of my family. I love landscape photography but I only do it for myself and if someone comments on a photo I have hanging in my house I am happy with that.

This is it right here. As a news photographer myself it’s so fun to interact with other photographers because they’re passionate, and in my book passionate is more meaningful than pushing knowledge and standards. Photography is photography, credentials be damned

2:58 Spot On! I have been in this ego-driven profession since 1980, and my most fond memories of this art is when it was not a source of income, but for the pure joy of photography. To this day I see work from amateurs that outclass anything that I could have ever done.

I’ve done the professional thing…now I just piss pros off on RU-vid. Dude, great words.

When you mentioned the great photographers who are technically "amateurs" at the beginning of the video, Vivian Maier came up to my mind instantly. She is an historical gem (of many, many other unknown "amateur" photographers that we will never know about).

Many photographers who earn a living from photography have modest gear. They own the lowest cost kit able to deliver the quality they require. My BIF and wildlife orientated kit surpassed the equipment many professionals have, even though I use older used lenses etc to keep cost down. And I dare say some professionals have learned a thing or two from me as an amateur. I don’t earn a living from photography, but I enjoy my hobby and I know what I am doing- well enough to enjoy my own images! I think the “capability” line between pro and amateur is blurred today because equipment is so good generally

This video showed up as recommended a few days ago. I've never watched a video of yours before, so I was hesitant, thinking the title was just click-bait. I'm glad I finally broke down and watched it. You are right on the money. Side note, I already subscribe to One Month Two Cameras, so that may be how the algorithm got me.

I have several bad memories of people being rotten to me for no reason. I'm just out shooting while on vacation and they approach me to begin insulting my gear or technique. Even had them invade my personal space and look through my viewfinder! So I appreciate this video. Thanks.

I love doing amateur sports photography as an amateur myself. I’m sure professional sports would be cool but these photos mean so much to the parents and kids

I have been full-time pro, part-time pro and total amateur. Can honestly say being a pro did not make me any better and when I was a pro I had more work than I can handle. I just don't do it professionally anymoe because I earn more and have better benefits doing something else. (I'm a senior consultant at a software company).

I totally agree with this. I am in high school right now about to be a senior and I have been photographing since freshman year. I've done sports to events and recenty did a photo shoot for a friends clothing brand. My friends always wonder like why do you shoot x and x sport. I always say because I love it. If i get paid great thats fantastic if I don't and they arent asking anything from me then thats fine I'll do it for free. I think other photographers should be encouraging people to photograph and not shut them down because of their brand or what they do or events they cover. I photograph for myself I also do it for friends but thats a second priority I take photos because I want to take photos and I really enjoy it.

I like your attitude! Amateurs are not encumbered by the rules, regulations, requirements, schedules, or demands placed upon Professionals. Amateurs are free to pursue their work as they see fit and have only to please themselves with their results. This freedom allows the Amateur a level of creativity seldom afforded the Professional in the pursuit of their creative processes. They work in the moment with a pristine connection to the environment they find themselves a part of in the moment. Being a viable part of this environment enables the Amateur to experience things that others can not see or feel. This connection enables the Amateur to become a co-Creator with the Creative Powers that be.

Been photographing for 20+ now and it still excites me to this day. Im doing pro event work (its a steady pay) but a lot of amateur work as well. Whenever I travel I shoot photo AND video. I use a crop for that type of work and its so much fun. I’ve gotten a ton of budget lenses and started playing around with it. I try to give my amateur video productions somewhat of a cinematic feel. Also, I share a lot of my video work on youtube. Im quite proud of it but I never really intended it for a large group of people or getting a huge following. These are memories for me and im fine with it.

A lot of interesting thoughts here. One of the most interesting bits of feedback I ever received on my own work was that it was "lifeless". This person elaborated that it wasn't that they found the images boring or dull, but rather that I distinctly had a consistent lack of any literal human presence in any of my photography. And I've thought about it on and off for years after the fact, because I think it reflects something in how I see and interact with the world. Mainly, that I go through life pretty much always alone, that I fundamentally feel very alone even though I have people around me all the time. I feel more of an identity and connection with the built environment and natural phenomenon than I do with actual people. And when you asked how I'd feel about photographing my favorite musical artist or my firstborn, a bit of me felt kind of sad because honestly, I'm not sure I'll ever have that kind of genuine, loving relationship with my own family, or another person enough to start a family of my own. I digress. To your point on Maier, I agree there is absolutely a sort of "halo effect" going on with a lot of the more famous photographers. The "greats" and "masters" have their work elevated so much, it almost feels like parody. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely see what many others see in their work; but I feel that often times a lot of that gets replicated pretty readily by so many "amateurs" who've had a lot of time to practice and cultivate their talent, although they'll probably never get signal-boosted the way many of these "masters" (many of whom rose to the top because of very specific industry connections, not raw talent alone), did. I think it's fine to think highly of their work, but I'd caution against putting those "masters" on a pedestal just the same.

your totally correct... I would add this, the term "Professional" only mean your making money with your craft... nothing else. There is no such thing as a "professional camera", some have make a living shooting with an iphone. I see more hobbyist taking better photos than professional. I saw hobbyist having a better understanding of the technical side of there camera then professional ( ex : Annie Leibovitz ). I go often to little town when they have photos exhibition of there local amateur photographer and I'm always surprise about the quality of there work.

