I really think that anyone can take a photo of something…
i.e. a bunny
or a bird…
these are both excellent photos of a bunny and a bird but for me it’s not really photography.
let me explain
I remember watching this amazing nature photographer talk about this issue when he said: “anyone can take a picture of a polar bear, but it’s just a static image, no context”. In order to have a compelling image the bear needs to have some interesting context.
From day one I didn’t want to be just taking photos of ‘things’ I wanted to make ‘art’.
I watched a Netflix show about these people doing scary stuff on the top of very high buildings. skywalkers
When he meets a girl doing similar stuff, they end up meeting and falling in love. He says: “I was just taking photos of myself on the top of buildings, but when I met her, she was making art”.
Since the advent of mobile phones, everyone is now a photographer, and the need for professional photography is no longer needed. I’m not a purist at all, but I used to be when I first started. Now I like Instagram just as much as the next person.
Gavin.
Noir 
Good post, I can related to that, treading in the area between photos, I took quite a lot of them, some good, and drawing, painting and sketching digitally, as for this case on top of skycrapers, nice shot but I would be totally scared to be there taking it…:D
Yes. I have vertigo so not a place for me either.
There is still integrity in photography and a phone will never compair to a camera and the eye behind it. The photo of her in the sky is provacative but I wouldn’t consider it a great photo, it’s an object. Guess I’m still a bit of a purest. 🙂
Agreed. Not a great photo.
Great post Gavin. What is a purist?
Someone who doesn’t think mobile phone photos are photography. Or anything that doesn’t meet up to some standard of that they think is pure photography.
Agree with you Gavin, there’s nothing that compares to what happens when skill with a good quality camera meets creativity ✨️
Thanks
I don’t usually point out typos in other people’s posts – we all make them and it seems rude… BUT … your one reveals something that I think is very poignant: “professional photography is no lover needed” … you started your post writing that the context (more than the subject) is what makes a great photo, and then you followed up with an anecdote about lovers finding each other and revealing the difference between snapshots and art-shots… but you concluded by noting that you enjoy Insta as much as the next person… as such, your post had a lovely narrative arc. At the end of the day – we are creative because we find a love within ourselves that is fulfilling: “no lover needed”.
Keep posting your insight… Linda xox
Thanks so much.
I’m actually dyslexic so writing is particularly difficult for me.
I really appreciate this. G
I would never have guessed – you put in just the right amount of words to support your post and let the images do most of the talking! L x
The big difference is taking a snapshot and creating art. Art speaks to more than a friend or colleague. Art resonates with those outside your circle.
Thank you.