Parity and Photography

[rockpics]

I'd like to state for the record that while being a female who is able to attend to her children at home is indeed a priviledge, it does not per se indicate a lack of intelligence or talent, especially as relates to the field of photography. I have seen many photos slammed as "just snap-shots" that my *mom* could have taken.

Could it be that a woman who has shepherded children through grade school spelling bees and multiplication tables, who has gotten children past the poisonous peer politics of middle school, who has monitored high school high jinks and gotten in the face of her adolescents when need be, and has seen her children graduate, get paying jobs and find appropriate spouses is also a competent photographer? Well, yes!

[donlfaulkner]

Motherhood is the toughest job of all. I doubt there is, or ever was, a man who can handle the job.

[Imagebuffet]

Unless Mom has training or unusual talent, she is just like anyone else who picks up a camera. Usually, that means not all that good at photography.

[ChristopherCoy]

Originally Posted by rockpics

I have seen many photos slammed as "just snap-shots" that my *mom* could have taken.

I'm confused. What insults you more... that the photos are just snap shots? Or that my mom could have taken them?

[Dobick]

one of the greatest photographers to ever operate a camera was a mother

Dorothea Lange - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Concisus Cognatus]

Hmmm?

As I see it there are 2 routes to becoming a "Professional" in the photography business. There is the education to acquire all of the technical aspects of the profession, then putting your newfound knowledge to practice. Keep practicing until you have found your style and shooting has become second nature. At this point your photos garner admiration and requests for your talent.

Route 2 I believe is someone who picks up a camera starts snapping and wakes up one day to find they have a creative eye. This route too can take one to the point of being in demand to shoot photographs. Thus, being labeled as a professional.

Consequently, yes a mom, joe-blow, etc. can attain a degree of professionalism provided they are born with the talent or develop it within themselves through education and experience.