Definition of a Professional Photographer

1. If you get paid for your services, you are a professional.

I just crack up from all the comments from "so-called-professional" photographers that poo poo the new professionals. They act as if they know it all. I have been doing weddings for 10 years and have seen many variations of "professionals". Don't be misled, the creativity factor is infinite. For example, who would of though that Dennis Reggie, Photo Journalistic style photographer would be so popular. Basically it comes down to what the client likes and will pay for.

Keep creativitiy flowing!!!

I suppose I agree with your definition of a professional photographer (professional anything, for that matter). However, there are people and organizations that feel a "professional" is a person who makes at least half of their annual income from photography. Anyone else may be considered an amateur who has made a little money at photography.

So I guess every kid who get's paid to mow lawns is a professional landscaper. 'Professional', in my book, goes way beyond just getting paid for services rendered.

Mike

Kamal Rajan said:

1. If you get paid for your services, you are a professional.

I just crack up from all the comments from "so-called-professional"
photographers that poo poo the new professionals. They act as if
they know it all. I have been doing weddings for 10 years and have
seen many variations of "professionals". Don't be misled, the
creativity factor is infinite. For example, who would of though
that Dennis Reggie, Photo Journalistic style photographer would be
so popular. Basically it comes down to what the client likes and
will pay for.

Keep creativitiy flowing!!!

Click to expand...

--

Poo poo is that a word. Who cares what you think or define who the heck are you? Treat everybody the same and take beautiful photographs and lighten up! You will notice Clay, Monte, Dennis, Bambi, Steve and the rest are not on the forum Poo pooing folks, by the way I love that word no that I think about it vbg.

Let the light in! Walt
[email protected]

The term "professional" can be applied to people at almost every level of experience. The deciding factor is; does this person get paid for their work. Money doesn't make them a competent professional, only a professional.

The kid, who gets paid to cut grass, could be considered a professional grass cutter but he would naturally not be at the same level of professionalism as a landscaper. Then again, I imagine there are landscape professionals who couldn't do a very good job cutting your grass.

Webster states "PROFES'SIONAL", a. Pertaining to a profession or to a calling; as professional studies, pursuits, duties,engagements; professional character or skill.

Ken

Profession:

1. The business which one professes to understand and to follow for subsistence; calling; vocation; employment; as the learned professions. We speak of the profession of a clergyman, of a lawyer, and of a physician or surgeon; the profession of lecturer on chimistry or mineralogy. But the word is not applied to an occupation merely mechanical.

2. The collective body of persons engaged in a calling. We speak of practices honorable or disgraceful to a profession.

Ken

What about Plumbers, House Painters, Electricians, Barbers, Beauticians, Waiters, Waitresses, etc.? Are they simply laborers?

William

Ken Hosman said:

Profession:

1. The business which one professes to understand and to follow for
subsistence; calling; vocation; employment; as the learned
professions. We speak of the profession of a clergyman, of a
lawyer, and of a physician or surgeon; the profession of lecturer
on chimistry or mineralogy. But the word is not applied to an
occupation merely mechanical.

2. The collective body of persons engaged in a calling. We speak of
practices honorable or disgraceful to a profession.

Ken

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Lets suppose I needed or wanted to find a professional photographer, Where would I look? How would I find and get in touch with him or her?

get my point?

Miike Collins said:

So I guess every kid who get's paid to mow lawns is a professional
landscaper. 'Professional', in my book, goes way beyond just
getting paid for services rendered.

Mike

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--
Ken

William Wilgus said:

What about Plumbers, House Painters, Electricians, Barbers,
Beauticians, Waiters, Waitresses, etc.? Are they simply laborers?

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No. They are Artisans and Craftsmen .... and nothing wrong with that!

A 'professional' is something in addition. He/she has particular craft skills (as above) but also the EXTRA knowledge of how those skills are best deployed for the benefit of the customer. When the customer defers to the professonal's knowledge of what's best (for them) they are elevated to the status of 'client', engaged in buying 'professional' services'.

So it is the combination of consultant and practitioner that makes a professional. And the status is decided, job to job, by who calls the shots, (pun?) whether that be the customer for the sevices, or the supplier of the services.

