There is a lot of hype surrounding the definition of a photographer, so I have compiled a list of definitions made up from English and USA dictionaries and my own interpretation.

Professional Photographer: One who’s income is mainly derived by selling his/her services as a photographer. He or she may or may not be very proficient as a photographer, but if his/her main income is by selling himself/herself as a photographer, then he/she is a professional.

Semi-Professional Photographer: One who’s income is supplemented by selling his/her services as a photographer. He or she may or may not be very proficient as a photographer, but if his/her income is supplemented by selling himself/herself as a photographer, then he/she is a semi-professional.

Amateur Photographer: One who’s income is not derived from selling himself/herself as a photographer for monetary gain. His/her proficiency may be very low or very high, or anywhere in-between, but his/her status as an amateur is defined by having zero monetary gain from his or her photography endeavours.

Novice Photographer: One who’s knowledge or execution of the skills of photography are low. A novice photographer is one who is learning and has not yet reached the stage of being an accomplished photographer.

Professional Level Photographer: One who has reached a high standard of skills in photography. He/she may be a Professional, Semi-Profesional or an Amateur Photographer (these “rankings” are defined by monetary gain).

Amateur Level Photographer: A meaningless definition.

Photographer: One who is pressing the shutter release button. He/she may be a professional, Semi-Professional, amateur, novice or even someone who has simply been asked to take a picture. (Similar to someone in a car who is causing the car to move by virtue of using any of the controls – this person is the driver regardless of his/her proficiency.)