hi Patch,
i think i understand where you are coming from...
and i might agree with you phrased your question in a different way...
i don't think it matters if Karl is a "photographer" in the way you and others define it...
your question is an interesting one though... and as someone who is also a musician and song writer this concept comes up all the time with my musician mates... true, a classicly trained musicain might be able to perform a peice of music "better" than a self taught musician... but that doesn't mean a self taught musician can't compose a "better" or more interesting piece of music...
i think karl is a fantastic "composer"
sorry this is written so poorly but i just woke up and have to run but wanted to reply before i forgot...
i should probably expand on this later...