I think I am correct in posting this thread in this section of the forum... if not, I am sure it will be moved!! (sorry for the extra work)

I spend most of my time on this forum in the Photo Critique section, reading as well as commenting whenever I can or feel i need to... Many discussions have started there, that were later taken up on some other section of the forum.

From the snapshot to the professional shot, there are a lot of photos and a lot of info.... it all is simply great.

However, the thing I realized, which is something I mostly suffer from (well, i have been getting over it lately) is that there is no purpose to what we do. We go out and take technical shots... or rather try to anyway... and then post for critique or simply sharing...

Does the intent, the purpose and/or theme of the photo make me an artist?? or is it something else?

I am not trying to dive into the question of "what is art?" but rather simply point out that there is not project... no direction to most of the shots...

Most of the shots posted (including my own) are experienced snapshots.... of course there are exceptions... but i am referring to most.... We pass by a location... we like what we see... go there (either directly or later on)... set up... work the scene... and click.... Great exposure... Great composition... Great shot... Here, there was opportunity and theme... maybe a little purpose too...

Yet, a professional, as far as I am concerned, would have the pre-planning phase first.... granted, serendipity is a factor always.... but mostly, the professional artist will have Intent - Purpose and Theme....

In other words, a painter, professional or amateur, will take his/her time while painting, and will mostly have Intent - Purpose and Theme in mind... They are artists.... the only question will be whether they are professional or not?

So, if I take photos (most of them) just as they become available, or mostly just dedicate a day to go and shoot a location... Am I an artist or not?

Does this make sense??