One of the issues I have with the world of amateur photography on the Internet is the fact that there is not a clear way to tell whether the photographer behind a particular website considers photography as more than just an hobby to kill time with on weekends. Many will argue that the very term “amateur” implies leisure, but I refuse to accept the idea that one can take photography seriously only if one plans to pursue a career out of it. Just look at the recently discovered street photographer Vivian Maier. She never made any money off of her work in her lifetime, but was a really passionate photographer who was constantly taking pictures.
Not just a hobby
One of the issues I have with the world of amateur photography on the Internet is the fact that there is not a clear way to tell whether the photographer behind a particular website considers photography as more than just an hobby to kill time with on weekends. Many will argue that the very term “amateur” implies leisure, but I refuse to accept the idea that one can take photography seriously only if one plans to pursue a career out of it. Just look at the recently discovered street photographer Vivian Maier. She never made any money off of her work in her lifetime, but was a really passionate photographer who was constantly taking pictures.