hello, i am a photographer

I guess it’s a noob thing that I’m currently outgrowing, but it’s been a major issue for a while. Say you just met someone and they’re asking you about your occupation… or your hobby for that matter… or back up to the beginning of the conversation – how do you present yourself? For years now I’ve been struggling to reply “I’m Petar Neychev, and I’m a photographer.” Let alone say that you’re a professional photographer.

So it got me thinking – do I really consider myself one, do I underestimate the value of my photographs (that I find myself not worthy the title), or what is it?! When can one be defined as a photographer?

I suppose in the past, when fewer people could take more serious photographs it was somewhat clearer… Just a guess, correct me if I’m wrong. Today, however, given that everyone I know owns a camera of some sort – who is a photographer and who isn’t? Everyone who operates a still-image camera is a photographer. But then some people produce pictures, while others – photographs. So, “a photographer” ≠ “a photographer”.

One thing I’ve noticed is that whenever I define myself as a photographer it makes me realize the seriousness of doing this job. Thus, the mental note after this week’s ramble: don’t hesitate to call yourself a photographer and be ready to act like one.

What do  you think? Would you define yourself as a photographer? Share in the comments, I’m eager to know.

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ten things for free in 2011

Update: As of 11 Dec. the remaining offers have been closed because there is very little time left of 2011 to plan and execute these photo shoots. Still, if you’re interested in any of them – contact me and I’ll see what I can do for you.

WHAT: free photographer, photos for free, me work you enjoy… Call it as you wish – I’ll shoot for 10 of you absolutely for free throughout 2011. Two business promos/ads, two weddings, three family portraits, one personal portrait, two sport events. We’re talking “photo shoot”, not just a single photograph. You only get full res digital copies of the photographs (sorry, no prints).

WHERE: -undefined- (see info below)

WHY: because I enjoy doing things for free, because you like getting things for free, for inspiration’s sake

DETAILS: well, read on

HOW DO I GET IT: post your request in the comments area below

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