It has been an interesting week. I wonder what it takes to be treated seriously as an artist? I want to explore that idea without whining. Whining never solves anything but I do think its a fair question.

I was recently approached to do a project that involved a great deal of time ( at least two weeks of shooting over at least 12 hour days) as well as expense. The project had potential to be a great one. I new going in that the project itself had little in the way of funds, yet I made the mistake of thinking they wanted a serious ( I hate this word but) professional photographer.

Most of the people on the committee were familiar with my work. I thought they wanted images that they could use in support of the museum that was sponsoring part of the project. As it turns out I think they mostly ask me to do the project because they thought they could use me and I would do it for little or nothing with the hope of some future gain.

I am not opposed to working with the thought of profit later but to pay to do the work is a little much.

Needless to say this is now not happening.

Another person recently purchased a print. She told me she rarely purchased photographs. I felt like maybe she did not consider them art.

Not so terribly long ago the premiere art center in this area told someone that they did not consider photography art.

What gives? Art is about expression and getting people to think. What about a good photograph does not do that?