The Photographist

As I was setting up my tripod today, two guys came clambering up the alternate path--the shortcut I mentioned previously. One asked if I was a "photographist"--then immediately corrected himself: "...um, I mean photographer. 'Photographist'--that sounds sort of German." So why did he say "photographist"? Just to be funny? Or was it because he was a little out of breath? The mind can do odd things when you're catching your breath after exerting yourself, just coming up the path from the ravine. In any case, in my mind's eye I can see it on a business card:

Paul D. Natkin
Photographist

It was overcast today, and it looked like it might rain. In fact I think it's raining now.