THE CREATive ARTist: Are you a photographer?

by Jay Smith
(Illinois)

Like an artist uses his brush or a musician uses their instrument, we use our cameras, and whether some agree or not . . . we are all artists. Photography is a form of art a continuously growing one at that. We all have access to cameras these days - look at just about every phone and you’ll find a camera on it. Does that mean the person knows how to use that particular camera? does it that make them an award winning photographer? does that mean they are a “photographer?”

I hear a lot of people calling themselves a photographer, so what makes a person a photographer? Is it because they have a camera and can point and shoot? Does that make a person a photographer? I will set aside my opinion and leave to those who read this to develop what they believe a photographer is.

*I lied, I do not believe that a person who simply just points and shoots to be a photographer* Being a photographer takes time. It takes practice, it takes learning, it takes creativeness, and takes more than just pointing and shooting.

Alright, one of those things I mentioned was being creative. I interrupt the world in the form of a picture. When I am out, I am constantly scanning and picking out what would make a good image or not. If I have my camera on me I will stop and take it. The bottom line is I am always seeking out an image.

The image above was taken while at an art exhibit here in Central Illinois. I noticed that right outside of the facility was a cafe and the tables and chairs were all locked together. I took out my macro lens and took the image at an angle, aiming to use that for more creativity.

Helpful tip: Learn to see shapes, designs, and colors.

This image: The story goes that I was at an exhibit, like most times, I have my camera with me, and with that said . . I wanted to take advantage of the downtown scene. It was around St. Patrick day and new that the town would me lit up. I walked out of the art gallery and notice this collection of chairs. I try to visualize whether or not an image will look good hanging on a wall. In this case, I could see this image in a cafe or hanging in a location that is like a coffee shop.