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Are you a professional or an amateur photographer?

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pompu said:
I always imagine how I can someday be a pro. Then I'm worried that
I might have to take pictures that I'm not interested in, and I
wouldn't enjoy photography anymore!
Click to expand...
Why that's an easy question teacher. Just tell the consumer that you're not the person for the job and they should get somebody else:-) Works for me:-)
 
pompu said:
How many pros out there actually enjoy their work? (enough to say
it is not actually work...)
Click to expand...
I do! I do!

But I'm having more fun at my job then a person has a right to:-)

The key is "fun". Are you having fun? If not, you need to be asking yourself some questions and making some mental changes:-)
 
Ger Bee said:
My main frustrations are being asked to photograph a building in
the morning when it’s obviously and evening shot, event organisers
put on very colourful display and then force you to shoot it conta
jour.

My personal frustration is knowing I can do better, but I cannot
choose the time nor the place nor the event.
Click to expand...
Asking this question in all humbleness...... what are you doing to make it better.

I've learned to say no. I've learned the need to control the situation, not let the situation control me.

I've also had to change my attitude so as to be more acceptable to the customer but I still talk openly with my customers about politics and the economy. It's quite entertaining. Oh! And yes. They do call me back:-)
 
Most people here enphasize more on the technical side of photography than on the artisitc side. Actually very few here from what I've seen have the "eye" for the artistic view, but it's a great place to learn all the technical stuff (just don't stay here for to long at a time...).

Pro? I heard is one who makes a living at it, but not necessarily good at it. The label really does not really matter at all.

Alfred
Ninad said:
I have been auditing this forum for the last 2-3 months to see the
quality of the information/ advice given to all aspects of
photography, but mainly the technical issues. The information in
most case that been quite accurate, upto date and informative
although quite subjective with a bit of attitude at times.
I was just curious what your photographic backgrounds were and if
you were professional photographers or not. First, let me say that
I don't think you have to be "professional" to give good or
accurate advice.
Second, what is the exact definition of "professional
photographer"? For instance, I am a surgeon who is passionate about
photography and have been lucky enough to be able to sell my work,
to the point that I have been able to purchase all my camera
equipment and even my studio from the sales. Now, I don't have a
business license, no training certificate nor do I depend on my
photo sales for my living. So am I strictly an amateur? If I got a
business license would that change?
Third, does saying you're professional make you an expert or does
it obligate you to some standard. Recently, someone here claimed
they were a professional and then proceeded to describe a situation
that obviously was a basic mistake on the poster's part. He got
pretty "compact flashed" by the group here, mainly because he
started his thread by saying he was a professional. If he has said
nothing or said he was an amateur, would he have been only "memory
sticked" and been able to survive his injuries?

This thread is our chance to connect your screen name to your
background...don't worry we won't "compact flash" you for saying
you are or are not a professional.......at least not yet ;)!
--
Ninad
...resistance is futile...
http://www.ninadartworks.com
Click to expand...
 
aevoegels said:
Most people here enphasize more on the technical side of
photography than on the artisitc side. Actually very few here from
what I've seen have the "eye" for the artistic view
Click to expand...
To give the said "Most people" their due: posting artistic (i.e. personal/original creations) on an open forum is sadly a risky business; there are those out in the big wide web all too ready to steal photo work, despite the little accompanying copyright notices. Hence the usual, albeit praisable in most instances, submission of dog/cat/kids photos which are mostly posted to make a relevant point about this or the other technical
reference rather than to reflect true creative ability.

m.
 
gkat said:
If you are legally able to write off your camera, lenses. etc...
you are a pro. If you aren't. You are an amateur.
Click to expand...
Well I can write off my photographic equipment against the profits of my UK Limited Company and claim back VAT on it, but as I only expanded the company to include the photographic side a fairly short time ago I have yet to make a large number of regular photographic sales (not enough to live on and not even enough yet to pay for all the equipment I've bought). The vast majority of my day-to-day income comes from freelance IT and Internet design/development work, albeit via the same company.

I have tended to call myself a 'semi-professional' photographer as a result but given the various definitions in this thread I am now not at all sure what that makes me, photographically speaking!! ;-)

Regards,
Caroline
 
Everywhere I shoot, someone comes up to me and says,"Are you a 'professional photographer'?". I politely say no and explain that I am a professional digital imager and that it involves much more than just shooting pics. I do custom retouching, graphics, logos, websites, etc. and utilize my photography skills as added leverage.

