If you are asking yourself this question, the answer is yes. Anybody who snaps an image, whether it be from your smartphone or professional camera, should be considered a photographer. The real question is, when should I consider myself a “professional”? The truth is simple: You must self-identify yourself as a professional photographer whenever you think you are ready for that title. It is not a title that is embraced after a certain number of years or after a certain number of photoshoots.

Certainly, working full-time as a photographer adds credibility to the “professional photographer” title, but it really isn’t essential in order to self identify as a professional. In order to be considered a professional, in any industry, I would say that the most important thing to do is fail drastically more than a handful of times. I say this because failure is the pathway to success. In order to become a successful photographer, you must learn the art of overcoming unforeseen obstacles. An experienced photographer is one who is unafraid of things going terribly wrong. Confidence in the unknown is essential to growing as a photographer, and that only happens through failure.

Whether you just bought your first camera and have yet to go out and take photos, have been shooting for a couple of years and have some photoshoots under your belt, or have been shooting consistently for decades now, let this post be a reminder to you that you are indeed a photographer. You are a photographer that makes mistakes. A photographer that will always have room for growth. A photographer that does not let a failed project stop them from going back out there and trying again. Do not be afraid of making mistakes in the field, because it is those very mistakes that help you grow into a more seasoned professional.

If you have a camera, which everyone basically does now adays, you are a photographer. Let your ambition and creativity lead you to grow into a professional photographer. Anybody can pick up a camera and take an image, but few can take the time to stop and create an amazing photograph.