The Art of Amateurs

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By Kate Riordon, Archival Assistant

An amateur, as defined by Meriam-Webster, is “someone who engages in a pursuit, study, science, or sport as a pastime rather than as a profession.” There is a slight stigma placed on the word “amateur” – it sounds like an insult, like the person is incompetent in some way, which is a pretty harsh critique. When it came to photographers in the 20th century though, it was a common – and respected – title.