A colleague of mine posted this on her blog and gave me permission to share it with you. I thanked her for putting into words so perfectly!

I can use a hammer but it doesn’t make me a builder.

I can use a thread and needle but it doesn’t make me a seamstress.

I am able to take a pulse but it doesn’t make me a doctor.

I am able to listen but it doesn’t make me a psychologist.

I own scissors but it doesn’t make me a hairdresser.

I can help my kids with their homework but it doesn’t make me a teacher.

I can make my family dinner but it doesn’t make me a chef.

I can wrap an ankle but it doesn’t make me a athletic trainer.

Just because you own a camera, that doesn’t make you a photographer.

You can take a snapshot outside but you don’t understand lighting.

You can try and pose someone but find it’s harder than it looks.

You take hundreds of “pictures” only to get one or two good ones.

You own photoshop but can only use it to fix your mistakes.

 

We live in the greatest country in the world... America. Everyone has the right to own their own business and everyone is in control of their own destiny. However, do not

call yourself a photographer, or open a photography business, if you do not understand light control, posing, retouching, image enhancement, customer service, business laws, or your equipment. Using the “P” setting on the camera does not mean “professional”. Photographing your subject outdoors on vintage furniture does not make it cool. Lens flare, out of focus images, and blown out highlights does not make it art.

Our studio like her's receives calls of regret.... regret that they went to a “photographer” to save a few dollars. I am saddened by the people who say, “I wish I would have went to a real professional studio and now its too late.

 

I can manipulate light, I am a photographer.

I can create sets and backgrounds, I am a photographer.

I understand color harmony, I am a photographer.

I can pose someone in flattering ways, I am a photographer.

I am able to use my manual settings on my camera, I am a photographer.

I can see lighting outside, I am a photographer.

I can use photoshop to enhance my images, I am a photographer.

I own a camera and I really am a Professional Photographer.