Pixiq

Pixiq is a forum for all kinds of photographic image-makers. Not everyone wants to be a Professional Photographer. Many are here to understand any and all that photography has to offer while others simply want some direction.

There are differences between a "professional" who makes a living shooting for money, a "casual shooter" who makes images for recreation and a "creative photographer" who makes images as art. There are actually many sub-categories within each of these classifications. Not many image-makers do it all and certainly no one can be the master of every kind of imaging there is. The subject is just too big and most of us do not have the time or resources to master much more than a few genres. Generally, you are either this or that kind of photographer. 

The goals of each kind of image-maker are different and the choices and requirements can also vary for many reasons. I use the term "professional" and any such category loosely as there are no real standards in spite of what some might profess. Photography is still a new innovation and there are no real rules and therefore no real categories. Throughout the history, there have been many commercial works considered as art as there have been artistic works used for commercial gain.

In general most types of images tend to fall into these "pigeon holes" for the following reasons:

• A "professional" in these days of digital is almost required to use digital tools in order to be competitive. In most cases, he or she needs the speed and convenience of high-end DSLR cameras or digital backs and all the latest electronic and computer gadgetry. However, I know many professional image-makers who still rely on film for at least a portion of their work. Most of the work produced within this category is commissioned, hired or bought. This category might include sports photographers, portrait studio photographers, journalists, wedding, product photographers, commercial photographers and many others. 
• A casual shooter might be best to use digital but certainly doesn't need the high-end equipment that a professional usually requires. Nor does he or she require the same kinds of photographic skills and the knowledge base of a professional. Many in this category still love film and in many cases they use both film and digital. This category might include weekend photographers, hobbyists, family pictures, travel images and many others.
• The "creative photographer" on the other hand is completely free to use any technique he or she wishes. The full spectrum of photographic history has potential for creating images of any kind. The creative photographer has absolutely no limitations for using digital or analog or any combination to explore any visual process that might be useful for the creation of his or her artistic vision. Creative photographers can be as knowledgeable as their imagery requires. Due to the variety of methods available, the creative image-maker may in some cases have a need for photographic skills that most professionals will never need or use. This category might include fine art photographers, hobbyists, experimental imagers, concerned photographers, landscape photographers, street photographers, and many others.

As image-makers, the choices for what we use and how we use it depend on many factors. Sometimes the choices are dictated. Sometimes we are completely free to choose.

While you may think that photography is photography, there are many different categories, areas of expertise and levels of knowledge. What you should realize is that we all have different reasons for creating our photographs. If someone feels it is best to create with a digital camera that may well be what he or she should use. If on the other hand they are inclined to shoot with a large format camera, a pinhole camera or a stereo camera, that should also be a choice. The desired image and the photographers preference should be the deciding factor. History will decide the rest.

The one thing common to all photography is light!

 © John Neel

Please read more of my posts regarding digital and Analog Photography on Pixiq.

THIS POSTING AS WELL AS ALL PHOTOGRAPHS AND GALLERY IMAGES ARE COPYRIGHT - © JOHN NEEL AND ARE NOT TO BE USED FOR ANY PUPOSE WITHOUT WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THE WRITER, THE PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR PIXIQ.