Your photography, to whatever level, do you consider yourself as taking a photo, or making one?

I heard a story that some American Indians didn’t like being photographed because they felt the cameraman was taking their soul away. I have no idea if that story is true or not. But it’s an entertaining story.

As a professional photographer of 35 years self employed, I’m a bit insulted when someone asks what I take pictures of. I understand there is no insult intended. But I quickly let them know that I make photographs. The subject I shoot doesn’t give me anything to take. I only take away what I make of the scene. Certainly another photographer in the exact situation would make or take away something entirely different, suited to their vision.

I can understand how a phone camera tog might think they are taking a picture. Perhaps they are. But I set up tripod, adjust exposure and focus manually, set white balance and ISO, all for just the image sampling. Then I’ll do the darkroom or computer to finish making the image in final form for publication. This all occurs after scouting the location, hiring models, stylists, and having a preproduction meeting to discuss the purpose of the shot.

Do you take or make pictures?

And just for interest, what to you like to take/make photos of?