Well, folks- after over 300 posts in this thread, I thought a kinda EXIT POLL, like the political pundits do on TV- a kinda consensus of the opinions in the thread and opinions that I have gathered after 5 years on this forum- accompanied by artistic illustrations.

True photographers:

Have lots of BIG cameras and lenses. These use long white lenses so the look like professionals- the problem is the are banned for shooting and concerts and many events, have to check their gear at the door or get ejected. Male true photographers have beards- it denotes a deep psychological approach to their art.

True photographers always use tripods.

REAL true photographers only use film, work in darkrooms, and only use old film equipment.

TRUE photographers only shott in RAW, manual mode and every image is perfect STOC- True photographers never manipulate or post-process their images- they secretly have someone else do it for them.

The true photographers never use flash but the other true photographer uses it all the time- seem the know-how to use it! It has to be modified and off-camera- or else!

True photographers never follow rules.

True photographer have REAl press credentials- not just white long lenses for extra "cerd".

True photographer word in studios and photograph glamorous ladies and gentlemen.

True photographers never shoot weddings- although some used to.

The true photographers only shoot nature, birds, and wildlife.

Treu photographers use LOTS of lights, except the ones who use only natural light.

Treu photographer doesn't need no "stinking exposure meters"!

Some folks tend to believe that all the true photographers are all long ago retired or dead and that the entire craft, hobby, and profession is now inhabited by a mob of know-nothing cellphone wielding Paparazzi and all is for naught. They become disheartened, disgruntled, and reactionary and insist on pining for past gear and methods- "that 6x7Krasnigorsk from Russia in 1955 with Super-XX film processed in Pyro- that was a camera and a process! Digital- Balderdash- Humbug!

Disclaimer: Ths post is the result of my suffering fro a bad case of People/Holiday Dibrivation Psychosis- A good night's sleep and I'll be better in the morning, however, much truth is often said in jest or craziness!