How many of you are qualified Photographers?

[iRyzzz]

Im just wondering as Im an student studying a degree in a subject nothing to do with photography but I would imagine over a few years If I keep at this, I would have the ability and feel confident enough along with having new and up to date tools, to do alot of different shots such as weddings, dances etc? Is that how it works or do you have to be a qualified in this field?

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by iRyzzz

Im just wondering as Im an student studying a degree in a subject nothing to do with photography but I would imagine over a few years If I keep at this, I would have the ability and feel confident enough along with having new and up to date tools, to do alot of different shots such as weddings, dances etc? Is that how it works or do you have to be a qualified in this field?

What is your definition of qualified? Someone who has advanced to the point of selling their services and their work?...or, someone who is a skilled photographer, but just does it for their own pleasure?

[JFSanders]

Oh, I suppose there may be few folks wandering around here with sheepskins. I doubt the need for such things, as photography to me is more art than science. But I hear one can get credentialed in almost any area of human endeavor nowadays. Will it make one a better artist? A definite maybe.

[Jim Bryant]

You don't need a sheepskin, even through I have one, but a hell of an eye, determination, knowledge and experience helps as well.

[autofocus]

You can go to school to learn all the technical aspects of photography, but still be a mediocre photographer at best. Or, you can have a gifted eye with a bit of an artistic bent and know little about the techie end of things and still produce some beautiful work. To me, the best accomplished photographers have left and right brain skills, and have mastered both aspects of photography. I also add one more thing...the best technically competent industrial photographer may not make a good portrait photographer, and vice versa.

[Ambrosia76]

I guess it would all depend on what your definition of Qualified is. Does it mean someone with a degree in photography? Someone who works as a professional photographer in some shape or form? Someone who has had work published?

I have met several "professional' photographers in this area that I would not give 2 cents to to take my picture. I have had people offer me money to do pictures for them even though I don't think my work is that great even though I like most of the pics I take I do not think they are professional quality.

[NgaiHill]

Like others above I think it would depend on how you define 'qualified' if you mean someone who has a tertiary qual in photography then does that make them a photographer? I know a guy who is a professional photographer - that is he makes his living & supports his family from taking photos and has done so for quite some years. However he doesn't have any formal education or degree in anything related to photography, in fact he was doing a university course last year as he said that certain parts of the industry seemed to overlook you if you didn't have letters (photographic society) after your name. Right now he is off on a six week trip to India as a professional photographer.
For the record I am neither a professional nor qualified photographer

[Raoul Isidro]

A person gets qualified to fly an airplane, operate a construction boom crane, etc.
You don't need a qualification to buy a set of oil colors and a stretch of canvas, to sell the finished mounted artwork twice the annual salary of an average worker. The people who know and appreciate your work sets the parameters of greatness...
Same with wedding photography, journalism, and modern art.
The satisfied customers are your greatest qualification.
But you do need licenses, insurance, and business accumen to keep afloat.

[katia]

well, i'm not sure because these days, everybody with a Nikon D3000, kit lens, and a pop-up flash are apparently qualified to shoot weddings...

[autofocus]

Originally Posted by katia

well, i'm not sure because these days, everybody with a Nikon D3000, kit lens, and a pop-up flash are apparently qualified to shoot weddings...

.....Ouch!