Are you a pro photographer?

12 years 7 months ago #144916 by Kitzmiller
So the difference between a person who is a hobbyist and pro is a hobbyist doesn't really care about making money with their camera and a pro does?

I'm basically just sharing what I read on another blog, this seems pretty believable, but then again doesn't. So I'm posting this up to get some additional views. I think a hobbyist might be where they are because of lack of skill to be a pro. I guess the above could apply to certain photographers and others maybe not.


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12 years 7 months ago #144921 by Dori
I guess I look at it this way, I am a hobbyist and probably always will be. However, I wish to create photos like a pro. But then again, I have always been the 'eternal student'. :P

Don't pi$$ me off, I am running out of room to store the bodies...

Resident Texasotan...

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12 years 7 months ago #144930 by chasrich
I think there is two types of pro... one is a state of mind. Doing the best job you can where your reputation is on the line. The other type is someone being paid to take photos. It is possible to be either one and, of course, both at the same time.

“Amateurs worry about equipment, professionals worry about money, masters worry about light, I just make pictures… ” ~ Vernon Trent
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12 years 7 months ago #144949 by Tamgerine
There are so many aspects to being a professional that can be factored in other than just being paid for your work.

When I use the phrase, "I'm a professional" I'm expressing everything that makes me a professional. I act like one, I take my craft seriously, I take business endeavors seriously, and I know what I need to accomplish in order to get the work done the right way. I show up for work on time, and I'm polite, courteous, and customer-service minded.

There are some of those who make the same pay as me who I would not consider a professional because they do not embody those attributes, they just get paid for their work.
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12 years 7 months ago #145023 by Mayo
Far from it!

Canon 5D - Canon 50mm f/1.4 | Canon 17-55mm f/2.8 | Canon 70-200 f/4L
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12 years 7 months ago #145049 by Stealthy Ninja
My wife wishes I made more money from photography.
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12 years 7 months ago #145059 by Happy-pixel
Who wouldn't want to make more of that green stuff! I'm going to remain humble and say I'm not a pro, but I'm working on it.


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12 years 7 months ago #145102 by Archie
:whistle: Not I, working on it


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12 years 7 months ago #145113 by aricat1
working on it


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12 years 7 months ago #145123 by chasrich

aricat1 wrote: working on it


:welcomeclan

“Amateurs worry about equipment, professionals worry about money, masters worry about light, I just make pictures… ” ~ Vernon Trent
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12 years 7 months ago #145125 by Frank Piercy
I am an Amateur.....I dont know if I would like to be a pro, well my wife would like me to be one, but thats a story for a different day. I think it would take a large portion of my enjoyment of it away, replaced with anxiety and fustration......2 things I already get poorly paid for.


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12 years 7 months ago #145138 by Hans K
I work on it. I use my photography more as a therapy. Making money is not as important.


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12 years 7 months ago #145141 by mamielong
I think a hobbist is a person that lacks skill and passion. I Love what I do and I love doing it. Im am a pro and I have seen many hobbist try try to go pro and not really have the passion and skill as a pro. I have taken maybe photography classes and even won some awards and even published. I think that makes a pro different than a hobbist.


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12 years 7 months ago - 12 years 7 months ago #145143 by Stealthy Ninja

mamielong wrote: I think a hobbist is a person that lacks skill and passion. I Love what I do and I love doing it. Im am a pro and I have seen many hobbist try try to go pro and not really have the passion and skill as a pro. I have taken maybe photography classes and even won some awards and even published. I think that makes a pro different than a hobbist.


I humbly disagree.

A Hobbist/Amateur is someone who doesn't make most of their money from photography. They can be more skilled and have more passion than a "pro". It's nothing to do with skills or passion. A hobbist can take classes, win awards and even get published. They often also have a LOT more passion than a "pro" who's jaded and worn out from all effort of making making money. A Hobbiest can even get some work doing photography and make some money.

I was once called a hobbist by a very high end pro (one who sells prints for $5000USD each) he (like you) meant it as an insult. However later in the day I teach that guy a few things about digital cameras (he's old school) he didn't know and helped him with some techniques. I even helped him understand why one of his photos didn't come out right (edge distortion).

Skills/Passion has nothing to do with these labels.
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12 years 7 months ago #145158 by PNMBritt

Frank Piercy wrote: I am an Amateur.....I dont know if I would like to be a pro, well my wife would like me to be one, but thats a story for a different day. I think it would take a large portion of my enjoyment of it away, replaced with anxiety and fustration......2 things I already get poorly paid for.


I used to think the same thing. They a few years ago I lost my job and my hobby became my livelihood. In fairness, I have previously worked in studio and also for a paper. And to be honest, I don't make the money I once did. And yes, sometimes I get stressed over stupid stuff. But now going on three years. I DON'T want a job. I am doing just fine. I am sure you would to.
Andy

In life there have always been those who make fire; but most just sit around the fire and enjoy the warmth. A great mind absent of action is waste.
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