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Ken Rockwell quote about amateur photographers


7 years 3 weeks ago #521433 by Scott Klubeck
I was reading a quote website and found this quote.  Seriously does this guy think about that trash that he spews out of his mouth?  Does he look at himself in the mirror at night and say "I'm a winner, people like me?"  

This is that quote:  "People who earn less than half of their income from photography are amateurs. This has nothing to do with the quality of their photography." - Ken Rockwell 

I would guess most photographers are kind of like starving artist.  Some of these peoples work would crush the trash Ken has taken.  
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7 years 3 weeks ago #521435 by Jacko
I just ignore the not so bright people
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7 years 3 weeks ago #521438 by Vahrenkamp
Just ignore the stupidity
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7 years 3 weeks ago #521440 by KCook
  • I would guess most photographers are kind of like starving artist.  Some of these peoples work would crush the trash Ken has taken.
I don't doubt that hobbyists and part time photographers outnumber those who are full time.  So your argument with the KR quote escapes me?

literalguy
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
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7 years 3 weeks ago #521467 by Ruby Grace
+1 don't pay attention to people like this.  Just like todays politics!  :rofl:
Canon EOS 5D Mark II, 17-40mmL, 24-105mmL, 100-400mmL, 300mm f/4L IS, Sigma 12-24mm, 430EX, Extension tubes
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7 years 3 weeks ago #521476 by effron

Ruby Grace wrote: +1 don't pay attention to people like this.  Just like todays politics!  :rofl:


Except ignoring Rockwell didn't get US a 20 trillion debt!
Why so serious?
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7 years 3 weeks ago #521514 by Shadowfixer1
I must be missing something with the quote. Seems fine to me. I've seen many amateurs just as good as or better than a lot of pros. Just because a person chooses to make their living with photography doesn't necessarily make them good at it.
www.betterphoto.com/?ramshots
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The following user(s) said Thank You: KCook
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7 years 3 weeks ago #521521 by Screamin Scott
  "People who earn less than half of their income from photography are amateurs. This has nothing to do with the quality of their photography." - Ken Rockwell 

Said the idiot...
Scott Ditzel Photography

www.flickr.com/photos/screaminscott/
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7 years 2 weeks ago #521659 by Scott Klubeck
Doesn't sound off?  I know many great photographers who don't earn much from their photography, and they are far from being an amateur.  It's dumb thing to be quoted saying IMO.  
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7 years 2 weeks ago - 7 years 2 weeks ago #521773 by Shadowfixer1

Scott Klubeck wrote: Doesn't sound off?  I know many great photographers who don't earn much from their photography, and they are far from being an amateur.  It's dumb thing to be quoted saying IMO.  

If they don't make their living by photography, they are amateurs. Professional photographer means their profession is as a photographer. That is the definition. Being a Pro or an amateur has nothing to do with the quality of the work. That is all he said. I don't get why you're so cranked up about it. I'm not to fond of ole Ken either but there is nothing wrong with what he said. He is just saying you don't have to be a pro to be good.  
www.betterphoto.com/?ramshots
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7 years 2 weeks ago #521774 by Stanly
Well it's a slippery slope, to suggest all that don't make a full time income as an amateur is off, way off actually.
Nikon Z6 | Nikon FM10 | Nikon D80 | Nikon 50mm f/1.8D | Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S VR | 35-105mm f/3.5 Macro | 80-200mm f/4.5 | SB600 | Pocket Wizard II
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7 years 2 weeks ago #521780 by KCook
Professional photographer means their profession is as a photographer. That is the definition. Being a Pro or an amateur has nothing to do with the quality of the work.

Exactly.  I'm surprised that so many responses here infer that all amateur work is crap and all pro work is outstanding.  Business definitions have nothing to do with excellence, or the lack of same.

Kelly
Canon 50D, Olympus PL2
kellycook.zenfolio.com/
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7 years 2 weeks ago #521807 by Shadowfixer1

Stanly wrote: Well it's a slippery slope, to suggest all that don't make a full time income as an amateur is off, way off actually.

Don't confuse the terms. Quality has nothing to do with pro/amateur. Your "profession" defines whether you are a pro or an amateur. If it's your profession, you better be making money or you will be homeless and starving. Here is the definition of amateur out of the dictionary. "One who engages in a pursuit, study, science, or sport as a pastime rather than as a profession."
www.betterphoto.com/?ramshots
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7 years 2 weeks ago #521822 by ShutterPal
Well if the guy wasn't so wildly 'liked', then half the remarks wouldn't exist.  :rofl:
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7 years 2 weeks ago #521827 by effron
Just notice the attention his remarks garnered. So much ado about nothing, me thinks....Ignore him?
Why so serious?
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