Thomas902 wrote:
"...The definition of “professional” seems very vague..." Timothy possibly your first challenge is getting over the brutal reality that Photography is not a "Profession" it is merely a Craft... Photographers are not licensed nor do they require academic credentials.
The "Myth" of a Professional Photographer is a marketing ploy created by the manufacturers and vendors of photographic equipment. From the film Fight Club "The things you own will eventually end up owning you" Timothy you and the lion's share of UHH members are consumers of kit most likely in order to establish a persona a.k.a. status among peers. Like a multitude of others you've fallen under the sway of marketing hype that uses "Lifestyle" to convince the naive that they to can travel to exotic destinations to photograph breathtaking vistas to win them top honors in their local gallery shows. That award and $5 will get you a latte at Starbucks.
No Timothy get over the illusion of "going pro" and start shooting commercially...
It's the best you can ever hope for...
You need "named" tearsheets not gallery awards... Food for thought, you'll remain totally invisible until you have at least 500 IG follows... Once you have 20,000 IG followers then clients might take you seriously.
Bottom Line...
Want to make money in photography?
Learn how to light, direct and solicit clients…
Easier said than done…
btw when I was starting out and went to NYC to live with a friend... She introduced me to several NYC commercial photographers. I found it strange that each had taped over their camera's branding i.e. logo. I asked them why... Their answer? "It's a distraction while on an assignments." Follow their lead, black electrical tape is cheap... Thus your quandary is solved... No distraction about kit...
Looking for an effective path to take to shoot commercially?
Assist other commercial shooters... that worked for me...
However if you really have your heart set on becoming a "Professional Photographer" maybe join the PPA they will sell you this credential. :)
Albeit if you want to work your way up through the ranks in the craft of commercial photography try to find a member of the ASMP to sponsor you... again that was my path...
All the best on your epic photographic journey Timothy
"...The definition of “professional” seems ve... (
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I've been taping over the brand and model info on my cameras for a long time. Not because of any distractions but because it makes them less obvious and people are far less interested in something that's less obvious. Think of it as black body camo.
rlv567
Loc: Baguio City, Philippines
CHG_CANON wrote:
The EOS T7i is the most advanced 'Rebel' ever released by Canon, until the T8i. The camera features a 24MP sensor, 45 cross-type AF points, 6 fps continuous shooting, and the advanced EOS AF system that retains autofocus with lens configurations that max at f/8. The tromebone-style 100-400L remains professional grade, a lens that Canon produced for almost 20 years prior to an update. You'll struggle to find any EOS DSLR model, full-frame or cropped, that delivers a tangible difference in technical capability or pixel resolution.
If you let them, the UHH crowd will spend your money for the highest-end camera equipment and subscriptions to the highest-end processing software. Unless you need a low-light lens, you have all the camera equipment you need. You just need to maximize the possibilities, such as shooting in RAW, processing the files in their native format, and using a quality tripod, when appropriate. You also should be maximizing your shooting technique, using the lowest ISO for the situation, AI Servo (BBF), and off-center selective AF points. The camera (any camera) is only as good as you can use it.
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As usual, Paul is telling it exactly the way it is!!! However it does feel as though you already really do understand that. Just don't be swayed by those who think you can't be a "real photographer" unless you are using very expensive gear. Just keep up the good work, and refining the skills you already have demonstrated. Post some pictures for us to see, and when replying, "quote reply" so we can ascertain to whom you are replying.
Loren - in Beautiful Baguio City
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
Timothy S wrote:
This question is simply to see what thoughts are out there on the equipment that I am using vs the level of photography that I want to strive for. I am in the difficult position of being a photographer on a budget. I don’t have a bunch of money to work with, but at the same time after only a couple years I have won a good number of awards and was told by the gallery owner where my work is that I have been more successful than any other photographer at the shop. I am first of all confused about my identity, as I have taken no formal photography courses and as a business have not had a year in the black. The definition of “professional” seems very vague. But my main question is concerning my Canon EOS Rebel t7i. I still love it that so-called “entry level” camera. It does everything I want in a very light and simple format, and I get great results. But I tend to be hesitant to display what equipment I use when posting on elite sites such as NANPA where the best “professional” grade equipment is proudly displayed. But to me, the label of equipment levels (entry level, enthusiast, professional) has little to do with image quality. I understand that full frame could produce improved results with enlarged images and low light, but I mostly do wildlife, so I like the crop advantage for distance. By the way, I purchased all of my more expensive equipment as used in excellent condition on eBay and have never been disappointed. Some lenses are older versions, such as my Canon 100mm macro and my work horse, the Canon EF 100–400 mm f/4.5–5.6L IS USM I. Thoughts?
