In my early years as a photographer trying to find myself, I struggled with this question. I was always aware that I was in the business of creating images for clients, but there was something about it that felt like a service job.
As a photographer, you are not only creating an image for someone else but also telling a story about them and their life. That’s more creativity centered right?
Although, I had to ask myself why this is so important for me as a photographer. Why does it matter to me that my clients feel understood by their images? How can I make sure they feel seen, beautiful, understood, and heard? Why does it matter that the whole process satisfies my clients?
I believe that photography is a true creative act because it requires both an understanding of the human experience and an ability to create something new from it. This means that storytelling is central to being a photographer.
On the other hand, the importance of customer satisfaction in the practice of photography highlights it as a service job.
Read on to find out my perception as to whether photography is a creative job or a service job.
What Does a Photographer Do?
In order to understand the answer to this question, it is important to clearly spell out what makes one a photographer.
Photography is an art form. A photographer takes pictures of people, places, and things that people want to see.
My favorite description of photography is ‘showing the world what you see when you look through your lens’.
A picture might be beautiful and touching, it might be disturbing, but it must be something that people want to see.
The job of a photographer is to take pictures that enhance people’s lives by capturing them doing what they love doing in an exciting way. Summarily, photographers are artists who use their creativity to capture something in a way that will make other people feel something.
Photography as a Job Versus Photography as a Hobby
Photography has become an industry that is filled with jobs and careers. Many people start out as hobbyists, but eventually they turn their hobby into a job.
Photography as a Job
A photography career can be very lucrative for those who choose to work in the industry. As a hobbyist, you may not be able to make much money from your photography. However, as an employee, owner of a photography studio or even as a freelancer, you can make a lot of money.
Photography as a job is the act of rendering your creativity to others as a service.
If you have the skills and experience needed to take good photos, this could become your full or part-time job!
Photography as a Hobby
While photography is great for making money in the short term (especially if you’re in need of extra cash), it’s important to remember that photography is not just about making money.
It’s also about taking pictures and sharing those pictures with others. This is the creative aspect of photography.
Whether you’re using your phone or using something more advanced like an DSLR (digital single-lens reflex camera) or an iPhone camera – taking pictures is always fun!
To be Continued in PART 2…..