Do you ever wonder about that saying, “To think therefore I am?” This phrase was first expressed in French by René Descartes, a 17th century French philosopher, as “je pense donc je suis”. It’s much like picking up a camera for the first time and starting to take pictures over and over and trying to improve. One focuses (no pun intended) on the art of photography learning to master the camera, how to see things and translate them into images or even to post process an image. We are constantly thinking photography and therefore are becoming photographers.
In my social media existence I’ve seen people ask, “am I a photographer?” or “am I a real photographer?” or “am I good enough to be called a photographer?” and many iterations of the same question. To me, if you are conveying your emotions through photography you ARE a photographer. Putting a quantitative value on conveying emotions is impossible in my opinion, and after all…isn’t that what it’s all about? We see something compelling and we want to share that feeling whatever it may be.
I think I’m a photographer….no wait, I AM a photographer!
Morning Glory
Should you wish to purchase this image, please click here.
December 5, 2015 at 8:06 am
You are a photographer. And a bloody good one 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 8:08 am
Thank you Alex. 🙂 I’m so thankful to be here and to have my hobby!!
December 5, 2015 at 8:15 am
I am just starting to be really interested in photography, because I ruined my hands making jewelry, and I have to have an artistic outlet that is easier on my body parts. I used to just post other people’s photos, and then I started with my own, but now I feel I can only post really good ones, and I do not have very many of those. I see so much great photography on WordPress (like yours) that now I feel embarrassed to post anything that is sub-par. I am not sure how I can get over this feeling.
December 5, 2015 at 8:29 am
Hi Carol. I’m so glad you posted. I had a similar issue with the piano. I have nerve damage in my right hand and cannot play anymore. It was my hobby since I was 4. I took up photography 5 years ago and in the last 2 years I’ve gotten more into it. Please don’t EVER feel sub-par! Everyone is on a learning curve and I fear it never ends lol. I look back at photos I took even 6 months ago and don’t like them. I’m glad you’re here and please post away! Be proud of the steps you’ve made because after all, that’s what feels so good. 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 8:17 am
Simply beautiful.
December 5, 2015 at 8:27 am
Thank you! 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 8:34 am
I appreciate your perspective on photography, the artistic expression, the encouragement and especially your talent. This is a stunning image Laura. I can feel the slight breeze, hear the sea birds and waves crashing below. I can feel the soft sponge-like ground cover beneath my feet and my breath beginning to slow to the rhythm of our beautiful mother earth. That is a gift, thank you for sharing!
December 5, 2015 at 9:58 am
Wow thank you so much for this poetic comment, Carrie. 🙂 I really appreciate it. 🙂 I think it’d be fun to go take photos with you SOME day! I’m hoping we drive up there sometime this coming year. We have a couple of trips already scheduled though, so it might be later in the year. I’d love to do springtime though!
December 5, 2015 at 10:28 am
When ever you can get here will be when it is supposed to happen! I am so thankful you are still considering it. The longer you wait the more places I have to take you 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 12:38 pm
That’s a great way to look at it, thank you. 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 8:39 am
Wow. Just at the right time. Every so often I tend to doubt my abilities and do ask myself whether or not I should continue thinking of myself as a photographer. There are so many people- sometimes it feels like too many people- who have more talent, are more creative, more knowledgeable. And yet, this “hobby” gives me so much pleasure. Thanks, Laura!
December 5, 2015 at 9:47 am
I’m so glad this came at the right time for you. It’s amazing how things like that happen in life y’know? Synchronicity at it’s best! I love your art and the way you see and post process things….even if I miss a lot in the reader.
December 5, 2015 at 8:53 am
Gorgeous photograph!
December 5, 2015 at 9:49 am
Thank you so much Cindy!
December 5, 2015 at 8:58 am
You certainly are – no doubt about it – and in the same breath an artist who shows us the world through her beautiful vision. 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 9:49 am
What a beautiful comment to read Andrew, thank you so much! 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 9:50 am
My pleasure Laura. Have a great weekend
December 5, 2015 at 9:51 am
Thank you, you too. 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 9:51 am
What you call yourself, or what others call you is of no importance if you got a real sense of joy when you took Morning Glory or if you get that same sense of joy when you take a look at it from time to time.
