As photographers, we spend a lot of time learning technical skills – things like exposure, composition, and mastering our gear. These foundational skills are essential, but what happens when we’ve got them under our belt and we want to step into something more? Something deeper? That’s where the question of whether we can call ourselves artists comes in.
Emma Davis, one of our incredible instructors and mentors at Click Love Grow, touches on this idea of creativity being more than just the technical process of taking a picture. She beautifully describes how photography, for her, has evolved into a creative journey that taps into a much deeper part of her: “It’s about connecting thoughts, feelings, and memories. It’s not just about what you see in the image, but how you bring life and experiences into it.”
But let’s be real. Many of us struggle with calling ourselves artists. It feels uncomfortable, maybe even a little bit like we’re pretending. After all, there’s this external pressure to define ourselves in a certain way. We see photographers featured in galleries or magazines, and we wonder if we measure up. But here’s the thing, being an artist isn’t about fitting into someone else’s definition of success. It’s about embracing the creative process and giving yourself the confidence to say, I am an artist.
The Journey of Building Confidence
When Emma first started with photography, she wasn’t focused on creativity. She was caught up in the technicalities of the craft, especially with her early experiences in the darkroom using film. “There was definitely creativity,” she says, “but I was so focused on learning the fundamentals that I didn’t think too much outside the box.”
It wasn’t until she advanced her technical skills and really understood the nuances of light, something she learned in our Advanced Photography Course, that she started to feel a shift in her perspective. “I started seeing light in a different way – everywhere I went.” And this shift is key for many photographers. Once the technical knowledge is mastered, you can begin to embrace the freedom to experiment, explore, and tap into your own creative voice.
It’s not about waiting for the perfect moment or the perfect shot. As Emma said, creativity is about bringing your life experiences into your work. It’s about seeing the world differently and allowing your photos to reflect your unique perspective.
Calling Yourself an Artist
So, how do we get over the hump of calling ourselves an artist? A big part of it is letting go of the need for external validation. As Emma puts it, “You don’t need external validation to say, within myself, I am creative and I am an artist.”
This confidence to claim your creativity is the first step in creating a portfolio or body of work that represents who you are as an artist.
It’s also about embracing that creativity doesn’t always look the same. Emma’s journey started with writing,she was always good with words, but she never thought of herself as a visual artist until she picked up a camera. And even then, it took nearly 20 years before she could say confidently, I’m a photographer and I’m an artist.
We all have different creative outlets, and it’s okay to embrace them all. Maybe you started with photography but have a knack for writing, painting, or drawing. All these things feed into your creative identity, and it’s important to see them as part of the whole. You don’t need to limit yourself. You don’t need to fit into a box. You define what it means to be an artist.
Building Your Creative Portfolio
Once you’ve embraced that confidence, the next step is to start building your creative portfolio. Your portfolio isn’t just about showcasing technically perfect shots; it’s about showing your artistic vision, your style, and your journey. What do you want your work to say? What kind of emotions or stories do you want to evoke?
As you begin to build your body of work, don’t be afraid to experiment. Try new techniques. Break the rules.
Whether you’re experimenting with light, exploring different compositions, or capturing emotions in ways you never have before, your portfolio should reflect both your technical skills and your creativity. And that’s what will make it unique.
A creative portfolio is not just a collection of your best shots; it’s a collection of your growth, your perspective, and your journey as an artist. And that’s where the magic happens.
Creative Practices to Keep You Inspired
Emma also shared a few creative practices that help keep her inspired and avoid getting into creative ruts. One of the things she does is set a date with herself each week to pick up her camera and shoot something just for herself. It doesn’t matter what it is – whether it’s something as simple as dandelions growing outside her door or a quiet moment she sees in her everyday life. The point is, she gives herself the space to shoot without the pressure of it being for a client or project. This personal practice is what fuels her creativity and keeps her connected to her artistic self.
As photographers, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day technical side of things. But carving out time to create freely, without expectation, is essential for staying inspired and maintaining your creative spark.
Building the confidence to call yourself an artist isn’t about waiting for validation from others. It’s about stepping into your creative power and embracing your work with pride. And once you start creating from that place, your portfolio will naturally reflect the depth and richness of your artistic journey.
So, next time you pick up your camera, remember this: You are an artist. It’s time to own it, embrace it, and create the portfolio that reflects your unique creative voice.
Ready For A Creative Deep Dive?
In our new workshop 30 Days Of Creative Discovery, you can expect a deep dive into the creative process behind photography.
Led by Emma Davis, this workshop will explore how to connect with your inner artist, push beyond technical skills, and create meaningful, expressive work.
You’ll learn practical techniques to elevate your creativity, gain the confidence to call yourself an artist, and discover how to build a cohesive, creative portfolio.
Whether you’re looking to break free from creative ruts or expand your artistic range, this workshop will provide you with the tools and mindset to take your photography to new, exciting places.
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