Do you need a certain quality of equipment to be a professional?

Henry Peach wrote:

photobod wrote: I have done a wedding with a D70s, the couple were more than happy with there photos, no one at the wedding came up to me and said "why havent you got a pro camera then". I now have a D300, which I got because it was better in low light situations, and soon I am moving up to a D700, all for the reasons Stealthy Ninja has eloquently highlighted.

I've probably already told my story of a wedding guest chastising me for using a no name Swedish camera (Hasselblad) when everyone knows "pros use Canon!"

Too funny. What was I aiming for then?

The only piece of quality equipment you need to be a professional in the "nut" holding the camera.

Well maybe it's a good thing that I'm a squirrel hold a Canon then..

Rob pix4u2 wrote: MJ you turn out some beautiful work that shows your obvious talent regardless of the camera you used to produce it

THANK YOU ROB! I appreciate that, it is a great compliment. Yet I don't touch the video capabilities of the 5D; and I am slowly learning what I can do with it and my lenses. I have taken some amazing shots with film, the 10D and the 5D- just depends on my light and my surroundings. I think the camera doesn't make the artist or professional but it surely doesn't hurt.

My PT messenger bag should be here soon. THAT will make me a professional! So there...

I love this question, however I'm going to take the high road on this one

No Show wrote: I love this question, however I'm going to take the high road on this one

Exactly what is it you are smoking?

Grind 4 wrote: Lets say you have a Canon XT 350D, or a Nikon D70, and do strobist-style shots, and your whole setup was under a grand.

Does that make you less entitled to charge normal price for your work? I am mostly thinking on one hand that its about the product, not the process. But, at the same time, doesn't a photographer owe it to the person paying to use a setup which can compete with his peers and competition?

BTW, this is not about me. I just am asking a question, that's all.

Not at all, I would argue that a professional is someone who can make a living from his/her images whether it's with the best equi[pment going or a home made pin hole. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, you have people out there with the ebst equipment money can buy who hasn't got an eye for a shot and won't sell diddly or someone who can make magic from nothing...

No Show wrote: I love this question, however I'm going to take the high road on this one

It's just to easy

There is a young lady in my area who has been in business for 2 yrears give or take and photographs Newborns and Children. Her equipment is a Canon XTi and uses Vivitar 285's with umbrellas. She has a very good following. She works as a location photographer. She is doing very well for herself. So the question is still the same ,,,,,Do you need certain quaility of equipment to be successful (professional)?

chasrich wrote:

No Show wrote: I love this question, however I'm going to take the high road on this one

Exactly what is it you are smoking?

Not that high road!

Learning photography is learning to SEE. Better gear will follow.