Lately, I've been doing more and more of what I call 'reshoots of canned studio portraiture'. You know the standard Olan, Wally-Kmart, local pro boiler plate stuff. It seems that most people nowadays are getting tired of the same old, same old all the time and want some nice retouching and effects thrown in. It's a lot more fun than a sitting with pick this pose and see you every time you want another print routine.
Regards,
VG
DavidP said:
Definitely a pro.

Definitely good, at least in my book.

But, with his continued success, he's becoming less and less
available here, it seems
johnd1 said:
At least very few "good" ones will.
They would be too busy making money .The wannabee pros I see here
are all too willing to post their supposed days shoots here for
everyone to see. I suspect there are few busy working pros in the
Pro forum too. What I see here are a lot of advanced amateurs.
John
Click to expand...
--
The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons
http://thewilkinsons.crosswinds.net
Photography -- just another word for compromise
Click to expand...
 
I think you'd be in trou
Phil Forister said:
1) serious about photography, you're a photographer
2) use a tripod frequently, you're a photographer
3) if people like your work, your a photographer
4) You have your work displayed & that causes an after dinner
conversation, your a phorographer
5) When you look at light as well as a subject, your a photographer
6) When you watch TV, and pay as much attention to composition as
you do to the content, your a photographer.
7) If there is any thought to composition, lighting, esposure,
background, DOF, etc. while you shoot, you're a photographer.

You do not have to be a professional to be a phot.ographer, and
neither a photographer of professional just takes snapshots.

Do you have your work online anywhere? I would love to see the
work of another photographer!

Phil
http://www.pbase.com/philjf
Ninad said:
The other day my wife introduced me to a couple of new friends she
had made in our neighborhood and the topic got around to the nice
photos we had hanging on some of our walls. Since the photos they
were referring to were mine I made the statement that I had taken
them and that I was also a photographer. After the guests had left,
my wife nicely suggested that I should not tell people that I was a
photograpgher because it suggested that I was a "professional"
photographer. She felt that I should always qualify that I am an
amateur photographer. I disagree...what do you guys think?

--
Ninad
...resistance is futile...
http://www.ninadartworks.com
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
--
billtoo
camera - 1dee, fav lens 70-twohundred IS
http://www.pbase.com/billtoo
 
Caroline said:
I have tended to call myself a 'semi-professional' photographer as
a result but given the various definitions in this thread I am now
not at all sure what that makes me, photographically speaking!! ;-)
Click to expand...
That would make you an aspiring photographer:-) Sort of like the waiter/waitress that works in a coffee shop/lounge between cattle calls:-)
 
Ninad said:
... I was just curious what your photographic backgrounds were and if
you were professional photographers or not...
Click to expand...
Arts teacher, technical manager, professional photographer. Been doing it for over 10 years, film and digital.
Ninad said:
...Second, what is the exact definition of "professional
photographer"?...
Click to expand...
One who reliably makes money taking and selling photos. One who can perform on-demand, not just by accident.
Ninad said:
Third, does saying you're professional make you an expert or does
it obligate you to some standard...
Click to expand...
I think it obligates you to consistently and reliably take good photos, or at least deliver what the customer wants. Ideally, you produce shots with a bit of flair that sets your shots apart and makes people say "wow", but relatively few can do that consistently.
 
I love my cameras and i Love what they help me do. I've been paid (meagerly) for a couple weddings and portraits, but I am DEFINITELY an amateur.
 
...........when they see my portfolio of prints but they really don't have a clue as to what makes a good photo. I'm not always sure I do either .
John
Ninad said:
I have been auditing this forum for the last 2-3 months to see the
quality of the information/ advice given to all aspects of
photography, but mainly the technical issues. The information in
most case that been quite accurate, upto date and informative
although quite subjective with a bit of attitude at times.
I was just curious what your photographic backgrounds were and if
you were professional photographers or not. First, let me say that
I don't think you have to be "professional" to give good or
accurate advice.
Second, what is the exact definition of "professional
photographer"? For instance, I am a surgeon who is passionate about
photography and have been lucky enough to be able to sell my work,
to the point that I have been able to purchase all my camera
equipment and even my studio from the sales. Now, I don't have a
business license, no training certificate nor do I depend on my
photo sales for my living. So am I strictly an amateur? If I got a
business license would that change?
Third, does saying you're professional make you an expert or does
it obligate you to some standard. Recently, someone here claimed
they were a professional and then proceeded to describe a situation
that obviously was a basic mistake on the poster's part. He got
pretty "compact flashed" by the group here, mainly because he
started his thread by saying he was a professional. If he has said
nothing or said he was an amateur, would he have been only "memory
sticked" and been able to survive his injuries?

