Truth In Labeling
Truth in labeling is a good thing. After all, we want to know what exactly it is we are getting. If we are buying something we aren’t familiar with we’ll examine the label closely to make to find out what we’ll be getting.
It isn’t just products that are labeled. We as photographers often label ourselves in the way we introduce ourselves either in person or on our social media profiles. While this labeling maybe 100% truthful, large portions may be useless. We use descriptors that while truthful, are irrelevant. Worst of all some of these descriptors can subtly be harmful to your growth and success as a photographer.
For example, I’ll describe myself in a format that I’ve often seen in profiles.
I’m a brown-eyed, amateur photographer from Texas and an avid Canon shooter.
Okay, I’ve never actually seen anyone include their eye color in their profile. I added it as an extreme way of illustrating how something can be 100% truthful and also completely irrelevant. Likewise, stating where you’re from and what brand of equipment you use can be considered the same way. For someone looking at your photos those facts are simply meaningless as they have no real bearing on your photos.
Many would also say giving your status, e.g. amateur, is similarly innocuous. I’ve seen people use the term as amateur, hobbyist, and beginner. In one case, I even saw a profile for an amateur hobbyist which is a bit redundant. The status of “professional” is used but it seems to be less used than the amateur label. Usually professionals don’t qualify their status; they are simply photographers. I think amateurs should follow that example and just label themselves simply as “photographer”. It’s still truth in labeling and there is no need to share unnecessary information.
What Is An Amateur? What Is A Professional?
I can’t speak to anybody’s personal choice to call themselves an amateur. Only they really know. I suspect most never give it a lot of thought. However, I think there maybe be a subconscious rationale for it. It’s a way to control viewer expectations. We are in effect saying, “I’m not really that good so please don’t expect too much.” or “I’m only an amateur. I’m not as good as a professional.” We may feel that by controlling viewer’s expectations we shield ourselves from disappointing them and it reduces the sting of not getting as many social media likes as others do.
We should keep in mind that the amateur versus professional classification really just means to you do it for a living or not. It just that simple.
“The title of amateur/hobbyist/beginner photographer versus professional photographer is an economic distinction not an artistic or skill distinction.”
Mike Schaffner
When we look at a photo, we all decide for ourselves if we think it is a good photo or a bad photo. It doesn’t matter if it was made by a professional or an amateur. A great photo doesn’t suddenly become a bad photo if we find out it was made by an amateur. Likewise, a bad photo doesn’t suddenly become a good photo if we find out it was made by a professional. The merits of the photo are the controlling factor; not the economic status of the photographer.
Why Shouldn’t I Call Myself An Amateur Photographer?
Despite the amateur/professional designation technically being only an economic distinction we cannot ignore the quality, skill and dedication perception that tends to go along with it. The logic for this is that if someone can make a living doing photography or plumbing or whatever, they must be good at it. Likewise, if someone isn’t making a living doing those same tasks it must be because they aren’t good enough.
While this is most often true it is not an absolute. I’ve seen amateurs make photographs that make professionals jealous. I’ve also seen professional portfolios that are really just a group of technically well made but boring snapshots. In that particular case I’ve noticed the professional photographer was better at marketing than photography.
I think there are two reasons why we shouldn’t label ourselves as amateurs. First, the perceived quality/skill differences of amateur/professional already exist in our viewer’s mind. Think about it from the viewer’s perspective. A viewer might easily wonder why they should look at an amateur’s photos (with the connotation of being of lesser quality) when they can just as easily look at a professional’s photos. Also, they may think, “If the photographer considers his photography “amateurish” why should I think otherwise?” There is no need to unnecessarily put viewers in that mind set as they view your photos.
The Biggest Danger
Perhaps, the most dangerous aspect of the “truth in labeling” of being an amateur is that we begin to internalize the accompanying perceptions. It can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. Because we think we are not all that good we live up to that expectation and don’t do the work to be a good photographer. We stop trying and settle for “good enough”. After all, we’re just an amateur. This can easily become an insidious self-perception that will keep us from reaching our full potential. It’s one little word, but oh so powerful.
Words matter! The world is filled with naysayers and internet trolls. Don’t add to the cacophony by labeling yourself in a way that could limit your potential. Go forth with confidence. Prepare and do your work as a true professional would and the result will show in your photography.
All this is not say that this will make you a great and famous photographer. Am I as good as most professional photographers? No I am not, and it’s not even close. However, I am confident in my skills and I am constantly learning and getting better. After all, “I am a photographer!”
Leave A Comment And Share
What’s your truth in labeling? How do you describe yourself? Please leave a comment in the comment box below.
