What is considered a Professional Photographer?

6 years 6 days ago #580033 by C.C.
This is one of those terms that always seems to get me in the discussions.  Some will say a professional photographer is one that makes a living from photography.  Meaning their earnings can support them. 

Then you have some who are out there shooting with an iPhone donning the 'Professional Photographer' badge because they have a zillion people following them on Instagram.  

Then you have the people who have been shooting 2-3 years, and they have amazing skills with their camera and post processing, however aren't making a living from their camera just yet. 

That's actually the part that gets me.  What is considered a professional photographer?  


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6 years 6 days ago #580057 by effron
If you earn your living as a photographer, you are a professional.....(or something like that)

Why so serious?
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6 years 6 days ago #580071 by Don Fischer
I would think a Professional is a guy that offer's his photo's for sale. If he/she can't make a living at it is their problem, they are still looking to sell their photo's. Maybe they are just bad professional's!


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6 years 5 days ago #580232 by Peter Nunez
By that definition, I would be a Professional Photographer, I've been making a living from photography for years.  Personally this is one of those terms that I always never agreed with.  I know people who are excellent photographers, who's work is REALLY incredible, but they aren't for hire.  They just take photos for their own personal use.   These guys are professionals in my book. 


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6 years 4 days ago #580422 by KenMan
Yeah, pretty much my thoughts as well.


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6 years 3 days ago #580453 by Sawyer
Honestly, this is one title I don't pay attention too.  To many have abused it and therefor, doesn't have much weight with me. 

Canon 5D Mark II | Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM | Canon 35L | Sigma 85 1.4 | Helios 44M-6 58mm(M42) | Zeiss 50mm 1.4 (C/Y) | Canon 135L | (2) 430EX II
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6 years 3 days ago #580529 by effron
Yeah, I won money in a golf tournament last year which makes me a professional golfer!!!
(ignore this post, IRS..I'm a pathological liar)....

Why so serious?
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6 years 2 days ago #580717 by Luca

effron wrote: Yeah, I won money in a golf tournament last year which makes me a professional golfer!!!
(ignore this post, IRS..I'm a pathological liar)....



LMAO!!!!


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6 years 1 day ago #580754 by Gord-O
Agree as well.  


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6 years 15 hours ago #580886 by Robert Chen
Yep, don't pay attention to titles either.  Over rated.  Just here to take good photos. 

Nikon D300 24-70mm f2.8
70-200mm f2.8
50mm f1.4 & 50mm f1.8
105mm f2.8
2 SB800

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5 years 11 months ago #581851 by Stic
If you get paid for you're photography, you are a 'professional' photographer...

Some consider skill the factor in professionalism but, getting paid is the correct factor.

There's plenty of amateur drivers out there who race on circuits, but, only if they get paid at it would you call them a professional race car driver...


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5 years 11 months ago #582008 by Sandy Smith Photos

Robert Chen wrote: Yep, don't pay attention to titles either.  Over rated.  Just here to take good photos. 



:agree:   Yep, I'm with you on this one. 


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