This thread is our chance to connect your screen name to your
background...don't worry we won't "compact flash" you for saying
you are or are not a professional.......at least not yet ;)!
--
Ninad
...resistance is futile...
http://www.ninadartworks.com
Click to expand...
 
I think this is a great question.

I consider myself an amatuer even though:

-I have taken classes.
-I have been taking photos since 1975
-I have had many photos published.
-I have been paid for my work.
-I feel knowledgable in Digital Photography.

Many people call themselves professionals. When I see their work.....I wonder....Then again I am an amateur so what do I know!

Dennis Whittam http://www.terryvillefd.org
 
This is an interesting thread. I am a pro, and I just want to make a brief comment about selling your work. I see many post on this thread saying "I have sold some work." When you are the seller, your status as a pro or amateur makes no different in regard to price. If you have some decent work that you want to sell, or you happen to shoot an important news event etc., that is great. When you sell, please DO NOT dilute the market by selling below your own cost. First of all, it is a disservice to you; secondly, it hurts the professionals in your area but undercutting them for no good reason. If you want to sell your work more power to you, but before you sell anything, go to http://www.editorialphoto.com/ and look at the estimator and the contracts section. Read some information so you can be an informed seller. Don't GIVE people your work just to see you byline. That’s it, end of rant. Good luck.
Ninad said:
I have been auditing this forum for the last 2-3 months to see the
quality of the information/ advice given to all aspects of
photography, but mainly the technical issues. The information in
most case that been quite accurate, upto date and informative
although quite subjective with a bit of attitude at times.
I was just curious what your photographic backgrounds were and if
you were professional photographers or not. First, let me say that
I don't think you have to be "professional" to give good or
accurate advice.
Second, what is the exact definition of "professional
photographer"? For instance, I am a surgeon who is passionate about
photography and have been lucky enough to be able to sell my work,
to the point that I have been able to purchase all my camera
equipment and even my studio from the sales. Now, I don't have a
business license, no training certificate nor do I depend on my
photo sales for my living. So am I strictly an amateur? If I got a
business license would that change?
Third, does saying you're professional make you an expert or does
it obligate you to some standard. Recently, someone here claimed
they were a professional and then proceeded to describe a situation
that obviously was a basic mistake on the poster's part. He got
pretty "compact flashed" by the group here, mainly because he
started his thread by saying he was a professional. If he has said
nothing or said he was an amateur, would he have been only "memory
sticked" and been able to survive his injuries?

This thread is our chance to connect your screen name to your
background...don't worry we won't "compact flash" you for saying
you are or are not a professional.......at least not yet ;)!
--
Ninad
...resistance is futile...
http://www.ninadartworks.com
Click to expand...
 
I've been a full time photographer. I was the staff photographer/videographer at a large defense contractor but I currently have a different job - I just HATED corporate photography.

I have a sideline business with my wife doing weddings, seniors and families and , obviously, we get paid. But that's not my FULL TIME job. So...am I a pro? Not sure. Anyone else care to take a guess?
--
Keith
http://www.pbase.com/dod1011/galleries
(More images to come...)
(See my profile for gear)

'If Saddam survives the war but loses a leg how pi$$ed will his body doubles be?'
 
Keith Dodson said:
I've been a full time photographer. I was the staff
photographer/videographer at a large defense contractor but I
currently have a different job - I just HATED corporate photography.

I have a sideline business with my wife doing weddings, seniors and
families and , obviously, we get paid. But that's not my FULL TIME
job. So...am I a pro? Not sure. Anyone else care to take a guess?
--
Keith
http://www.pbase.com/dod1011/galleries
(More images to come...)
(See my profile for gear)
'If Saddam survives the war but loses a leg how pi$$ed will his
body doubles be?'
Click to expand...
--
Keith
http://www.pbase.com/dod1011/galleries
(More images to come...)
(See my profile for gear)

'If Saddam survives the war but loses a leg how pi$$ed will his body doubles be?'
 
Ninad said:
The other day my wife introduced me to a couple of new friends she
had made in our neighborhood and the topic got around to the nice
photos we had hanging on some of our walls. Since the photos they
were referring to were mine I made the statement that I had taken
them and that I was also a photographer. After the guests had left,
my wife nicely suggested that I should not tell people that I was a
photographer because it suggested that I was a "professional"
photographer. She felt that I should always qualify that I am an
amateur photographer. I disagree...what do you guys think?
Click to expand...
The issue here is that your wife believes that you are giving people the idea that you are a photographer as a means of living.