(I always thought this was fairly obvious.)

Regards,
Baz

Kamal Rajan said:

1. If you get paid for your services, you are a professional.

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well in the US, as far as the IRS is concerned, they define you as a pro if you make 50% or greater of your income in photography.

as far as a general definition, that's been debated here and elsewhere ad nauseua. most people who most people would define as professionals seem to agree in a basic way that it's a combination of quality work along with responsible "professional" behavior in the course of doing the work and dealing with people and clients, and fair business practices, to the client, to one's self, and to the industry.

here is the asmp's code of ethics, what they expect from professionals. not a bad standard: http://www.asmp.org/culture/code.shtml

There was an article a while back in the British Journal of Photography from someone suggesting that wedding (and maybe other) "professional" photographers should be licensed before they could charge for their work, just like lawyers or doctors.

The idea seems palpably laughable, but it gained a lot of support. Imagine, police raids on "underground" photogs dens, Inspector Bloggs reporting that "a number of illicit wedding albums have been seized" and mug shots appearing of dangerous unlicensed landscape photographers

RIL

Kamal Rajan said:

1. If you get paid for your services, you are a professional.

I just crack up from all the comments from "so-called-professional"
photographers that poo poo the new professionals. They act as if
they know it all. I have been doing weddings for 10 years and have
seen many variations of "professionals". Don't be misled, the
creativity factor is infinite. For example, who would of though
that Dennis Reggie, Photo Journalistic style photographer would be
so popular. Basically it comes down to what the client likes and
will pay for.

Keep creativitiy flowing!!!

Click to expand...

How about 'working photographer'? When I've needed to define my occupation, that's what I've used.

Ken Hosman said:

Profession:

1. The business which one professes to understand and to follow for
subsistence; calling; vocation; employment; as the learned
professions. We speak of the profession of a clergyman, of a
lawyer, and of a physician or surgeon; the profession of lecturer
on chimistry or mineralogy. But the word is not applied to an
occupation merely mechanical.

2. The collective body of persons engaged in a calling. We speak of
practices honorable or disgraceful to a profession.

Ken

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--
**** Fish

Mike,

I have to agree with you, and in my book, a professional is more than getting paid to do the job. There are other factors, a professional has to act professionally, such as maintaining professional ethics.

Additionally, professionals continue to persue education, like continuing education, to stay on top of their craft--besides, with today's digital world, technology changes every Monday when the board of directors meet. For those that may disagree, look at the "pros" who had to learn color management. Pro's stay on top of things.

Professionals follow standards, business standards and know how to deal with customers (clients) in a professional manner.

Professionals in other countries, such as Germany, must first go through an apprentice for several years with a pro, and in some countries "test" their knowledge and get a license. Unfortunately here in the U.S., you can buy a disposable camera at a supermarket, and print a business card that says you're a "professional" when in fact you only dilute the meaning of professional.

Professionals eat, breathe, walk and talk professionalism.

Now on the other side, there are "prosumers" who shoot like professionals and as good or better then some professionals, but work in other professions and understand they just have a passion for the craft. Nothing wrong with the latter.

Can anyone shoot like a pro? Yes, some can. Can everyone be professional? No, in my book it takes years of paying your dues, earning a living in the craft, and possessing good business ethics and understanding customer service...just my opinion, and great analogy Mike...thanks, rg sends!



--
Rolando Gomez
http://www.garageglamour.com
http://www.rolandogomez.com
http://www.zugaphoto.tv

Ed B said:

I suppose I agree with your definition of a professional
photographer (professional anything, for that matter). However,
there are people and organizations that feel a "professional" is a
person who makes at least half of their annual income from
photography. Anyone else may be considered an amateur who has made
a little money at photography.

Click to expand...

um...

let's say I'm a surgeon (I'm not but for the sake of this discussion) I have steady hands and a great eye. I sell some of my photos that become realy popular, become famous and the price or my pics sky rocket. Now even if I am a full time surgeon I make more money from the photos. Does it make me an amateur surgeon ?



have fun

--
Gaetan J.

My first college photo class taugh a differant and I've always thought better definition of "Pro Photog". We were taught that whenever we were shooting in a situation where we "had to" get the shots we were "working" (pay or no pay) as a pro and should act and perform acordingly.