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No need to post camera used, post exposure information. If your winning awards and selling images with your Rebel so what, who cares about what camera is used, the only thing that counts in photography is the resulting image, not the equipment used.
A professional photographer makes most of their money from photography. For example, if your a school teacher and do weddings on the side, but you make $40,000.00 in photography and $20,000.00 in teaching, you are a professional photographer.
Any profession that results in the majority of your money coming from that profession, then you are a professional in that field.
By the way, your would still be a teacher. And that is a profession also.
Timothy S wrote:
Thanks, but believe me, I will be satisfied with my equipment for years to come as far as I can see. It is difficult, as I have to work full time in unrelated occupation for money to live. I do appreciate your clarifications and advice. If I never make significant money with my craft, at least I thoroughly enjoy it.
Enjoyment is much easier when money is not the important thing
Don't be insecure about the label on your camera. You are getting winning results from a kit that suits you. Your images speak for themselves and your abilities with that camera and those lenses. Only immature photographers will judge the final image by the equipment used.
Good images are all the more impressive when taken with an “entry level” camera, IMO. You should be proud of your work. That’s where the talent shows. The gear thing is so much ego. That being said, I’ve found better gear expands my capabilities to capture images in difficult situations. I like to think I have some talent, otherwise, I’d just be taking crappy pictures in lower light or with higher resolution. I don’t know, it’s kind of like the concepts of precision and accuracy in science. One can be very precise, but wildly inaccurate. But, bottom line, I’d rather have more talent and less gear.
Take heart. The word "professional" in photography only means the individual seeks money for his work.
As to gear, few others care about it and look more to results.
The recognition you have received for your work tells me you have a talent for producing worthy photographs.
Keep doing what you are doing.
Of course, as a craft, photography requires practice and more practice. One must learn from mistakes and successes. Over time, skill improves.
Take care.
Timothy S wrote:
This question is simply to see what thoughts are out there on the equipment that I am using vs the level of photography that I want to strive for. I am in the difficult position of being a photographer on a budget. I don’t have a bunch of money to work with, but at the same time after only a couple years I have won a good number of awards and was told by the gallery owner where my work is that I have been more successful than any other photographer at the shop. I am first of all confused about my identity, as I have taken no formal photography courses and as a business have not had a year in the black. The definition of “professional” seems very vague. But my main question is concerning my Canon EOS Rebel t7i. I still love it that so-called “entry level” camera. It does everything I want in a very light and simple format, and I get great results. But I tend to be hesitant to display what equipment I use when posting on elite sites such as NANPA where the best “professional” grade equipment is proudly displayed. But to me, the label of equipment levels (entry level, enthusiast, professional) has little to do with image quality. I understand that full frame could produce improved results with enlarged images and low light, but I mostly do wildlife, so I like the crop advantage for distance. By the way, I purchased all of my more expensive equipment as used in excellent condition on eBay and have never been disappointed. Some lenses are older versions, such as my Canon 100mm macro and my work horse, the Canon EF 100–400 mm f/4.5–5.6L IS USM I. Thoughts?
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LarryFB wrote:
I'm sure someone else will also made this same comment, "good photographs are made by the photographer, not the camera!"
Actually, good photographs are made by the photographer, the camera and the lens (and sometimes film). Without all three there is no photograph.
