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Who considers themselves an "Advanced Amatuer"?
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Nov 26, 2011 12:32:47   #
1eyedjack
 
photoAl wrote:
I'm on my way! I carry my gear with me everyday looking for interesting shots. Most of my shots are well liked by those who see them but I'm still striving to increase my yield - about 75% of my shots are keepers and the rest are not.


Bin taken photos for last 20years and still only have 10-15%
keepers and maybe only 2% I would print larger than 8 X 10.

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Nov 26, 2011 12:39:52   #
PAToGraphy Loc: Portland ME area
 
Phyllis wrote:
MWAC wrote:
I know I have been shooting for just over a year, but I no longer consider myself a "beginner" when it comes to my camera or photography as a whole. I think of myself more along the lines of an Advanced Amatuer, I still have a lot to learn but I have a firm grasp on my equipment and what it takes to get a good image at least 80% of the time. I was wondering who else considers themselves in this catagory?

Advanced Amatuer as defined by a number of photography clubs and organizations as: Photography enthusiasts who have obtained beyond basic skills in photography.
I know I have been shooting for just over a year, ... (show quote)



According to the above definition, I, too, am an "advanced amateur". I have been taking photos seriously for decades, and I have sold several. But in no way do I consider myself a pro. There is so much to learn about photography that I will never know it all, no matter how many photos I take, or how old I get. I will never be anything more than an "advanced amateur".
quote=MWAC I know I have been shooting for just o... (show quote)


Never say "Never", Phyllis :-}

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Nov 26, 2011 12:47:47   #
Nevada Chuck
 
As a retired pro with over fifty years experience, I would classify someone as an advanced amatuer if they are basically shooting at the level of a pro, and could turn pro if they so chose to do so, but at present aren't earning a significant part of their income from photography.

To complicate matters, someone could put all their efforts into mastering one particular aspect of photography, say wedding photography, and be a highly qualified pro when compared to other wedding photographers, but know almost nothing about other aspects of photography.

If you have mastered most of the various aspects of photography, say weddings, scenics, macro, portraits, etc. but aren't doing it for money, then I would say you are an advanced amateur.

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Nov 26, 2011 12:56:05   #
Nikonian72 Loc: Chico CA
 
tinosa wrote:
In my opinion the difference between an advanced amateur and a pro is one of them gets paid for their images. They are both constantly climbing the learning curve.

Actually, a professional in any occupation must make profit, not just income. There are many, many photographers who sell a photo or two, but nowhere near enough to offset the cost of their equipment.

Another contributing factor is what you include on your 1040 as income and expenses. Photographers are among the "red flag" occupations that the IRS scrutinizes to make sure the submitted expense claims are related to a legitimate business. The IRS knows that every photographer would like to deduct the cost of their expensive hobby from their income.

After an IRS audit, many photographers discover that they are officially advanced amateurs.

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Nov 26, 2011 12:59:26   #
plwf
 
I consider myself an advanced amateur . I use manual settings, understand lighting, how to get depth of field. I worked as a contract photog for 5 years, took many classes, but no degree.

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Nov 26, 2011 13:03:30   #
Pop-pop
 
I have been trying for over a year to get the right picture of a red tail hawk I named Fred he just want cooperate.

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Nov 26, 2011 13:27:44   #
BrandyVSOP Loc: Oregon USA
 
I have been taking pictures for 39 years. Buying cameras and lenses all through this period. Its what I do for my fun my enjoyment, my entertainment, "my addiction".

I've never been paid so I am not a pro. There are always people I know who are better than I, and some that have more to learn to do what I can do.

Some people may like my images, others may not.

I don't know if I am an "Advanced Amateur" yet or not?

I guess you just need to find the label you are happy with.
Me, I take pictures, I am a "photographer."

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Nov 26, 2011 13:50:51   #
memorykeeper Loc: Indianapolis, Indiana
 
My apologies friends; did not mean to offend anyone. My 14 year old daughter is a natural photographer; never took any lessons or watched any videos but she takes great pics with a point and shoot. She prefers the old Canons with manual focus when she used my AE-1 she loved it. She knows how to compose and manage space in a photograph yet she does it for fun and laughs when I suggest she becomes serious at the craft. Some of us are naturals and some of us are not, the craft can be learned but the passion is there or is not. Some of us are doing this for pure love and others to get rich and famous, to each his own.

