What do you think a beginner is?

There is a difference between a "beginner" and somebody who is "curious about" a subject/topic/skill.

A beginner has started doing.

It's possible that a beginner understands all of the theory but has yet to begin really doing.

You don't have to be an expert with a camera to be a good photographer but you do need to understand the basics of the tool.

I'm a beginner as far as IR photography. I've shot some IR and processed some IR images.

I'm curious about DSO astrophotography. I've read several definitive texts on the subject which involves BOTH the actual capturing of images as well as the subsequent processing but I wouldn't call myself a beginner because I've yet to take image 1 of a deep space object.

In "real life" I was a professional s/w designer.

In "real life" I was a professional technical writer.

I have always avoided attempting to help "beginners" on photography forums because there are always so many other "experts" who are ready to pound the beginner over the head with how much they know.

So, to me somebody posting a question in a photography forum's beginner's section is somebody (most likely) struggling with some technical aspect of the camera and not somebody who has been happy as a clam taking (possibly quite good) photographs with their phone or with a point and shoot.

we all started as a beginner, no one ever did start anything as a pro.

I think a more important question here is what level of experience and education should be assumed when answering the questions asked by a "beginner" ... ??? …. grade school, high school BS, MS , PhD ..??? How technical should the discussion of a simple questions go? Who are you talking to???

WhyNot

I'd say: assume high school education but don't assume any experience (unless experience is indicated either explicitly or perhaps implicitly by number of posts or previous questions).

I would define a beginner as a person who is using their first real camera. i.e. not a Box Brownie or a phone.

Don

Buddy Rich was on stage as a drummer from the age of four, but I think he already had a couple of years of learning before then.
I doubt if anyone has been doing serious photography from as young as that.

Don

What kind of drums do you play?

If you didn't want to know our opinion of the definition of a beginner, why the title?? This kind of inanity only cheapens the forum. When taking internet polls, please ask intelligent questions. Thank you. Leitz.

Great perspective.

I think many of the self-appointed experts here don't want to help beginners, but rather want to make it very complicated in order to preserve and display their status as so-called experts. A bit like the craft unions of old.

Intelligent Auto is a good thing for beginners, as it allows them to concentrate on lighting, composition, people's expressions and other important things.
Don

I started around that age as well and one of my first drum kits was Slingerland Radio Kings. I went to see Louie Bellson play them one time. Blew me away!

I am still a beginner. I will forever be a beginner.
I bought my first SLR in 1978 and I’ve been shooting ever since. I learn more every time I shoot, edit, or go online.