December 5, 2015 at 9:53 am
That is very true Charlie. I agree with this as well. You would not believe the conversations about whether one is a photographer or not. It’s mind boggling!
December 5, 2015 at 10:13 am
Oh YES; you are!!! (and back in my reader!!! 😉 )
December 5, 2015 at 12:36 pm
Thank you! Twice!!
December 5, 2015 at 10:19 am
Beautiful art.
December 5, 2015 at 12:36 pm
Thank you Sherry. 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 10:24 am
“There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so”. William Shakespeare, supposedly.
Since we all think you are a good photographer….well, yes, of course you are. We all can see thatl.
If one must ask oneself that question, then one might not be quite where one might want to be. For example, I don’t question my ability to take a good photo, not that I always do. I’m not always where I want to be.
☺
December 5, 2015 at 12:37 pm
Oh, that’s another good point Robert. Within the category of photographer is the desire to be at a certain level…at least for me. I’m never satisfied because I’m always wanting to improve. Thank you for that.
December 6, 2015 at 5:57 am
Yes, continue to improve while recognizing your level of competence. 😊
December 6, 2015 at 7:39 am
Awareness!! Thanks Robert. 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 11:27 am
Your photos are tangible proof to anyone who sees them that you are a WONDERFUL photographer!
December 5, 2015 at 12:39 pm
Sheepishly I say a huge THANK YOU!!!!
December 5, 2015 at 11:50 am
I want to go to there! Awesome photo love the mood.
YES, I AM in front of anything makes it so.
December 5, 2015 at 12:39 pm
If you ever come here, let me know! Just keep thinking it and you will be. 🙂 Thank you Steve.
December 5, 2015 at 11:52 am
Well said.
December 5, 2015 at 12:39 pm
Thanks Victor. 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 1:26 pm
Laura, I think a photographer is someone who must take pictures, just as a writer must write. Neither has to have an audience–but the joy is doubled when there’s applause. You inspire me. Loud claps for your picture, friend.
Blessings ~ Wendy
December 5, 2015 at 1:49 pm
That’s true. It’s the inner drive that propels us to do what we do isn’t it. Thank you for the loud claps Wendy. 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 1:56 pm
wow, just wow truly stunning shot Laura
December 5, 2015 at 1:59 pm
Thank you so much. 🙂 What a morning out there. Mother Nature is just amazing!!
December 5, 2015 at 4:47 pm
You certainly are a photographer – wow! I always thought I was a writer until a magazine published my photograph. It was good but not exceptional. The subject matter was important.
December 5, 2015 at 5:12 pm
Congrats on the publication! And thank you. 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 5:15 pm
Most welcome. 🙂
December 5, 2015 at 6:02 pm
to be or not to be a photographer….that is the question.
December 6, 2015 at 7:31 am
That IS! Great comment.
December 5, 2015 at 8:07 pm
You are. I think we all have self-doubts (some good articles on “imposter syndrome” – not saying that you have a syndrome) 😉one good one I read was that Toni Morrison had that feeling about her writing… Anyway, Laura, with a landscape image like the one you’ve presented here…you are a good photographer!
December 6, 2015 at 7:38 am
I do agree about the self-doubt. It’s part of my life anyway since I was a child. Always feeling like I’m never good enough. Photography is a way for me to break that cycle and celebrate my accomplishments. Interesting about Ms. Morrison. Thank you Jane. 🙂
December 6, 2015 at 7:56 am
We have all been there. The good news is that it keeps us striving to grow in our craft.
December 5, 2015 at 11:59 pm
Thank you Laura for lifting my spirit!
December 6, 2015 at 8:06 pm
Why thank you for the visit!
December 6, 2015 at 5:06 am
I like you philosophical approach to photography. I photograph, therefor I am a photographer. As simple as that. In addition to the great text you have added a great photograph. Beautifully captured with beautiful light and colours.
