You’re A Photographer, But Are You An Artist?

Are you an Artist? Are you familiar with American photographer Roger Ballen or his work? If not, you should be. Do you think before you shoot? This and 7 thoughts from world-renowned artist Roger Ballen on what the differences are between the way an artist sees life and the ways many photographers view the world.  These are Ballen’s own judgement criteria on how to answer that elusive question about self doubts a lot of  photographers face, “Are you an artist?”

1.) Do you ponder the work of others?

2.) Can you redefine your understanding of the meanings behind words?

3.) Do you see strong complex visual relationships?

4.) Are you fully aware that every moment is crucial and cannot be repeated?

5.) Can you travel deep inside yourself to create a good picture, leaving a pice of yourself in each photo?

6.) Are you able to look a little deeper by letting go, and going further inside?

7.) Can you confront your own fears?

According to Roger Ballen, if you can answer in the affirmative to any of the questions above, you may be an artist.

An artist is a being who’s spirit, mind, and intellect thrives with the energy to express it into physical form (any form!), well-being is wrapped up in this need; signs of depression appear when expression of ideas are denied or suppressed; feeling intense motivation to manifest the extraordinary; being an inspiration; state of practicing the art of living; skilled at a particular task or occupation; possessing a need to bring art to others; one who thrives with and by using their imagination.

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