Where do you draw the line between photographer and content creator?

In a recent editorial, I was discussing whether still images, as opposed to video, are still relevant. A tangent discussion was started on where do you draw the line between photographer and content creator? And it is something I have been giving further thought to. So what is the difference?

What is a content creator?

Generally, a content creator is described as someone who creates entertaining or educational material to be expressed as digital content. Well, at least that’s where the majority of content is consumed. This could be across a wide variety of platforms. Whether a blogger, online publisher, newsletter author, podcaster, YouTubers, TikTokers and such. Can’t forget course creators, video game streamers and social media influencers as well.

Instagram Feed

What is a photographer?

A photographer is invariably described as someone who records events and tells stories using images. They take pictures of people, places, events and objects. Many specialise in a particular genre, such as news journalism, portraits, landscape, macro and such. many delve into a variety of genres.

Portrait Photography - model Jess

Where does the line blur?

I guess with the current world climate, so many people, like myself who are photographers, are now also content creators. In an ever-increasing frequency, the need to capture, edit and then populate social media and the world wide web with images for content is becoming the norm. In an effort to expand and look for new exciting work opportunities many of us have turned to zoom workshops and photoshoots, teaching online classes, running YouTube and TikTok channels, bloggers and entrepreneurs of various different platforms. The need for information and learning and has never been higher.

Due to state wide lockdowns, I rarely had an actual client in my studio, I barely had the opportunity to work on my own creative portrait projects. So if I am not photographing people and printing photos, am I still a photographer? It is thought (by some) that a photograph isn’t finished until it is printed.

Photographer or Content Creator?