So I’m blogging from Camp Shuttersisters. I wish I could describe to you the gratitude that I feel for having been blessed with the opportunity to be here. Tracey Clark has created such an amazing community with Shutter Sisters and now to have created this event where we can all come together… It’s kind of beyond words.
There is one word though that we had a bit of a chat about over lunch: photographer. I rarely, if ever, call myself a photographer. That’s a word for someone… else. Someone with more skills, more experience, more photos, more range, just… more. I was surprised but not to find that many of my lunch companions felt the same way. They describe themselves as someone who “does” photography or, like me with some kind of stammering um, I, uh, I take pictures. There was a general reluctance to claim the word photographer as our own. Now, I’ve seen and admired most of these women’s work. They are photographers. Good ones. So today, over lunch we gave each other permission to own, to claim and to really be photographers. Somehow with their permission it seems and ok thing to do.
I’m a photographer (heh, ok, not gonna lie. It’s still a little weird).
I’m a photographer.
I’m a photographer.
I'm Debra and this is where I come to share my creative pursuits and to dump some of the many thoughts swirling around in my brain. I'm a lover of words and pictures and I aspire to create beauty and inspiration with both.
You must certainly are. Just look at those images! I’ve also struggled with the label, but have been trying it on for size the past few months. It feels kinda good.
Deb, You are most definitely a photographer but I recognise the doubt and reticence you are talking about. I felt like a fraud to claim that word but slowly, in spring this year I finally tentatively started to articulate that I am a writer. I still feel embarrassed about saying that but it eases slowly.
and a damn good one too! I feel the same way about Writer (like Meg above) but there’s some incredible power to claiming your passion…
You so are! And I totally hear you and feel it all over this post. Much love, from one photographer to another
As I sit here at Gate 51A in SFO, I pondered this very question while reminiscing about the past few days. Yes…we ARE photographers and damn proud of it!! Say hi to Sally for me
Yes. You are. Amazing time at camp…I am so glad to have shared it with you.
Laura B.
You ARE a photographer, and rightfully so.
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