THE WOMBAT. 



AMATEURS AND PROFESSIONALS.* 



By Mr. H. E. Carl-Glucerno. 



In a recent number of the Australian Photographic Journal 

 reference is made to the competition of amateurs against pro- 

 fessionals. The article closes with the following words : — 

 " We do not object to this, amateurs have done much for 

 photography, but in the name of art let it be done fairly, let 

 the amateur (? ) open a studio and start a legitimate business, 

 or else work for the love of the thing alone." 



As these remarks open up the whole question of " amateur 

 and professional," it is my intention, with the editor's permis- 

 sion, to contribute a few remarks upon the subject from an 

 amateur's point of view. First, what constitutes an " amateur 

 photographer " ? Personally I have never yet seen a satis- 

 factory definition of the term " amateur," and will endeavour 

 to supply one. An " amateur " photographer is one who, 

 while practising the art from pure love, as an amusement, 

 recreation, hobby, etc., is at liberty to throw it up at any 

 time without in any way interfering with his ordinary avoca- 

 tion or means of living. 



Are amateurs then free to dispose of any of their own 

 work and receive remuneration for the same ? Most certainly, 

 within limits. I take it, " the chief end and aim of man in 

 this life (or woman either, for that matter) is to live honestly, 

 pay his way, and obtain all the enjoyment from existence the 

 world will afford. Such person may be in receipt of a regular 

 income just sufficient to make both ends meet. Being of a 

 somewhat artistic turn of mind he takes up photography as 

 a hobby, succeeds beyond expectation, and has a desire to 

 follow the " black art " into all its most enticing mazes. He 

 finds it more expensive than he anticipated, and must either 

 throw up his hobby with all its pleasures, artistic training and 

 promise of success, and return to the monotony of every day 

 existence, or dispose of some of his productions in order to 

 assist in defraying expenses. 



Naturally he prefers the latter alternative. And who is 

 to blame him ? Amateur artists in colours, of every degree and 

 station, have no hesitation in placing their productions for 

 sale, and not a word is ever said against them. Then why 

 this cry against amateur photographers ? Certain things 

 seem to be always most conveniently ignored when dealing 

 with the latter — one very important item being the enormous 



;;: The Australian Photographic Journal. 



