How Many Professional Photographers Here? (Page 12): I was a Pro Photographer for many years, most of my adult life's work was in the Photographic Industry in one area or another. From...

Thruhiseyes

I was a Pro Photographer for many years, most of my adult life's work was in the Photographic Industry in one area or another. From Photographer in the studio, in the field, Wedding Photographer for 15 years shooting for a number of studios on the blvd...and a Professional Retoucher during the week.

Later shooting for the Beverly Hills clients, developing film, shooting events and weddings again.
I did just about everything you could do, canvas embossed & retouched images that were as big as 4x8 feet of a family portrait.
In the valley worked on images for the movie industry as a Retoucher only.
Then later worked on images of celebs that went in the magazines in Hollywood, such as, In Style, GQ, Times, Better Homes and Gardens, Sunset, People, and on an on...

Not to belabor my story....... due to a serious injury, severely limited....forced life change...I am unable to shoot as before, both limited physically and mentally due to the severe pain. Praying to get nerves burnt in my back so that I will be able to shoot as I loved that...and still do. So...until then.....
Probably not be able to shoot as a Pro any longer.

Being here is to be able to keep what I know more alive, and to be a help to others where I can be of assistance. I am not a "know it all" Photographer and learn from others. I do have a lot to offer, because I am very good at seeing and can help someone take what they have and make it better.
I also recognize when someone simply has a great shot...and will compliment...them when I see it.

And it is enjoyable to see others come up behind you learning, because you have been there, we can extend a hand to help them out...

I have weak areas that no doubt need improvement so I learn from you as well...and tons of stuff I have forgotten so this is like a refresher blog for me...And there are areas of photography I never got to explore....as some of you have here...

But at the end of the day....
At heart, I'm still a Photographer/Retoucher...

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

Thruhiseyes wrote:

Being here is to be able to keep what I know more ... (show quote)

Beautiful!

NO-ONE knows it all. As my late gaffer said, "Stop learning, and you're dead." And isn't it great to try to help someone in a field you love?

Commiserations on the injury, but thanks for passing on what you know. It's a poor consolation, but at least it's a consolation.

Cheers,

R.

liebgard

jolly1 wrote:

The U.S. Government's official definition of "professional" is anyone who receives 51%, or more, of their total income from their work.

I guess it depends on definition for what purpose. For Federal Incom Tax, it's making a profit at least 2 out of 7 yrs. Note, that's profit after expenses. If you don't meet that criteria, you are a hobbyist and cannot deduct expenses anymore.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

liebgard wrote:

jolly1 wrote:

The U.S. Government's official definition of "professional" is anyone who receives 51%, or more, of their total income from their work.

I guess it depends on definition for what purpose. For Federal Incom Tax, it's making a profit at least 2 out of 7 yrs. Note, that's profit after expenses.

That particular requirement is for any business deduction purpose. If you cannot prove up the profit requirement then all the deductions and deductibles you claimed previously are disallowed and you have to pay taxes on all that offset income.

kamoopsipooh Loc: Big Island

I have looked at professional photographers' websites and a lot of them, I have to ask, "they get paid for this?" But there are the professionals that when I see their work, I am truly "wowed." So, what exactly is professional? When you get paid? If I'm paying someone for my children's portraits, I'd like to give my money to the photographer who has talent.

There are so many people out there who have spent good money for a DSLR and open a business. My instructor had said sarcastically, "Everyone's a professional."

No, I am not a professional photographer. I've been a picture taker since the sixth grade. My instructor used to push me toward that, but then I didn't want photography to be work. If people want to pay me for it, great. If not, that's okay. I just love to take pictures.

ltruex Loc: Waco TX

Not here, and Looks like you have come to the right place. L3

RTR wrote:

After reading most of the thread 'I will never understand people's egos' I thought it would be fascinating to find out how many professional photographers frequent this forum?

For this discussion let's define "Professional" as anyone who currently earns at least 25% of their income from photography.

If you didn't know already I am NOT a professional, nor any other kind of photographer. I am still just a picture taker.

AIR BOSS 1 Loc: western new york

In 2002 I got a job as the "Official Photographer" at a race track. In 2006 I took on a second track and now work 190 days a year. Before 2002 I had only used a one time use camera. Now I use a Nikon D80 and have a D90 as back up. I'm over 65 years old making over 50g, have lots of time to fly and still don't consider myself a pro.
Air Boss 1

profpb Loc: Venice, Florida

I make all of my earned income from my photography. Zero.

I don't work; I just take photos. I also don't have to pay taxes.

Life can be great if you work like crazy for 40 or 50 years then stop to just capture light.

Roger Hicks Loc: Aquitaine

liebgard wrote:

jolly1 wrote:

The U.S. Government's official definition of "professional" is anyone who receives 51%, or more, of their total income from their work.

I guess it depends on definition for what purpose. For Federal Incom Tax, it's making a profit at least 2 out of 7 yrs. Note, that's profit after expenses. If you don't meet that criteria, you are a hobbyist and cannot deduct expenses anymore.

Quite. Jolly1 and I have already disagreed about his definition.

Cheers,

R.

tramsey Loc: Texas

I've read this thread through and started making a list of all the people that count themselves as professional. Then I started another list of all the people on this site that I thought could be called professional. By the time I got to page 8 or 9 I quit with the lists and just enjoyed what people said about themselves. I think most of the people are overly modest; their pictures are far greater than what they give themselves credit for.

As for me you put Roger Hicks, Erv, David T, GoofyNewie, yallalhi on one end of the scale and I would be
waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay over here.

Sell my photos?? I wouldn't buy them, I tried paying people to take them; pictures of my relatives of themselves, no dice.

BUT I keep trying. Why?? Because in spite of what they all say I like to take pictures.

photogCRD Loc: So Cal

Proud amateur! :)

photogCRD Loc: So Cal

tramsey wrote:

I've read this thread through and started making a... (show quote)

I echo your last line... Whether I ever make $$ capturing images I will continue to do so because I enjoy it! Keep it up, tramsey!

rocka Loc: Eastern Massachusetts

i'm definitely an amateur. I just love taking pictures and sharing them with family & friends.

photosbyhenry Loc: Apple Valley MN

No "pro" here but an award winning photographer with 22 ribbons to show and one county fair "RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION".
With 2 years of farmer's markets, flea markets and craft fairs, not close to 25%.

photosbyhenry Loc: Apple Valley MN

No "pro" here but an award winning photographer with 22 ribbons to show and one county fair "RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION".
With 2 years of farmer's markets, flea markets and craft fairs, not close to 25%.