Amateur vs. Professional???

[diminutives]

Okay, this may be a very silly question. But, at what point does an "amateur" photographer become a "professional" photographer? Is it as simple as getting paid for one of your photographs?

[diminutives]

Originally Posted by cacutscraf

i am a bit partial to "spank".....
& i am sure it would be better received than an infraction....

I'm sorry?????

[windrider86]

This topic is one that has been and will always be hashed out.
Typically a professional is considered one who makes thier living at being a photographer.
HOWEVER, I have seen many a "professional" who should be shot and many an ametuer who is talented beyond beleif. So who is to stay were to draw the line

[Big Nick]

I would not say that once you get paid for a photo then you are a pro. I mean if you sell your car your not a car salesmen right?

I think once you start to photograph with the intentions of making money you could then consider yourself a pro.

[Dodge]

I'd say you are professional once you can earn a living in your chosen field without any need for supportive income from elsewhere.

[Japaslavian]

This question has no answer aside from ambiguous gray areas. I let the people who see my work determine my qualifications and not worry about it.

Though if it interests you, the work I see from self-pronounced "professionals" is very often outdone by those who consider themselves "amateurs." So it's more of a question as to who is more modest about their work.

[Jim Bryant]

It's when most of your income is derived from the sale of photographic services and you work either part-time or full-time trying to generate clients.

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by windrider86

This topic is one that has been and will always be hashed out.
Typically a professional is considered one who makes thier living at being a photographer.
HOWEVER, I have seen many a "professional" who should be shot and many an ametuer who is talented beyond beleif. So who is to stay were to draw the line

That's true too, but it's really up to the professional to keep abreast in shooting techniques, computer applications, hardware, soft ware and such. If a pro relies on the same on method or standard of shooting and therefore doesn't evolve..........there's are novices who and will out shoot them time and time again.

[diminutives]

Thank you all for your responses! And, you have answered the reason behind my question as well. I was recently speaking with someone who stated that they are a "professional" photographer and was sharing some of their work. Well, they simply weren't appealing. So, thank you again!

[Raoul Isidro]

The definition of professional in photography is very vague, subjective and extremely difficult to peg down unless referenced to a solid standard. This is where the professional associations and guilds come in. They are not just weekend camera clubs and magazine subscription memberships, but highly skilled and trained professionals of the highest technical and best practice standards. An example is in movie making. Anybody can wield a movie camera and try to do a "Blair Witch Project" but the best that Hollywood churns out, artistically, are created by Cinematographers. Not anyone can be called, or market themselves as such.