Hobbyist or professional?

Thank you for dropping in on this, my latest blog, which this week attempts to answer the difficult question of what qualifies someone to write blogs. I ask this question in all sincerity. I thought the best way to do this was to put my own 'qualification' under the microscope.

First, my qualification as a writer. I haven't taken a degree in English or journalism; I am, however, the author of two semi-academic books to do with my longtime profession. This profession also led me on to having to take my writing skills to the next level: the legal profession cuts you no slack when you're writing reports for the court in cases of clinical negligence. I was also fortunate to be in demand as a journalist, writing articles for various dental and legal publication. It's here where I learnt the art of how to construct a piece that would capture the reader's interest, and which made sense.

When I had finished being a dentist and expert witness, I then studied for a bachelor degree in history, which I think finally cemented my understanding of how written English actually works.

The themes and topics of my blog are travel and photography, mostly photography because there are long periods of time when I do very little travelling at all. What qualifies me to blog about photography? I am not a recognised outstanding photographer; I actually don't even use anything more than my smartphone to take photos. When it comes to editing, I stick to Snapseed, not a fancy photo editing suite that requires a computer.  I have learnt my photography craft through practice and by taking numerous online courses, the proof of my proficiency is evidenced below (not in any specific order).

Each and every one of these courses taught me something. They all helped to make me a better photographer and a better writer. By the way, despite being awarded to what seems to be two different people, I can assure you, they were awarded to me. 

I can recommend the Centre of Excellence courses as a way of sharpening your skills. Here's the link to their website: 

https://www.centreofexcellence.com/?awc=21667_1726973360_3eee341503bc677a45f6784dc2821ea6&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgL-3BhDnARIsAL6KZ69-KSb67He8-BQdgn0Om0qJHIRr1bbuHk2ND_q9F8PPlu3AWsjETKgaArc3EALw_wcB

Udemy is also a great online video learning tool. The Video School Online is particularly excellent; Phil Ebiner and his team have assembled a vast catalogue of photography and video learning resources. Here's the link to their website:

https://www.udemy.com/?utm_source=adwords-brand&utm_medium=udemyads&utm_campaign=Brand-Udemy_la.EN_cc.UK_dev&campaigntype=Search&portfolio=BrandDirect&language=EN&product=Course&test=&audience=Keyword&topic=&priority=&utm_content=deal4584&utm_term=_._ag_136625441456_._ad_595700622930_._kw_udemy_._de_c_._dm__._pl__._ti_aud-2268488108799:kwd-296956216253_._li_9194128_._pd__._&matchtype=b&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgL-3BhDnARIsAL6KZ6-HVLniPI1pSVZu_8VCjAuh3aZUA6abDczBYMyi0uKub64ksweCTrcaAuqYEALw_wcB

I am not posting my achievements here as an act of boastfulness, but simply as a way of saying that you should never think that you have reached the end of your learning journey, no matter what it is you are blogging about. I think all professions incorporate an element of continuing professional development to ensure that people keep their knowledge up to date. As a blogger, whether a hobbyist like me, or as a serious professional earning money, you owe it to your readers to keep up to date. 

I end with one of my all time favourite quotes: The unexamined life is not worth living (Socrates). This aphorism has been by guiding principle ever since I can remember. Let it be yours.

Thank you for reading my blog. I hope to see you again. If you enjoy my blogs, please leave a comment, but best of all, please tell your friends. You can catch more of my photography on Instagram and Threads  @smart_phone_photographer_53.

© Mike Young 2025.