Maybe 'artiste' would be more acceptable ... sort of.

There are teacherss of art who might claim that much of the skill of 'art' creation can be learned by something like technical means, given some basic hand and eye co-ordination ability. However it takes time and practice.

The vision associated with creativity, on the other hand, is likely independent of the mechanics of art creation as understood historically. It is quite possible, especially with a camera bit with more generally accepted 'artistic' activities too, to be reasonably technically proficient in creating a 'piece of work' but not necessarily one that is especially creative (or appealling) in any respect.

Mostly, I think, the way one's braion is 'wired' seems to be the promiry influencing factor. Very variable it seems - which is probably a good thing more often than it is not so good. Perhaps.

I just post what I have taken recently. Nice poppies

Some more nature


DSC_0635 by sj-stephenson, on Flickr


DSC_0539 by sj-stephenson, on Flickr


DSC_0452 by sj-stephenson, on Flickr

Starry starry night

Nice star shot there
Really like the cathedral sunset as well, great colours.

I have to agree about photography being like art. I've been discussing daytime shots taken in HDR with a friend, he loves it, I hate it, but at the end of the day it is a kind of art so you can "paint" the canvas any way you choose

Wow!