You Are Not a Photographer
[by Thomas Werner]
You are a producer, casting agent, editor, retoucher, creative director, manager, businessperson, curator, creative partner, educator and art director. You are a social media manager, pr person, advertiser, filmmaker, videographer, relationship manager, student, activist, and more….
I can hear people thinking, well, that is what a photographer is….no, these are just skill sets that you apply to being a photographer. A photographer takes pictures, creates imagery in some form, the other skills are what you apply to your art or business to make your self more successful. If your business is slow, or if you want to diversify, they are skills that you can apply to other fields, or other aspects of photography and your business. We frequently have the skills that we need to make a change, we just don’t recognize them, or how they fit together to make our businesses and ourselves more successful.
You are not a photographer, it may be the most important and enjoyable thing that you do, but it is only one part of what you can do.
Thomas Werner is a Curator, Educator and Lecturer. His new program “Rethinking Your Business” is an evening with photographers that helps them redefine themselves and their businesses. You can find out more about Thomas and his projects at Thomas Werner Projects on Facebook.com
3 Responses to 'You Are Not a Photographer'
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great post
Most photographers are self employed and struggle to take on staff for the areas they may be poor in.
Another photographer once said to me if you are the receptionist, the accountant, the sales manager, digital artist and cleaner what time does that leave you to do photography!
Hi Brian,
The point is that most photographers have a larger skill set than they are aware of. I am not saying that you should do everything yourself, not at all. I am saying that in this time when many need to diversify it is good to know that you have other skills that are valuable!
The best of luck to you!
Thomas