WAS I a pro?

[peetyvulture]

So I did my first paid gig yesterday.

And I'm fully aware that I am far of from being/going pro.

But WAS I a pro for the day? I think this is interesting because I have often seen and spoken with people who have had one proper gig and then assume that that is "going pro" I like to ask them to think about when their next job is, if there isn't a next job then surely they are not "pro", but WERE they "pro" when they were on the job.

Just thought it was a bit interesting.

[ajax_andy]

Originally Posted by peetyvulture

So I did my first paid gig yesterday.

And I'm fully aware that I am far of from being/going pro.

But WAS I a pro for the day? I think this is interesting because I have often seen and spoken with people who have had one proper gig and then assume that that is "going pro" I like to ask them to think about when their next job is, if there isn't a next job then surely they are not "pro", but WERE they "pro" when they were on the job.

Just thought it was a bit interesting.

No, sorry but I dont think so.

I understand the angle you are looking at it from, but the saying one swallow doesn't make a summer (or something similar) springs to mind.

I think once you have had a few paid jobs, and know what direction you are heading in, you are pushing your services and attracting interest and bookings, then someone could be considered a "pro", but even then i'd probably just class them as a semi-pro.

However if the person in question had the mentality of being a "pro" on the day then i'd expect the results to be far greater than someone who approached it with the mindset of it being a hobby.

I'm not a pro yet, but i'm moving in that direction. I've had a few paid gigs and will have my website up soon and will be registering as self employed (but still working the day job). I'd class that as being a semi pro... yet every gig i've done, be it paid, or just for fun / a favour i've approached it as if I was an experienced pro and being paid for the job.

So maybe being a "pro" is more about mentality than status?

And yes I do realise i've just rambled on and not actually answered the question lol!

People are way too caught up in the word "professional". It's pretty meaningless.

Did you get paid for it? Then you are a professinal.

It has nothing to do with skill, quality, attitude, status, etc. It just means that you were paid.

[BigFuzzy]

It really depends on how nitpicky one wants to be.

On the one hand, you were a paid professional for that job. So, some could argue yes.

Many also argue that you're only a 'pro' when you're earning a large portion (if not all of it) via photography.
I'd argue anyone who takes a job here and there is more along the line of a part-time freelancer. But that's my opinion.

Who give a sh!t really? Your goal (not saying I know your goals specifically OP, just the broader "your") should be to shoot with the quality of a pro, even if you're not making your living as a pro. Who cares about the label?
I think I have the ability to shoot like a pro, I make good enough money each year on paid jobs, but I don't call myself a Pro.

Also, just don't misrepresent yourself (not saying you would!). And don't ever risk calling yourself a pro if your work/portfolio can't back it up. (again, not saying you would).

I simply call myself a photographer. I'm happy with that, and it's accurate no matter how much coin I make off of it.

EDIT: Yeah, what PBG said above! damn long posts!

[andyw]

Originally Posted by peetyvulture

So I did my first paid gig yesterday.

And I'm fully aware that I am far of from being/going pro.

But WAS I a pro for the day? I think this is interesting because I have often seen and spoken with people who have had one proper gig and then assume that that is "going pro" I like to ask them to think about when their next job is, if there isn't a next job then surely they are not "pro", but WERE they "pro" when they were on the job.

Just thought it was a bit interesting.

NO. You were someone who got paid for taking photos for the day.

A professional photographer makes the majority of their income from photography.


I don't know why people get so aroused by the word professional.
If people ask I say I am a photographer. I don't say I am a professional photographer.

[Brian Mullins]

I agree the term is simply a "label" that really has no bearing on your skills, status or success of being a photographer. With that being said though, the first step (to me) of being defined as a pro is the following:

- Do you have a business license?
- Are you registered to collect and remit taxes from the income?
- Do you actively market yourself as a "paid" photographer?
- Do you have a documented price list?

If you don't meet all the above, then you, again to me, are not a professional. A professional (anything) indicates proficiency, a documented business plan, a marketing plan, and numerous other things that indicate you are putting yourself out to the world as a "professional" and can handle yourself as such.

Notice I didn't say "good" photographer... that's never been a requirement to be a "professional" IMO. Getting paid for a single gig is just that. If you cut someones grass when you were 14, that didn't make you a professional groundskeeper, just someone who picked up odd jobs. Same with photography.

[bhursey]

Originally Posted by Brian Mullins

- Do you have a business license?
- Are you registered to collect and remit taxes from the income?
- Do you actively market yourself as a "paid" photographer?
- Do you have a documented price list?

LOL I meet all those 4 things I guess im a professional. Although I just consider my self just a photographer. All my friends call me pro but I don't consider my self one. I dont like the pro word.

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by bhursey

LOL I meet all those 4 things I guess im a professional. Although I just consider my self just a photographer. All my friends call mean pro but I don't consider my self one. I dont like the pro word.

had to find a way to introduce the 'slow clap'.. this is as good a place as any.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by Brian Mullins

I agree the term is simply a "label" that really has no bearing on your skills, status or success of being a photographer. With that being said though, the first step (to me) of being defined as a pro is the following:

- Do you have a business license?
- Are you registered to collect and remit taxes from the income?
- Do you actively market yourself as a "paid" photographer?
- Do you have a documented price list?

If you don't meet all the above, then you, again to me, are not a professional. A professional (anything) indicates proficiency, a documented business plan, a marketing plan, and numerous other things that indicate you are putting yourself out to the world as a "professional" and can handle yourself as such.

Notice I didn't say "good" photographer... that's never been a requirement to be a "professional" IMO. Getting paid for a single gig is just that. If you cut someones grass when you were 14, that didn't make you a professional groundskeeper, just someone who picked up odd jobs. Same with photography.

I have to agree with Brian. For example is a garage band considered professional when they get their first "paid" gig at a high school dance? Nope!

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by BigFuzzy

had to find a way to introduce the 'slow clap'.. this is as good a place as any.

Nice Big Fuzzy!!!!!!!!!