The Real Difference Between a Hobbyist and an Amateur Photographer
If you’ve ever hesitated to call yourself a ‘photographer’, or felt unsure whether you’re a hobbyist or an amateur, you are not alone.
Photography has this interesting way of making beginners feel like they need a label before they’ve even found their confidence. But here’s something most people don’t realise:
Hobbyist and amateur don’t mean the same thing at all — and one of them is far more powerful than you think.
Let’s break it down gently, without gatekeeping or elitism, and help you understand where you might fit right now.
First: Neither term is bad
This is important.
There is nothing wrong with being a beginner. There is nothing wrong with learning slowly, experimenting, trying things, changing direction, or using the camera you already have.
Every professional photographer once held a camera ‘incorrectly’ and took wonky, blurry, overexposed photos.
Growth is universal.
So this isn’t about hierarchy — it’s about clarity.
What is an Amateur Photographer?
An amateur photographer is simply someone who:
Is new to photography
Hasn’t developed consistent technique yet
Often shoots without intention or understanding
Isn’t confident with light, angles, or composition
Edits randomly, or not at all
Isn’t sure what their style is yet
There’s nothing wrong with this.
It’s the starting point.
It’s where you learn through trial and error.
But the key word here is uncertainty.
Amateurs don’t quite know what they’re aiming for yet.
What is a Hobbyist Photographer?
A hobbyist, on the other hand, is someone who:
Creates with intention, even if they’re still learning
Wants to grow their skills for creativity’s sake
Understands the fundamentals (or wants to)
Experiments purposefully
Starts recognising patterns in their style
Cares about composition, light, and editing
Sees photography as part of their lifestyle and identity
A hobbyist doesn’t have to be highly technical.
They don’t have to own expensive gear.
They don’t have to take perfect photos.
What sets hobbyists apart is creative awareness.
They make choices — even small ones — that shape the image.
They’re building their eye.
They’re finding their voice.
They’re learning to create on purpose.
The Real Difference, Summarised:
If we were to strip it down to one sentence:
Amateurs shoot without intention.
Hobbyists shoot with curiosity and direction.
It’s not about skill level or equipment.
It’s about creative intention.
Once you start noticing light…
Once you start framing deliberately…
Once you start asking, ‘What am I trying to capture here?’…
Once you start editing instead of shrugging…
You’re no longer an amateur.
You’re becoming a hobbyist.
And that shift is powerful.
The Best Part? You Get to Choose.
You don’t become a hobbyist by reaching a certain skill level.
You become one by deciding:
‘I want to learn this properly.’
That moment — the want, the curiosity, the decision — is the transformation point.
And if you’re reading blogs like this?
You’re probably already stepping into hobbyist territory.
Ready to move from experimenting… to creating with intention?
If you want to build foundations that feel solid — understanding your iPhone settings (or a simple point-and-shoot camera!), learning how to use light beautifully, discovering your personal style, and editing with confidence right on your phone — you’ll love what’s inside:
The Hobbyist Photographer
Your beginner-friendly foundation course designed to help you:
Learn the settings inside your iPhone properly (and a simple point-and-shoot camera!)
Photograph everyday life with purpose and style
Edit your photos beautifully (without confusion) easily on your mobile
Start building a creative identity that feels like you
Capture people, moments, and products with intention
Create images you’re genuinely proud of
It’s the perfect next step when you’re tired of guessing and ready to grow — gently, joyfully, and with real support.
Hello there, I’m Georgina Morrison!
You can call me Georgie. I’m a multi-creative: editorial photographer, writer, artist, multi-business owner, social media strategist, podcaster and educator. Whew! You know, I’ve never been just ‘one thing’ and I’ll bet if you’re creative, you’re not either (despite what the world wants you to think, it’s actually our superpower!). I’m on a mission to help as many creatives as I can forge modern careers on their terms.
Are you an action-taker? Enrol in Hobbyist right now, instant access. Just a one-off payment of $97 AUD ($64 USD!)
Learn photography fundamentals, easy composition, and mobile editing so you can confidently capture people, products, interiors, and travel — all with your iPhone or a simple point-and-shoot. Perfect for hobbyists, creatives, and small business owners who want beautiful, professional-looking images without investing in expensive gear.
