What is a professional photographer?

7 years 3 months ago #515459 by Fess Walker
So a professional photographer someone who is TRYING to make money with photography?  

OR someone who actually does make a living from their photography?  


A friend and I just had a 'chat' about this today.  

Which is the answer?


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7 years 3 months ago #515470 by EOS_Fan
I thought it would be someone EARNING $$ as a photographer.  


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7 years 3 months ago #515496 by Stanly
I'm going to have to agree.  If you are making enough to make a living for yourself, then you are a pro.

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7 years 3 months ago #515582 by DsquarePh0T0
I have a really good friend who is  a photographer who has never been paid for any of his work. I had a friend that does Civil War Reenactments and about eight years ago paid me $50.00 to do some photographs for their website, so according to him I am a professional.


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7 years 3 months ago #515586 by Hassner
In my country PPSA (Professional Photographers of Southern Africa) accepted you as member with the following clause: If the majority of your income is from photography.

I think it is a nice personal measure.


No one kicks up there feet next to the water cooler better than this person.  Top poster - LoungeLounge Guru
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7 years 3 months ago #515599 by srubio77
If calling yourself a professional helps you sleep at night, then by all means I think it's fine to call yourself one without any specific guidelines set in stone.


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7 years 3 months ago #515623 by KENT MELTON
Being paid can be a choice for many.  Many of these 'enjoying life' photographers are highly trained professions. 


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7 years 3 months ago #515658 by Vahrenkamp
+1 all of the above


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7 years 3 months ago - 7 years 3 months ago #515686 by Shadowfixer1
The answer is simple. Professional is a derivative of the word profession.

pro·fes·sion[prəˈfeSHən]NOUN
  1. a paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification: "his chosen profession of teaching" · [more]"a lawyer by profession"synonyms: career · occupation · calling · vocation · métier · line (of work) · [more]
I don't see any ambiguity in that definition. "Paid Occupation". It doesn't matter if you are the most skilled person out there, if you are not "paid", you're not a professional.
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7 years 3 months ago #515851 by Uplander
I know one photographer who seems to believe you aren't a pro unless you have had your work published in major publication.  


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7 years 3 months ago #515889 by icepics
If you don't know you're probably not and 'trying to be' doesn't mean you are (yet anyway).

Sharon
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7 years 3 months ago #515900 by Joves
As the definition say it is being paid to do that task. Doesn't mean you are good at it. Far too many want to over glorify the idea of being a professional.


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7 years 3 months ago #515949 by tobythephotoguy
Anyone can adopt the title of photographer...but you become a professional when it brings home the bacon


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