Perspective on Photography: Amateur or Aficionado?

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Which are you? At first glance, you might think amateur all the way, right? That’s what Janice at 5 Minutes for Mom said about her skills. Most of us would probably agree (about ourselves, that is!). Unless you’ve been paid or have taken a few photography courses, we often feel like amateurs when it comes to taking photos.

But would you like to call yourself an aficionado? Is that too lofty a title to use when describing your skill? I don’t think so and this is why…

Dictionary-lovin’ girl that I am, I looked up both words. Here’s what I found:

Amateur:

somebody who does or takes part in something for pleasure rather than for pay
somebody who has only limited skill in, or knowledge of, an activity
somebody who loves or is greatly interested in something

Aficionado

somebody who is enthusiastic and knowledgeable about something
a devotee (Encarta¬Æ World English Dictionary ¬© 1999 Microsoft Corporation)

Well what do you know…I take part in photography for pleasure, not pay. I have a great interest in photography and limited skill. And I also am very enthusiastic about it and more knowledgeable than the average joe, I think. Definitely a devotee. I think I might qualify as both an amateur and aficionado. Is that possible? If the dictionary says so, who I am to disagree? What about you? Where do you fit?

For those who could use a little more knowledge to qualify themselves as a photography aficionado, you can read some great tips from Darren Rowse of ProBlogger from his recent article 10 Tips for Photographing Babies brought to you by way of Janice at 5 Minutes for Mom.

And if you’re in the mood for some adorable baby photos, check out mine below before you head off to see more at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Big Brown Eyes: Those eyes make me smile.

Yes, Mom: Are you talking to me?

Learning to Smile: Who knew it could be so hard?

technorati Perspective on Photography: Amateur or Aficionado? technorati tags: Photography, Photography Tips, Babies, Carnivals

19 Comments August 14, 2006

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/blog Darren

Great shots! Thanks for the link.
http://jodis-thoughts.blogspot.com/ Jodi

What beautiful brown eyes he has!
http://mommy-at-home.blogspot.com/ Michelle

He is gorgeous! You are going to have to watch our for him and the ladies when he gets older. I love the one where he is learning to smile. How cute!
I also participated in this; so check out my post. Have a great day!
http://lilduckduck.com MamaDuck

I love it, so beautiful! Thanks for sharing!
http://www.5minutesformom.com Janice

I am definitely both too! What fun to look them up – good idea!
Your boy is sooooo darn cute – what great shots
Thanks for the link
http://makingthingsup.blogspot.com Melissa

LOOK at those big brown eyes! Oh. SOOOO. Cute.
http://five-time-mom.blogspot.com five

I adore the last one. He is a cutie pie…
Laurel

Aww…. what adorable pictures!! That one of him trying to smile would make such a cute layout!!
(and count me in for your drawing, too, please )
http://pinkdiary808.com Kailani

Oh my, just look at his adorable head of hair! What a happy child!
http://klraisldreamings.blogspot.com Karmyn R

He is adorable! AND – I just got through checking out your website RealWomenScrap – what a wonderful site! It was relaxing, pleasant to the eyes and ears. I really enjoyed it – especially the music….PLEASE tell me, who was that artist?
OH – I will be buying your book. When does it officially go on sale?
http://flipflopmamma.blogspot.com flipflopmamma

Oh man, what a cutie! My 9 year old has the big brown eyes and curly hair like that! Thanks for stopping by my site!! Yours is great! I’m gonna bookmark it!
http://eph2810.com eph2810

Awesome pictures and what an adorable child you have …
I am more an amateur with passion. Does that count? I love taking pictures. I have a gazillion pictures of our son, but they are pre-digital age. I am still looking for a great scanner…Now, I take pictures of flowers and landscape.
http://susannesspace.blogspot.com Susanne

Love the learning to smile pic! How cute is he!
http://www.baileyandsophie.blogspot.com Trisha

Such a cutie!! I especially love the learning to smile picture.
http://and-then-there-were-four.blogspot.com Jay

He is so adorable!! I agree, those brown eyes are heart melting!!
http://camys-loft.blogspot.com/ Camy Tang

Those pictures are so great! He’s so cute!
Camy
http://www.thewhippoorwillchronicles.com Sissy B.

Love the photos! I found your site via Wordless Wednesday…I love it!! Putting you on my sidebar so I don’t lose you in the blogosphere
http://CallapidderDays.blogspot.com Katrina

What an adorable smile! Love it!
http://tasramar.com/2010/01/the-greater-the-struggle-the-more-glorious-the-triumph/ The Greater the Struggle… the More Glorious the Triumph | tasra mar | transform

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