Professional Opinions

[sk66]

A marginal photographer with great marketing/sales/people skills will make a much better "professional photographer" than a great photographer with poor marketing/sales/people skills will ever be.

Now the second may become the greater "photographic artist", but then their work won't make much money until after they are dead...

[Mike Burnett]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

No. Experience, training, etc are superfluous. There are people that have had no training and limited experience, but can produce some amazing work, ESPECIALLY art. A professional makes money: thats their aim. Nothing more.

Standardized testing for a photographer is ludicrous as an idea. You liken it to passing the bar like a lawyer: ...

There's no need for such a test, nor will there ever be.

If you go into your schooling with a narrow view like the one you've shown, youre sure to fail out.

It's interesting to hear such different viewpoints. I don't think you are wrong in your definition of a professional; I just think it's very different than mine.

I DO NOT think there should be a standardized test for photographers, and I never suggested there should be. Experience and training can come from many places, not just academic institutions; mentors, workshops, and other "professionals" can be a great fountain of knowledge. I do not think the division between pro and amateur is black and white. There will always be this debate.

To say that my view is narrow, is not accurate; because I believe a pro should be MORE than what you think, is hardly narrow. To say that my view will cause me to fail is not very nice, or even truthful.

I guess I am trying to define an "ideal professional"; someone who offers, understands, and cares more about what they are doing than Joe Blow who is simply trying to pay for his new lens. I think it is important to have something to strive for; I want to be as great a photographer as I can, and I want it to be my profession; what incentive is there to be a professional if all I have to do is sell a $5 print.

[Mike Burnett]

Originally Posted by sk66

A marginal photographer with great marketing/sales/people skills will make a much better "professional photographer" than a great photographer with poor marketing/sales/people skills will ever be.

Now the second may become the greater "photographic artist", but then their work won't make much money until after they are dead...

I completely agree. To further my definition of what I am now calling the "Ideal Pro", I believe he/she should be strong in ALL of these areas. If he/she isn't, steps should be made to strengthen the weaker areas.

There is no definition for "Ideal Pro". Again, the customer decides what is ideal. Uncle Louie with his shiny new DSLR might be the ideal candidate for a couple on a tight budget. Some value a photographer with mad photoshop skillz. Some value the photojournalistic style. Some want great portraits and don't care about the details.

I have a professional friend who said calling a photographer and asking for photos is like calling a car dealership and asking for a car. There is such a wide range of price, styles, and packages...and not one car is right for every person. He said photography is the same way...everyone has different desires when it comes to photography. And sometimes, when those desires don't match up with the photographer's skills, he turns them away. He said he's not the right photographer for them, and recommends someone more suitable.

[JessicaO]

Originally Posted by Mike Burnett

I completely agree. To further my definition of what I am now calling the "Ideal Pro", I believe he/she should be strong in ALL of these areas. If he/she isn't, steps should be made to strengthen the weaker areas.

I think it's great to want to improve yourself in areas where you are weaker, in order to become what you view as the "Ideal Pro." But the fact of the matter is that a professional photographer is basically a business owner selling a service. Anyone has the freedom and right to open a business regardless of their level of experience, teaching or qualifications. Thank goodness there are no standards that would prohibit that! If you dislike the quality of their photos, you are entitled to your opinion, but you also need to recognize that they are equally entitled to selling their photos and photo services. If there is a store I dislike I won't shop there; it's as simple as that, and I won't waste time dogging on the store.

If you want to succeed as a "professional" I would recommend to just focus on improving yourself and your photography and marketing skills, and not worry so much about what others around you are doing.

Good luck in your pursuits!

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Mike Burnett

To say that my view is narrow, is not accurate; because I believe a pro should be MORE than what you think, is hardly narrow. To say that my view will cause me to fail is not very nice, or even truthful.

Im not so much worried about WHAT you're saying, but HOW you're saying it. You seem very forceful and very set in your ways. Like nothing will sway you. That's narrow-minded.