What makes you a Professional?
Mar 12, 2020 09:25:27 #
Doesn't work for free. Might volunteer for a personal situation.
Professional doesn't, by definition, reflect the quality of the work. That can be anywhere on the scale. The work quality will be judged by how often you are hired.
Professional doesn't, by definition, reflect the quality of the work. That can be anywhere on the scale. The work quality will be judged by how often you are hired.
Mar 12, 2020 09:31:49 #
Stephan G wrote:
Whenever a finger is pointed, there are three that... (show quote)
Generating revenue and not quality of work is the sole criterion for being a pro.
However it is presumed that you have business skills, reasonable photographic abilities, and deliver an exceptional customer service experience.
I know quite a few "pros" that are not professional in the least, and quite a few aspiring shooters that show an excellent level of professionalism.
Go figure. . .
Mar 12, 2020 09:49:58 #
Yes. It makes the not professional. I can be a scratch golfer, give swing tips to others but I am not a professional.
When someone asks “what do you do for a living?” Can you say I am a photographer?
When someone asks “what do you do for a living?” Can you say I am a photographer?
Mar 12, 2020 10:04:51 #
I once heard Julie Andrews say that her piano teacher told her: "An amateur practice until they get it right. A professional practice until they cannot get it wrong." This is, perhaps, not a complete definition, but it how I see the difference between a professional and all others.
Mar 12, 2020 10:16:37 #
olemikey
Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida
CHG_CANON wrote:
The only sure way to make money in photography is to sell your equipment.
You are a hoot!!!! LOL
Mar 12, 2020 10:25:26 #
olemikey
Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida
Dictionary say:
pro·fes·sion·al
/prəˈfeSH(ə)n(ə)l/
adjective
1. relating to or connected with a profession.
"young professional people"
Similar:
white-collar
executive
nonmanual
Opposite:
manual
2. engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as a pastime.
"a professional boxer"
noun
a person engaged or qualified in a profession.
"professionals such as lawyers and surveyors"
pro·fes·sion·al
/prəˈfeSH(ə)n(ə)l/
adjective
1. relating to or connected with a profession.
"young professional people"
Similar:
white-collar
executive
nonmanual
Opposite:
manual
2. engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as a pastime.
"a professional boxer"
noun
a person engaged or qualified in a profession.
"professionals such as lawyers and surveyors"
Mar 12, 2020 10:35:03 #
We do need to be careful with Dictionary listings. The folks there take a vote as to the order of popular usage.
Mar 12, 2020 10:36:45 #
Obviously making money is the major hinge pin--regardless if it by selling images or your equipment! I've heard many pro photographers readily admit that they really didn't grasp the technical side and one studio mate once put out many wives'-tales regarding the early digital imaging he was doing. I once made a joke in a hospital that I was shooting for. I made the comment that doctors and lawyers have practices while pro photographers don't practice our trade! I had expected a chuckle or two, but none followed. Later on a friend who was a civil engineer gave me his biz card with the words Professional Engineer (PE) under his name. So I asked him if there were amateur engineers! We're still friends.
Mar 12, 2020 10:39:57 #
olemikey
Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida
Stephan G wrote:
We do need to be careful with Dictionary listings. The folks there take a vote as to the order of popular usage.
Well, here's from Merriam Websters dictionary; Use as you feel appropriate....
Definition of professional (Entry 1 of 2)
1a: of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession
b: engaged in one of the learned professions
c(1): characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession
(2): exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace
2a: participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs
a professional golfer
b: having a particular profession as a permanent career
a professional soldier
c: engaged in by persons receiving financial return
professional football
3: following a line of conduct as though it were a profession
a professional patriot
professional noun
Definition of professional (Entry 2 of 2)
: one that is professional
especially : one that engages in a pursuit or activity professionally
Mar 12, 2020 10:44:02 #
Enough already!
Forget about the dictionary definition of "professional".
If you are unhappy about someone's lack of professionalism then take your business to someone who knows how to make money at it! . . .
Forget about the dictionary definition of "professional".
If you are unhappy about someone's lack of professionalism then take your business to someone who knows how to make money at it! . . .
Mar 12, 2020 10:46:09 #
Bill_de wrote:
You know you are a professional when your Uncle Sam has his hand out for a share of the profits. 
--
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😂👀👌👍🏼🤯
Mar 12, 2020 11:11:19 #
Mar 12, 2020 11:18:44 #
olemikey wrote:
Dictionary definition beats opinions.
I don't think you quite got the subtlety of my post, but that's ok . . .
Mar 12, 2020 11:21:50 #
In the most literal meaning of the word, "professional" denotes doing it and getting paid for it, in other words, you are doing it as a "profession". But I have seen so many images by numerous people calling themselves "professional photographers" whose images are total crap. They must be great salesman to get people to actually pay them money for such amateurish garbage.
For me, being a professional also denotes a level of knowledge and expertise that far surpasses the run of the mill people who take photos with a camera. They are a person who is dedicated to perfecting their craft and bringing the highest level of product and service to market and one who who strives to bring out the best in their clients. They don't make the customer "satisfied", they make them "delighted".
For me, being a professional also denotes a level of knowledge and expertise that far surpasses the run of the mill people who take photos with a camera. They are a person who is dedicated to perfecting their craft and bringing the highest level of product and service to market and one who who strives to bring out the best in their clients. They don't make the customer "satisfied", they make them "delighted".
Mar 12, 2020 11:26:39 #
SMPhotography wrote:
In the most literal meaning of the word, "pro... (show quote)
As long as they are making money they are bona fide professionals. End of story!! . . .
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