Photographer labels.

[EmyB]

Rather simplistic and dull question! But I can't find the answer elsewhere.

What's the difference between an amateur and a hobbyist? I hear these terms bandied about and I'm not quite sure what they mean. I'd like to know which one to call myself hahaha. Any other terms I should know about? Serious amateur?? Professional?? Amateur professional?

[Bruce A]

Hobbyist = Amateur

Amateur = Hobbyist

Professional = Professional

And in any of those labels:

Great = Great
Good = Good
Mediocre = Mediocre
Bad = Bad

The above labels don't count for beginners.

The idea is to stay a beginner so no one can label you

[SwissJon]

Amateur.. Someone who doesn't get paid to take photos.
Hobbyist.. Like an amateur, but with lots more gear.
Professional.. Like an amateur, but gets paid for their work.

Please note, the tag "Professional" dosn't mean you are any good. It just means you get paid. There are plenty of crap pro's out there who should really look for a different profession.

[Rentham]

Nicely put, Bruce.

[Elmo]

Hobbyist.. Takes pictures to please himself
Amateur.. Some one who is taking pictures to please others but does not get paid
Professional.. Like an amateur, but gets paid for their work.

As mentioned these labels have nothing to do with the quality of their work.

I am proud to say: I used to be a pro I have moved up to being a hobbyist.

[andyw]

Originally Posted by EmyB

But I can't find the answer elsewhere.

Simple reason is because there is no answer.

If the majority of your income comes from photography then you are a professional, anything else is amateur.


P.S. even though that was an answer

If you label me, you negate me.

-kikergaard (sic)

[EmyB]

Ta for the replies. Interesting... quite variable answers. Elmo - I like your definitions the best!

I would have thought I'm a hobbyist. I don't have any intention of ever going pro (as I think that would ruin the fun ). But I am a beginner hobbyist. But in 20 years time when I'm (hopefully) a lot better, I'll still be a hobbyist I guess.

I always saw an amateur as someone who aims to do it professionally but is learning.

I'm just a little worried by calling myself a hobbyist people will think I have "a lot more gear" as SwissJon said.

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by EmyB

Ta for the replies. Interesting... quite variable answers. Elmo - I like your definitions the best!

I would have thought I'm a hobbyist. I don't have any intention of ever going pro (as I think that would ruin the fun ). But I am a beginner hobbyist. But in 20 years time when I'm (hopefully) a lot better, I'll still be a hobbyist I guess.

I always saw an amateur as someone who aims to do it professionally but is learning.

I'm just a little worried by calling myself a hobbyist people will think I have "a lot more gear" as SwissJon said.

Call yourself whatever you like.. It really doesn't mean much.

"Pro" used to mean that you were actually quite good at the profession, however with the advent of affordable high quality cameras, you now get people earning money who have absolutely no idea how to consistently produce decent pictures, more of a spray and pray.. They're still (unfortunately) Pro's, which has brought the whole industry down.

My favourite acronym that I see used idely within the industry is "MWC"... Man With Camera.. Which is basically a guy who wants to meet pretty women, so hires models on the pretense of taking photos of them, but really isn't interested in the photos, and much more interested in getting to know scantily clad women.. Something to strive not to be, hobbyist or pro alike.

[BigFuzzy]

Originally Posted by SwissJon

My favourite acronym that I see used idely within the industry is "MWC"... Man With Camera.. Which is basically a guy who wants to meet pretty women, so hires models on the pretense of taking photos of them, but really isn't interested in the photos, and much more interested in getting to know scantily clad women.. Something to strive not to be, hobbyist or pro alike.

I thought it was GWC - Guy With Camera
And I always thought of MWC as "Mom With Camera"..