Timothy S wrote:
This question is simply to see what thoughts are out there on the equipment that I am using vs the level of photography that I want to strive for. I am in the difficult position of being a photographer on a budget. I don’t have a bunch of money to work with, but at the same time after only a couple years I have won a good number of awards and was told by the gallery owner where my work is that I have been more successful than any other photographer at the shop. I am first of all confused about my identity, as I have taken no formal photography courses and as a business have not had a year in the black. The definition of “professional” seems very vague. But my main question is concerning my Canon EOS Rebel t7i. I still love it that so-called “entry level” camera. It does everything I want in a very light and simple format, and I get great results. But I tend to be hesitant to display what equipment I use when posting on elite sites such as NANPA where the best “professional” grade equipment is proudly displayed. But to me, the label of equipment levels (entry level, enthusiast, professional) has little to do with image quality. I understand that full frame could produce improved results with enlarged images and low light, but I mostly do wildlife, so I like the crop advantage for distance. By the way, I purchased all of my more expensive equipment as used in excellent condition on eBay and have never been disappointed. Some lenses are older versions, such as my Canon 100mm macro and my work horse, the Canon EF 100–400 mm f/4.5–5.6L IS USM I. Thoughts?
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You should be confident that your are demonstrating that you can make great images regardless of the equipment you are using.
Timothy S wrote:
Thanks for the concise bottom line, and I understand what you are saying. I agree, but as I strive for the best, I just want to know if I am missing any important features on the “professional” level cameras that I was unaware of. And sorry about my long drawn out question.
You are showing what a camera to do in capable hands. Don’t worry about others judging your equipment.
Timothy S wrote:
This question is simply to see what thoughts are out there on the equipment that I am using vs the level of photography that I want to strive for. I am in the difficult position of being a photographer on a budget. I don’t have a bunch of money to work with, but at the same time after only a couple years I have won a good number of awards and was told by the gallery owner where my work is that I have been more successful than any other photographer at the shop. I am first of all confused about my identity, as I have taken no formal photography courses and as a business have not had a year in the black. The definition of “professional” seems very vague. But my main question is concerning my Canon EOS Rebel t7i. I still love it that so-called “entry level” camera. It does everything I want in a very light and simple format, and I get great results. But I tend to be hesitant to display what equipment I use when posting on elite sites such as NANPA where the best “professional” grade equipment is proudly displayed. But to me, the label of equipment levels (entry level, enthusiast, professional) has little to do with image quality. I understand that full frame could produce improved results with enlarged images and low light, but I mostly do wildlife, so I like the crop advantage for distance. By the way, I purchased all of my more expensive equipment as used in excellent condition on eBay and have never been disappointed. Some lenses are older versions, such as my Canon 100mm macro and my work horse, the Canon EF 100–400 mm f/4.5–5.6L IS USM I. Thoughts?
This question is simply to see what thoughts are o... (
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The label "entry level" is just a marketing device to shame you into spending more on a camera that has more gadgets and some improvement in picture quality. An entry level camera is all I have ever used shamelessly because it is all that I can afford and it works perfectly for me. It is a Nikon D 3200.
anotherview wrote:
Take heart. The word "professional" in photography only means the individual seeks money for his work.
As to gear, few others care about it and look more to results.
The recognition you have received for your work tells me you have a talent for producing worthy photographs.
Keep doing what you are doing.
Of course, as a craft, photography requires practice and more practice. One must learn from mistakes and successes. Over time, skill improves.
Take care.
Take heart. The word "professional" in ... (
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Well, as a pro one needs the camera that would do the job efficiently yet not costing too much so that it would take very long time to recoup the investment. So it could very well be the entry level camera is the best choice. However, there is an aspect of the business as in clients perception of your equipment. If having expensive pro gear would create more business because your clients think you're better with the expensive equipment then it may be a worthwhile investment. As a business it's always about return on investment.
Your skill speaks for itself. You must have a natural eye for subject and composition choices. It’s like "Wow, you took that with a cellphone?" 😉😉
sodapop wrote:
The label "entry level" is just a marketing device to shame you into spending more on a camera that has more gadgets and some improvement in picture quality. An entry level camera is all I have ever used shamelessly because it is all that I can afford and it works perfectly for me. It is a Nikon D 3200.
Same here with my d3400. Great images, less gadgets.
anotherview wrote:
Take heart. The word "professional" in photography only means the individual seeks money for his work.
As to gear, few others care about it and look more to results.
The recognition you have received for your work tells me you have a talent for producing worthy photographs.
Keep doing what you are doing.
Of course, as a craft, photography requires practice and more practice. One must learn from mistakes and successes. Over time, skill improves.
Take care.
Take heart. The word "professional" in ... (
show quote)
The IRS considers you a professional if you charge money for your services. Doesn’t matter if the images are crap.
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