Have you wondered whether you need to be a dedicated professional or working photographer to make pictures that are great and really matter?  Let’s face it; most of us are not so-called professionals or working photographers that make a living from their output. Most of us make photographs because we love to … and need to. I for one have been making photographs uninterrupted since I was a kid and have had a career that has absolutely nothing to do with photography. I simply love photography and everything about it!

While I don’t earn a living from photography, my photographic life has long been as important to me as my professional one and I often view my professional life as an enabler of what I love and need so much. So when people ask me what I do I tell them about my business and also say that I am a photographer.

I know that there are many “amateur” photographers out there whose work is as good or rivals that of the name brands. Vivian Maier is one example, but by no means the only one.  Her work is incredible and deserves to be ranked with the best of the street photographers. And I have met and come to know many photographers whose work is truly outstanding. They photograph for the love of it and because they have something to say. That’s what drives them!

If you have a passion for your photography and a rage to create meaningful work that stands for itself, then you are a PHOTOGRAPHER!  Maybe you don’t care about exhibiting or selling your work, or what’s considered by the gallery owners to be in right now. It doesn’t matter at all.  In the end what really matters is that you believe in yourself and your vision, otherwise you no longer have the passion, but merely a hobby.

There really isn’t anything wrong with having a photographic hobby and many are satisfied with that, but if you dedicated and make great and important work don’t let anyone tell you you’re not a PHOTOGRAPHER … because they’re wrong!

Stay safe,

Michael