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Nov 26, 2011 14:05:28   #
Namwife Loc: Midwest
 
MWAC wrote:
I know I have been shooting for just over a year, but I no longer consider myself a "beginner" when it comes to my camera or photography as a whole. I think of myself more along the lines of an Advanced Amatuer, I still have a lot to learn but I have a firm grasp on my equipment and what it takes to get a good image at least 80% of the time. I was wondering who else considers themselves in this catagory?

Advanced Amatuer as defined by a number of photography clubs and organizations as: Photography enthusiasts who have obtained beyond basic skills in photography.
I know I have been shooting for just over a year, ... (show quote)


I consider myself as an amatuer w/ a love for photography who wants to learn as much as possible to take decent photos that my friends and family who are mostly my subjects will be proud to be a part of...And that other people would like to look at...

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Nov 26, 2011 14:15:35   #
Rich Maher Loc: Sonoma County, CA
 
Good definition. I place myself in that category, but still anxious to learn more, even at my age. (70)

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Nov 26, 2011 14:24:33   #
Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky
 
Adirondack Hiker wrote:
I consider myself as an advanced am in landscape photography, based on the fact that I have a strong knowledge of aperature, shutter, ISO, depth of field. Do not have to consult the manual when I use the camera, NEVER use any AUTO settings (aperature priority only) and check the histogram after every shot, which is only done in RAW. Even calibrate for white balance.

If you asked me to do a wedding, I'd be a dunce, as it is not my area of interest.


Forgive me for saying so but I consider using " Aperture Priority" a semi-automatic function because you set the aperture you want and the camera automatically chooses the correct shutter speed. If one wants to go completely Non-auto then shoot on manual only. You choose the aperture and the shutter speed yourself. Just saying..

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Nov 26, 2011 14:38:44   #
ggttc Loc: TN
 
Call yourself whatever suits you...the proof is in the shots...not in the title.

I have taken thousands of pics for a daily newspaper...and my business card says photographer...and thats all I am.

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Nov 26, 2011 15:49:12   #
hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota
 
MWAC wrote:
I know I have been shooting for just over a year, but I no longer consider myself a "beginner" when it comes to my camera or photography as a whole. I think of myself more along the lines of an Advanced Amatuer, I still have a lot to learn but I have a firm grasp on my equipment and what it takes to get a good image at least 80% of the time. I was wondering who else considers themselves in this catagory?

Advanced Amatuer as defined by a number of photography clubs and organizations as: Photography enthusiasts who have obtained beyond basic skills in photography.
I know I have been shooting for just over a year, ... (show quote)


Interesting question. I'd like to think of myself in this category.

I have made great strides since the first time I picked up a camera. I shoot 90% of my shots in full manual.

There is still a lot to learn and I understand that.

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Nov 26, 2011 16:06:02   #
dhelix33 Loc: Live in Raleigh, NC - Grew up in Teaneck, NJ
 
Nice capture!

See a gallery of my personal favorite images captured here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/73877479@N00/6130072791/in/set-72157627278222562/lightbox/

Cheers!
dhelix33

tinosa wrote:
In my opinion the difference between an advanced amatuer and a pro is one of them gets paid for their images. They are both constantly climbing the learning curve.


:XD:

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Nov 26, 2011 16:23:17   #
cosmo54 Loc: Easton, PA but will travel for photos
 
debbiesweds wrote:
I agree with this statement!! Somedays you are a Pro and others you forget your camera! How many times you have a great shoot (in my case a wedding) get a lot of wonderful shots - everything right on...you are on top of the world. Next wedding - anything that can go wrong does, now you feel like the beginner you were years ago and want to crawl under a rock. However, we are always more critical of our own work than any of the people we photograph for, don't you think?


Hmm.....this also describes life! :-D

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