How Many Professional Photographers Here?
Jan 16, 2012 12:08:48 #
RTR wrote:
After reading most of the thread 'I will never understand people's egos' I thought it would be fascinating to find out how many professional photographers frequent this forum?
For this discussion let's define "Professional" as anyone who currently earns at least 25% of their income from photography.
If you didn't know already I am NOT a professional, nor any other kind of photographer. I am still just a picture taker.
For this discussion let's define "Professional" as anyone who currently earns at least 25% of their income from photography.
If you didn't know already I am NOT a professional, nor any other kind of photographer. I am still just a picture taker.
I'm no pro yet but I might be someday. Right know my first goal is to pay for the equiptment. I have been shooting since the late 70's in film and video but got serious about three years ago. I have been studying photagraphy technique as well as digital editing with several programs. Also printing, framing and profiles. I have had some success in the past year after starting to show my work publicly. I even sold some images reciently and won awards. There is always something new to learn and the people on this site are very helpful. I thank them for what there experience has added to my training. I just need to get that paying customer. I have found I love nature photography but haven't found much profit in that field. I might try Pet photography as it seems to have some potential. So as a result I am concentraiting on flash and lighting techniques lately.
Jan 16, 2012 12:12:00 #
gdwyer wrote:
I have been taking pictures for about 12yrs, I've tried get the best equipment I could afford. thought I could take a pretty good photograph .After joining this group I realized how far from anything I was let a lone a pro.but with the help of these folks that are willing to share there knowledge,who knows?
The experience, and knowledge, you earn and learn is much more important than all "the best equipment" you could ever, in your lifetime "afford."
There is a lady in Arizona who makes her own cameras from Quaker Oats boxes and tin cans. They are called "Pin Hole" cameras. She is renowned for the fantastic photos she makes,
(not takes) with her cameras. Scenics, objects, people, places, things, she photographes them all, turning out award winning photos in shows and contests all over the Southwest.
So a suggestion to you is, learn more, buy less. Its not what you are holding in your hands, but what you do with it, that creates beautiful, or sellable photographs.
Jan 16, 2012 12:12:18 #
silver
Loc: Santa Monica Ca.
I own a custom B&W lab in Culver City California where I process film and do custom silver printing. I also do custom digital printing. I shoot jewelry and products and I also teach photography at several schools. I am asked to do weddings but I really hate weddings and I really almost get sick when I do one so I stay away from them. I shoot portraits and people generally. I also sell art prints, I have a rep and I sell color ink jet prints and exhibition B&W silver prints. I am doing what I love to do.
Jan 16, 2012 12:13:43 #
I"m full time, work for a large catalogue/web retailer of stationery and wedding invitations both. Do some wedding stuff for friends and some other bits & pieces.
Jan 16, 2012 12:16:30 #
Bruce M
Loc: Northern Utah
At one time I worked for Thiokol Corp. As an industrial photographer, 100 percent of my income came from this job. The income was a problem, in the mid-seventies photographers were not paid much. I was not willing to sacrifice my family and their well being to pursue my dream so took a better paying job and did portraits, weddings, and family pictures on the side. Made some money. Digital is a whole new medium that I still have not mastered. I having fun and learning alot from UHH.
Bruce M.
Bruce M.
Jan 16, 2012 12:18:13 #
nikondaddy
Loc: Mayfield,Kentucky
I consider myself a pro even in retirement been one since 1964 when I became a National Press Photographers Association member. I can still shoot like a pro and digital has increase my skills and ability to take more and better photographs.
Jan 16, 2012 12:19:29 #
Retired Pro.
Made my living through Imaging for over 45 years. Photography, Processing equipment, sales, marketing, medical, dental, graphic arts. Now just enjoying shooting what I want and occasionally selling some. Not 1/4.
Regards, Image1
Made my living through Imaging for over 45 years. Photography, Processing equipment, sales, marketing, medical, dental, graphic arts. Now just enjoying shooting what I want and occasionally selling some. Not 1/4.
Regards, Image1
Jan 16, 2012 12:31:01 #
Right on CJ7. I see you are from western Washington. I lived in Bremerton for 43 yeare and got a lot of beautiful pictures in the Olympic and Cascade Mountains.
Jan 16, 2012 12:31:12 #
Jan 16, 2012 12:38:28 #
Jan 16, 2012 12:41:43 #
You can add me to the small list of "pro"s becasue I do earn most of my income from photograpohy however it is not a whole lot.
I thought the legal definition of a "pro" was anyone who has earned at least one dollar for his work in photography.
Of course there are various interpretations and many people use the word "pro" as a compliment for someone who is exceptionally good.
So I am glad you defined clearly what you mean by a "pro".
I thought the legal definition of a "pro" was anyone who has earned at least one dollar for his work in photography.
Of course there are various interpretations and many people use the word "pro" as a compliment for someone who is exceptionally good.
So I am glad you defined clearly what you mean by a "pro".
RTR wrote:
After reading most of the thread 'I will never understand people's egos' I thought it would be fascinating to find out how many professional photographers frequent this forum?
For this discussion let's define "Professional" as anyone who currently earns at least 25% of their income from photography.
If you didn't know already I am NOT a professional, nor any other kind of photographer. I am still just a picture taker.
For this discussion let's define "Professional" as anyone who currently earns at least 25% of their income from photography.
If you didn't know already I am NOT a professional, nor any other kind of photographer. I am still just a picture taker.
Jan 16, 2012 12:48:47 #
Jan 16, 2012 12:51:32 #
jolly1 wrote:
quote=Cameraman You can add me to the small list ... (show quote)
The U.S. Government's official definition of "professional" is anyone who receives 51%, or more, of their total income from their work.
Jan 16, 2012 12:52:38 #
Add another to the list of pros. I own a studio and framing shop, shot technical/commercial stuff for about 30 years before I retired. Now I primarily shoot portraits, seniors and weddings.
Jan 16, 2012 12:56:38 #
Hey, I am a Pro, almost 40 yrs full time self-employed wedding photographer. Recently retired "YEAH", also Past President of my states local PPA affiliate association...
I love this site in that everyone seems willing to help another fellow photographer expand their knowledge to make better photographs. After all this is a constantly "learning" profession. Keep doing, keep trying, keep experimenting.
I love this site in that everyone seems willing to help another fellow photographer expand their knowledge to make better photographs. After all this is a constantly "learning" profession. Keep doing, keep trying, keep experimenting.
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