I know that the definition of a Pro is someone who makes their living out of photography but I know a lot of GWC's that take photos to rival the best pros out there. I'm a GWC and have 60 or so awards at local, state, and international levels. I guess I'm an advanced GWC. I study photography for my own pleasure, taking classes, seminars, and reading in my spare time. I'm out shooting several times a week to hone my skills. I probably have 10K worth of equipment, none really fancy but the best quality I could afford. Not all GWC's are bad. When shooting, I see a pro, I stay out of their way out of respect for their job. Remember if it wasn't for the GWC's buying all that photo equipment, there wouldn't be all those choices of equipment to buy. I doubt that there are enough pros out there to support all of them. No disrespect to any hog, pro, or GWC intended. Room for all.