Artist is an uncomfortable word. 

Not because there’s anything inherently wrong with it, necessarily, but because it’s loaded with pretension. Or at least, that’s how it can feel.

It gives us the ick. To call ourselves artists can feel like we’re placing far too much importance on what we do. Is there another word more likely to bring on a bout of imposter syndrome? 

Most of the time, we’re just a bunch of middle-aged men (mostly) who like to dick about with cameras in our spare time. That’s the story we tell ourselves, anyway. It’s safer. It keeps our feet on the ground. And it neatly sidesteps the awkwardness of taking our own work too seriously.

But what would happen if we learned to embrace the word, rather than shy away from it?

What is Art, Anyway?

Ask ten people what art is, and you’ll get at least eleven different answers.

Part of the reason the answers vary so wildly is that art isn’t one thing. It could be a Turner hanging in a gallery, or it could be a jazz standard played on a kazoo.

One thing we can all agree on is that art is subjective. And therein lies the problem. Labelling something as art has a tendency to elevate it — turning the subjective into something that feels objective, as though there’s a bare minimum level of ‘competency’ you have to reach before you’re allowed to use the word.

But almost by definition, there is no such thing as universally good art or bad art. There is only art, and our personal response to it.

Skill doesn’t define art, even if it does shape how other people respond to it.

Is Landscape Photography Art?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines art as “the making of objects, images, music, etc. that are beautiful or that express feelings or ideas.”

That’s a broad definition — and deliberately so. But if we take it at face value, landscape photography fits pretty neatly inside.

We make photographs — and photographs are images.
Often, they are beautiful.
And sometimes, we try to express how a landscape makes us feel.

Some of us even use our work to make a statement.

So, like it or not, landscape photographers are artists — regardless of where we think our work sits on some imaginary scale of quality.

So, What Does All This Mean?

If calling yourself an artist still makes you squirm, you don’t have to suddenly start using the word. The label isn’t the point.

What does matter is that you’re allowed to take what you’re doing seriously — without feeling like an imposter. I’m not suggesting you start drinking absinthe or slice off an ear. But you are allowed to care about what you do.

It’s worth remembering that most of the benefit of art goes to the person who creates it. It’s a way to express who you are and how you feel about the world around you.

And for that reason alone, your work matters. It is important.

Which is why it shouldn’t be an afterthought. It’s not a guilty pleasure or something you squeeze in when everything else is done. It deserves to sit much higher on your list of priorities.

You don’t have to call yourself an artist — but you do need to start behaving like one.

Whether you call yourself an artist or not, you’re still making choices about how you see and what you choose to say with your camera. You’re deciding what’s worth paying attention to — and, potentially, why others might care.

Take that responsibility seriously. Not in a heavy, self-important way, but in the sense of giving your photography the respect of your attention. Show up for it. Make time for it. Do the work, and reap the benefits.

Everything else is just semantics.