If you had just gotten done talking about your complicated job at an engineering facility, or that you fly planes for Delta Airlines, or whatever your normal job is, then your ok. I think the neighbors will get the idea.

But if these folks do not know what you do for a living, then you are in the wrong. You are not a photographer unless you make a living doing it.

That's not to say "I do photography" is a wrong statement.. But "I am a Photographer" gives the impression this is your primary ways of earning a living.

Just because I own a sniper rifle and enjoy going to a farm and shooting paper targets at 600+ yards doesn't mean "I am a Sniper".. It means I shoot targets at long distances.

Just because I own a camera and I really enjoy creating photographs does not make me a photographer.

There would be a few exceptions to this philosophy however. If you were rich or something and that's all you did in your time, and perhaps if people always attempted to purchase your photo's but you had some obscure reason why you wont sell them, then you are a photographer.

Your wife is correct in this issue if I read it correctly.

Murphy
 
Ninad said:
I have been auditing this forum for the last 2-3 months to see the
quality of the information/ advice given to all aspects of
photography, but mainly the technical issues. The information in
most case that been quite accurate, upto date and informative
although quite subjective with a bit of attitude at times.
I was just curious what your photographic backgrounds were and if
you were professional photographers or not. First, let me say that
I don't think you have to be "professional" to give good or
accurate advice.
Second, what is the exact definition of "professional
photographer"? For instance, I am a surgeon who is passionate about
photography and have been lucky enough to be able to sell my work,
to the point that I have been able to purchase all my camera
equipment and even my studio from the sales. Now, I don't have a
business license, no training certificate nor do I depend on my
photo sales for my living. So am I strictly an amateur? If I got a
business license would that change?
Third, does saying you're professional make you an expert or does
it obligate you to some standard. Recently, someone here claimed
they were a professional and then proceeded to describe a situation
that obviously was a basic mistake on the poster's part. He got
pretty "compact flashed" by the group here, mainly because he
started his thread by saying he was a professional. If he has said
nothing or said he was an amateur, would he have been only "memory
sticked" and been able to survive his injuries?

This thread is our chance to connect your screen name to your
background...don't worry we won't "compact flash" you for saying
you are or are not a professional.......at least not yet ;)!
--
Ninad
...resistance is futile...
http://www.ninadartworks.com
Click to expand...
--
JJ
http://www.geocities.com/cdtpagh
 
I am a professional photojournalist/news photographer. I started my pro career as a commercial photographers assistant. Before that I was an amateur.

There are many pros who can't shoot as well as some amateurs out there so don't get hung up on titles. Although I wish I as a pro had some of the gear you non pros have. I do qualify a pro as someone who makes a a majority of their income from photography.

--
Paul W Gillespie
The Capital, Annapolis, MD.
http://pwgphoto3.home.att.net
http://pwgphoto.home.att.net
 
Ninad said:
I have been auditing this forum for the last 2-3 months to see the
quality of the information/ advice given to all aspects of
photography, but mainly the technical issues. The information in
most case that been quite accurate, upto date and informative
although quite subjective with a bit of attitude at times.
I was just curious what your photographic backgrounds were and if
you were professional photographers or not. First, let me say that
I don't think you have to be "professional" to give good or
accurate advice.
Second, what is the exact definition of "professional
photographer"? For instance, I am a surgeon who is passionate about
photography and have been lucky enough to be able to sell my work,
to the point that I have been able to purchase all my camera
equipment and even my studio from the sales. Now, I don't have a
business license, no training certificate nor do I depend on my
photo sales for my living. So am I strictly an amateur? If I got a
business license would that change?
Third, does saying you're professional make you an expert or does
it obligate you to some standard. Recently, someone here claimed
they were a professional and then proceeded to describe a situation
that obviously was a basic mistake on the poster's part. He got
pretty "compact flashed" by the group here, mainly because he
started his thread by saying he was a professional. If he has said
nothing or said he was an amateur, would he have been only "memory
sticked" and been able to survive his injuries?

This thread is our chance to connect your screen name to your
background...don't worry we won't "compact flash" you for saying
you are or are not a professional.......at least not yet ;)!
--
Ninad
...resistance is futile...
http://www.ninadartworks.com
Click to expand...
 
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