Episode 004: What is a Photographer?

pho·tog·ra·pher (noun): a person who takes photographs

Me in 2017 with my little Olympus

Perspective - What is a Photographer

A while back on this lovely website called Twitter, where everyone seems to get along and respect each other's opinions, there was quite a debate about using automatic settings and who really is a photographer. For some reason, I had to chime in with my opinion, which is almost always a mistake on Twitter. However, it's a topic I want to revisit in a roundabout way.

I'm a firm believer that photography becoming more accessible to everyone has been a good thing. I believe that your gear, settings, knowledge, and skills do not make you a photographer. It's the intent behind the photo that matters the most, and that is what makes someone a "photographer." In the same way, a person can be a writer even when they only have a pen, paper, and an idea.

My point behind this topic isn't to spark another debate or anything like that. Instead, I'd like to offer you some perspective because what really bothered me behind this debate was how people were gatekeeping photography. It was this tone of talking down to someone who either didn't know how to do something or had the means to use better gear or shoot film. Shouldn't have to remind anyone, but photography is an expensive hobby or career in both time and money.

Making a broad assumption, but I assume most people start photography like me with a cheap body, plastic 50mm, and an interest in taking better pictures. In the beginning, I didn't know how to shoot manually unless it was Sunny 16, and I sorta knew what the Rule of Thirds was. Everything came later after taking thousands of bad photos and too many wasted rolls of film (it wasn't $20 a roll back then). I have a better understanding of how things work now, and I want to help people like I would have wanted when I started.

That's the meat and potatoes behind this topic. There is no need to talk down to anyone or put anyone down to make yourself look better. Our community would be better off if we freely shared knowledge and tried to help each other. I ask questions constantly, and I'm so thankful to those who help me out. When I come across someone with the same question, I help them. If you're reading this, you probably feel the same way too.

We all love photography, so let's help others find something they could love one day.

Contact Sheet - Neighborhood Finds

Yesterday I decided to get out of the house for a bit and see if I could find something interesting. They are doing a lot of building by my house, so I rode through this neighborhood next to mine. I couldn't believe this scene I came across with this old truck and car. It felt like it came right out of a movie. The only problem was it cloudy but also bright out if that makes sense. It gave these this fall look even though it's not the look I was going for when I took them.

I'm going to go back later when it's early morning because the sun should be coming from the other way. The only problem I can see coming is the sun will put a shadow on the car in the driveway in the morning light. Also, there was a guy cutting trees next door. He told me the owner had another classic car but wasn't home when I went there. Hopefully, I can get some different looks when I go back. Pretty happy with how these turned out for now though.

These are all taken with the FujiFilm X-T4 and 35mm f/1.4 lens with a 10% Cinebloom filter.

Artist in Focus - Sterling Lewis

I've been following Sterling Lewis for years and never get tired of seeing his work. Sterling goes by @SteezySterling on Twitter and @undergroundshots on Instagram. He is a film and FujiFilm photographer from Brooklyn, New York.

I love the way he photographs New York City and all the classic cars he finds. His photographs have a nostalgic look to them from the mix of scenes and the film characteristics. If you like the two photos below, check out his work. I think you'll enjoy it.

Two Hour Radio - Mary J. Blige

I have had Mary J. Blige's "Mary Jane (All Night Long) on repeat all week. That got me on a feel-good music kick with some Weldon Irvine, Chaka Khan, and Luther Vandross. It is hard to feel bad with music like that playing. I hope this passes along those good vibes to you.

If you like that, check this out too:

Developing News - We Got Mail

We finally got some mail, yay! My friend Lachlan Schipke has a new zine coming out called Colourful Mundane. Even though "color" is spelled wrong (joking of course), it looks awesome. You can find more information on his website here: https://eatthetoastphotography.com

Check out a preview of Colurful Mundane, and if you have a project or zine you'd like to share, let me know.

Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear from you in the comments and feel free to share this if you’d like. I would greatly appreciate it.

Love y’all,

Jason