Excellent editorial. I completely agree with you. This is why I describe myself always an amateur. I'm having fun. To me there is a thrill of the instant 'getting the shot'. As an 'amateur' I can shoot what I want, when I want. I don't need to impress a client

I agree with your perspective I've been an amateur photographer for years and I've enjoyed every moment. I like that I don't feel pressured to capture the perfect shot. Like an amateur athlete, you love the sport and enjoy all the effort and time you put in, but you may never earn a penny doing it and that's okay.

As someone who is on the fence of doing it as a hobby and professionally, I just enjoy looking at everyone's art. Because that's what it comes down to. It's art. And we all have our style, look, and feel. People think that there's a standard to photography, and nothing could be further from the truth. It's like the argument about which camera brand is the best. Use whatever tool you feel comfortable with and forget anything else. Professional or not, if you're trying to bring down other photographers/artists, they have too much time on their hands.

The gatekeeping that goes on in this craft is anyways wild to me.

The distinction between "amateur" and "professional" in relation to photography is irrational and irrelevant because there is no such thing as a "professional photographer"; it is a colloquial appropriation applied to many industries that is incorrect in the first instance. A "profession" is defined as a trade or industry that is governed by a body that sets legally enforceable rules and standards for the trade or industry and applies an entry qualification for a person to conduct business within that trade or industry; see lawyer, accountant, architect, medical practitioner, etc. A "professional" is a person who is legally entitled to conduct any such trade or industry by its governing body. Photography does not require participation in any such form of governance; one does not need to be a member of the Royal Photographic Society in order to sell images for example. Equally, we do not describe someone who paints as a "professional artist". Consequently, we are all just "photographers" where the appropriate distinction is "commercial" photographer for someone who earns their living from photography. Sub-divisions between sports, wedding, journalist, etc remain relevant because they distinguish the nature of photography in which an individual predominantly makes images.

I am sick of people complaining about gear when we live in a golden age of technology or complaining about how other photographers are amateurs or not real pros... I have abandoned many social media groups lately ´cause I am done. Less toxic gear talk and more content and intention is what we need. The joy of photography is what matters the most to me. As Joel Meyerowitz says: "Everything is photographable". Photography is a party and everyone´s welcome. I am so with you in this one.

Dee Spot on, i fell in love with photography capturing my family and travels, but at one point i felt i needed to monitize it because if you're decent at something why not make money from it, but trying do that, i was doing photoshoots that didn't mean anything to me and mainly for social media for a following. i believe your best work is created when it means something to you and you're passionate about it. i now just shoot with Xpro 3 and older lenses because i love the fact not everything is about perfection or being tack sharp and the eye in focus but capturing a moment i think is important to me. i love shooting with the xpro 3 so much i just ordered an xpro 2 graphite, cant take money to the grave, might as well use it to enjoy what brings you joy.

I know a lot of great photographers who started out as dadshots or momshots. We all have to start somewhere, and there is no reason to knock those willing to put forth the effort to try and become better at anything in life, not just photography. Finding a passion that brings you joy makes those who have become jaded within photography envyous.

I actually like it when some is starting photography if some ask me about how to start ill be happy to teach them. One thing I always tell people starting out you don't need the most expensive gear. You can start out with your phone some of the most beautiful photos i have ever taken were taken with a smartphone. I keep seeing people starting out say that they need something like Sony A7 IV or canon R5 when in reality you dont. Photography is something a skill that will improve over time as you take more and more photos.

I love “One month two cameras”, it’s a great channel and she has an amazing eye.

This is a good reminder on what is about photography I enjoy. Currently, I’m trying to get myself out there for freelance work through social media but I’m losing myself into “what’s good to post”. I feel like I enjoy the action of taking a photo MORE than what the end result is (though the end result is pretty cool lol). Even right now, I posted some photos on my IG account and I’m like worried about how little traction it’s getting but I’m trying to remind myself that it’s like whatever. Maybe the better thing for me to do is just go out and meet other creatives 😂 anyways thanks for the video!

For 52 years I was in graphics, for 32 years I did image editing as part of my business, I semi-retired and took up photographing things, of course the family, birds/wildlife, flowers, yard and landscapes around my home. My wife and I chat about the images, she watches the animals and we print the images on note cards. We're having fun and I'm learning to get more shots that I like just right in the camera. I don't give the background noise any thought.

I love preserving memories with photos, and the photos looking good without much editing required, which is why i switched from Canon to Fujifilm.

Thank you. This morning on Facebook some snob had the nerve to say a long exposure shot I posted was uninteresting because of the location and it pissed me off. I take photos not because I want to get likes but to show what I think is beautiful as well as what I think is interesting to me.