December 6, 2015 at 8:05 pm
Thank you so much Otto. Coming from you who has th best of both worlds in his blog, I really appreciate the encouraging comment!
December 6, 2015 at 9:34 am
Well said
December 6, 2015 at 2:33 pm
Thanks much 🙂
December 6, 2015 at 10:29 am
I think this holds for different media of artistic expression. I recently spoke to a woman who paints (a beginner and a great talent). She hedged when somebody used the word “artist” “No, not really, I am not an artist, not yet anyways….”
I couldn’t believe it and pointed to her art work. “Did you do that?”
“Yes.”
“Well, then you are an artist!”
She smiled.
What is it in our human nature that holds us back and makes us too shy to embrace the talents we have?
And then there is a much smaller percentage of people who think they are much better and much more talented than they really are (I could name some names related to the political race right now :-)). But that’s another story altogether.
December 6, 2015 at 2:35 pm
I’m not sure the percentage of people who think they are much better than they are is so small lol. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. :-). I love the encouragement you gave your friend. Sometimes we just need to hear it because you’re right. We are shy to embrace our talents. And OMG. Please dear god do not let that person get elected!!!!
December 6, 2015 at 4:32 pm
Ah, so you know who I am talking about 🙂 There are already jokes about illegal immigration to Canada should that happen….I’d be among them.
December 6, 2015 at 7:48 pm
I have a relative who did that except he’s in the states more than 50% of the time LOL.
December 6, 2015 at 2:23 pm
I find myself entranced with this image!! Not only did you capture such awesomeness, but how you delivered the editing process blows me away! I really LOVE this one, Laura. I cannot tell you how long I stared at this just drawn into what you created. Thank you for sharing. I also agree with you on your thoughts about being a photographer. An artist, which a photographer most definitely is, expresses the emotions through the medium of art, be it music, painting, dancing, sketching, or photography. Isn’t that the point? How lost this world would be if there were no art. IMO. Absolutely lovely post!!! ❤
December 6, 2015 at 2:38 pm
Yay! I’m glad you liked the post and the image. I’m trying to step it up in the writing arena. It’s not easy for me that’s for sure. It’s easier for my photos to speak for me but I enjoy the challenge. Thank you m’dear. 🙂
December 6, 2015 at 2:42 pm
Laura, I think you write very well!!! Just keep on practicing and I promise it will get easier. The post you read over at Petals … before I wrote it I had NO clue how to pull all those photos together, so I just sat down and started writing, thinking of how that walk went. And so it went. I will be your biggest cheerleader for you to keep on writing!!! YAY!!!!! (((HUGS))) Amy ❤
December 6, 2015 at 3:45 pm
That gives me a boost of confidence, thank you! I will admit my writing of my blogs was kind of lacking before. It was more like…here is where we went, you can read about it here and that was it. I’m trying to make it a bit more interesting so thank you for supporting me!
December 6, 2015 at 4:15 pm
You are SO welcome. I see your potential. All you have to do is prune a little, till the soil a bit, fertilize, dig out any weeds you find, and keep on caring for that talent so she blooms and blossoms in ways unimagined. You have got what it takes, Laura. I just “sense” it. ❤ ❤ ❤
December 6, 2015 at 7:47 pm
Thank you! 🙂
December 6, 2015 at 2:31 pm
Your photos are an inspiration therefore, in my book, you definitely are. The light in this is awesome – in the original sense of the word.
December 6, 2015 at 2:39 pm
Wow thank you. I’m so glad people like what I saw in this image which is the light. 🙂
December 6, 2015 at 4:22 pm
that one is REALLY good!
December 6, 2015 at 7:48 pm
Thanks so much Robert. 🙂
December 7, 2015 at 5:27 pm
You definitely are a photographer! Love this morning glory. 🙂
December 7, 2015 at 7:07 pm
Thank you Amy. It was an incredible morning! In all its glory. 😜
December 20, 2015 at 4:13 pm
……….and creating an image like this: You are an artist too!
December 20, 2015 at 4:35 pm
Aw thank you!!
April 17, 2016 at 7:06 am
Beautiful colours, great pic!!