abraham.losa Loc: Miami FL

Hello everyone,I’m just curious of what members in here have in mind when it comes to define a pro photographer or an amateur,because I’ve seen pictures taken by amateur people far better than some pro photographers,please ,,,I’m not point finger or something like that,I’m just curious on what a photographer need to be or have,to call themselve “pro”
Greetings to everyone!!!!!!👍🏻

lesdmd Loc: Middleton Wi via N.Y.C. & Cleveland

Professional usually denotes a degree of competence and quality but mainly means that there is a sale of product.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

To me a "Pro" is in the photography business as primary income.
Pros do not necessarily create images that everyone likes, they have their own niche and style.
I've seen some fantastic images created by "non-pros", as well as "eh" images created by pros.
What is perceived as a great image is done so by the viewer.

Erv Loc: Medina Ohio

Well I think you have to make enough money to have a good life and be able to keep your family happy and well. I did it for a bit, but way to many folks cutting in on my jobs and low balling their prices.

par4fore Loc: Bay Shore N.Y.

A professional photographer is a photographer who earns 100% of his income from photography. This is the definition required for entrance into the secret Nikon and Canon factory support organizations. Amateur Photographer. People who earn less than 50% of their income from photography are amateurs.




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jakerite Loc: Truth or Consequences NM

Professionals market themselves. They are salesman. They spend more time selling then actually studio time. They very knowledgeable in there camera settings then the amateur and share very few secrets because of the competition . They usually don't spend excessive amounts of money on gear but but know exactly what is needed to get the job done. Since they spend no time behind the weekend amateur they are very proficient in lighting, aperture, and flash then the average amateur. As a definition, the professional gets paid for all his/hers work.

Bill_de Loc: US

There are a number of threads on the subject. This one gives a nice start to the topic.


http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-321397-1.html


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pbferst

I think the general consensus is that a professional is a person whose primary full time occupation is photography. I agree with many 100% that it's not a reflection on how competent they are. So I guess that by such definition I'm a pro. BUT my press ID says "Photographer", likewise my biz card. I teach and would never ever refer to my students which spans all age groups, as "Amateurs", I always address them as photographers. Like it or not there is a wiff of being not up to snuff in the amateur appellation.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

They are photographers, whether aspiring or not.

tracs101 Loc: Huntington NY

If you sold a photo or did a photo kind of job for someone, then you might be called a professional. I know excellent "professional" painters that have another form of income on the side to supplement their income, but they are still "professional" painters. The "percent" of income from either source matters not. If you own a coin operated photo booth at a shopping mall are you a professional photographer? A high school album photographer will set up a make shift photo booth at the high school with automated triggers (like Pocket Wizard) and have each student sit on a stool for a moment while the "professional " simply triggers the remote to take another photo, and does the exact same thing for each student all day long. Actually after it is set up, the photographer can have an assistant sit there to direct the kids and press the trigger while the pro is out for coffee. Not all professional photographers are "proficient" or "experts" at what they do. I do 50,000 pounds of dry cleaning and washing of garments every week, but I never though of myself as a professional dry cleaner. I know a lot about the business, but I'm no expert. The business is there because I am more of a salesman and also enjoy studying marketing tactics constantly.

BebuLamar

A professional makes money doing the craft and an amateur doesn't. There is no distinction in terms of skills or anything else.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Pro is short for professional, professional means you get paid for what you do. It has nothing to do with skill, ability, or quality of work.

Wilsondl3

I have a friend who made 100% of her living (a good living) doing Church portraits. She had one set up for her lights and the same settings for her camera the whole time. She had great timing on tripping the shutter and a great skill at getting good smile. Also she could do a great job of selling her pictures. Could she take a good landscape? No! Amateur comes from the Latin word for love and many get great skills doing what they love. - Dave

tracs101 Loc: Huntington NY

Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

I had a friend who started a photography business that did well.
One day I asked him when was the last time he took the camera out for fun.
He said three years ago.