Pro. or Amateur photographer?

[freybear3]

How can you tell a Pro. photographer from an amateur?
When do amateurs become Pro?

I was sitting here wondering when do amateurs become Pro. Well then i thought of a few things. So here are a few thoughts, and i want to hear everyone's opinions.

Is a photographer with alot of equipment, but can't make a good photo, Pro?

Is a photographer with just a camera and a lens that CAN make a good photo, without any equipment, are they amateur because they don't have equipment?

If you have a job in photography, but can't make a good photo, are they Pro? (they shouldn't be working lol)

What makes an amateur photographer turn into a Pro. photographer?





I consider myself an amateur photographer, but all my friends and family consider me Pro. because of the quality of alot of my photos. I don't feel comfortable being called a Pro. photographer. And i hardly ever edit my photos.

So this got me thinking, when are we considered Pro. ?



What do you consider yourself, Amateur or Pro.? AND WHY?

[LoveDSLR]

I'll call myself a Pro if:

1) My full time job is a photographer or
2) I won plenty of International Photo Salon competitions or
3) I received Fellowship from photographic societies.

That is why I regard myself just a hobbyist for now.

[azn137]

First off, nice avatar you got there

I consider a Pro is someone who take relatively nice photos, do it for a living, a have a lotta gears. I think by definition, if you do it for a living, you become a Pro. And since you do it for a living, I assume you invest quite some cash into it. However, I'm not saying all Pro's are always good. Some people are just bad at their job.

In contrast, as you may have guessed it, an amateur is someone who doesnt do it for a living. It could be just a "left hand job"/side job. Or, it could be someone who just takes photos in the names of arts, kinda like how people play golf/draw for fun. Or, someone who's just into it because of the gears. Some people love "top of the line" technology, and also like taking photos here and there.

I consider myself an enthusiastic/gear headed photographer. Don't get me wrong, I love the art, and the feeling of taking nice photos, which I think I do a good job at. However, I have a thing for "top of the line" stuff. Being a geek as I am, I think it's my nature to always be catching (or trying to catch) up with technology.

Cheers

[kencaleno]

The general concept of a professional photographer is if he/she earns more than 70% of their total income from photography-quality doesn't come into it- Some amateur photographers can run rings around some so-called pros-and equipment has nothing to do with it-a qualified photographer can make a quality portrait with a simple point and shoot camera. Because I am a certified photographer,I call myself a qualified photographer, because my certification guarantees a definite quality of photography to the client.

Regards, Ken

[Jim Bryant]

"What's the best way to become a professional photographer"? So... I've decided to take the time to write down my suggestions on perusing a career in commercial photography. I'm assuming that the person in questions is around 20 years old with no dependents, and is deciding his career path.

Step #1: Education

I would suggest that you get a four year education at a school like R.I.T. , Syracuse, Missouri, Florida, Brooks or some other photographic program with a major in some aspect of photography. I'm not saying that you "must" get a four year education. I'm saying that I would suggest it. There are four main reasons why I suggest getting a four year degree.

1. You'll learn a whole bunch about the technical aspect of photography. You can get this information by reading on your own, but there's something to be said for becoming immersed in a subject along with a bunch of your peers. If you can't swing the tuition of a four year school, there are a few two year programs of some value around the country. And if you can't afford any school, fear not! In my opinion, Photography is something between a craft and an art. You need control over the technical aspect of your medium but you can learn "on the job" if you have to.

2. You'll become a more well rounded business person. There's a whole lot more to the photography business than taking pictures, and it will greatly enhance your career if you know and use proper English. (you can probably tell that I only went to a two year school) If you do go to school, make sure that you take every class you can on marketing and sales. These two subjects will prove more valuable to you than many of your photography classes. Another subject that you should beef up on is "Art History" I know, it sounds dull, but it's amazing what you can learn about light from the master painters of yester year.

3. You'll meet life long friends that share a common interest. Two of my best friends today are people that I met in school. The whole social aspect of going to school should not be overlooked. Besides friends, it's amazing how many future clients I met in school.

Then, you pay your dues by working for a newspaper, until you feel you have enough experience to strike out on your own. A pro makes about 70 - 100% of their income by taking pictures.

[fletch]

Wow Freyber3 you love to rake up the old classics, first police brutality, then PP is evil, now what makes you a pro. Your next thread better not be "should I shoot RAW" or we will think you are doing this on purpose.

Now to raise to the bait as I can't resist.

Photography is no different to any other profesion that is also a hobby, be it sport, painting or fishing. It's all about the dinero.

Profesional = Earns all of your income from photography
Semi Profesional = Earns some money from photography
Amateur = Earns no money but does it anyway because they enjoy it.

You wouldn't say you were a profesional football player becasue your mates said you were really good when you played with them in the park would you? You would say you were a profesional fisherman just because you catch really big fish would you?