Photographers working in the "perhaps it will come out, no harm if it doesn't" were ametures. Thus Ansel Adam's love of calling himself an ameture. If one of his mountains "didn't work out" he just threw it away and went out again. There wasn't an angry client!

Examples:

You are asked by the "accounting" firm you work at as a CPA to shot the convention and send out promo shots to the local newspaper. Well, yes, you are a CPA. But, if you mess up here you are going to be in trouble with the boss. If you can't do this to a "Pro" level of work, say so before the convention!

You brother/friend/cousin swears they are flat broke just before the big wedding and talks you into shooting it. Anyone "playing" the primary photog at a wedding should act as a pro (including having the knowlege and experience) or there may be ^&%^$ to pay with friends and family afterwards. This is a pro situation, pay or no pay!

I understand this doesn't apply to the IRS (or whatever your country calls its tax system).

By the way, about 70% of my income is from photography (30% from graphic design).

--
Tom Ferguson
http://www.ferguson-photo-design.com

Rolando Gomez said:

Mike,

I have to agree with you, and in my book, a professional is more
than getting paid to do the job. There are other factors, a
professional has to act professionally, such as maintaining
professional ethics.

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what are the ethics of photography ? If they applie for all kind of job it's general business and administration

Rolando Gomez said:

Additionally, professionals continue to persue education, like
continuing education,

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bull ...

Rolando Gomez said:

to stay on top of their craft--besides, with
today's digital world, technology changes every Monday when the
board of directors meet. For those that may disagree, look at the
"pros" who had to learn color management.

Click to expand...

that's postproduction not photography

Rolando Gomez said:

Pro's stay on top of
things.

Click to expand...

that's a boss

Rolando Gomez said:

Professionals follow standards, business standards

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that's an accountant

Rolando Gomez said:

and know how to
deal with customers (clients) in a professional manner.

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saleperson, marketing and reps

Rolando Gomez said:

Professionals in other countries, such as Germany, must first go
through an apprentice for several years with a pro, and in some
countries "test" their knowledge and get a license.

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karate kid stuff, sweep the floor I will tell you when you can hold a camera (no triggering please). Should take 2 or 3 years of sweeping

Rolando Gomez said:

Unfortunately
here in the U.S., you can buy a disposable camera at a supermarket,
and print a business card that says you're a "professional" when in
fact you only dilute the meaning of professional.

Click to expand...

now you imply that's the clients are moron and cant look at your book with a discerning eye

Rolando Gomez said:

Professionals eat, breathe, walk and talk professionalism.

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when the cameras is down, some chat on the net, but most forget about the job and relax

Rolando Gomez said:

Now on the other side, there are "prosumers" who shoot like
professionals and as good or better then some professionals, but
work in other professions and understand they just have a passion
for the craft. Nothing wrong with the latter.

Can anyone shoot like a pro? Yes, some can. Can everyone be
professional? No, in my book it takes years of paying your dues,

Click to expand...

worry about the compatition hey

Rolando Gomez said:

earning a living in the craft, and possessing good business ethics
and understanding customer service...just my opinion, and great
analogy Mike...thanks, rg sends!

Click to expand...

that's a jack of all trade, not a pro

Rolando Gomez said:

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any good models in the Montreal area ?

Rolando Gomez said:

--
Rolando Gomez
http://www.garageglamour.com
http://www.rolandogomez.com
http://www.zugaphoto.tv

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a pro knows what he cant do

--
Gaetan J.

Miike Collins said:

So I guess every kid who get's paid to mow lawns is a professional
landscaper. 'Professional', in my book, goes way beyond just
getting paid for services rendered.

Mike

Click to expand...

Maybe not a professional landscaper but a professional grass cutter!

I see what you're saying though. I've started a business taking sports action shots that I sell, although I get paid for the photos, I do not consider myself a Professional photographer. Maybe in a few years when I get my studio set up and shoot weddings, etc. then I can call myself a Pro.
Deb

Gaetan,

Hi. I have to disagree with you on all points, perhaps that's the differnce between the profession, it's very subjective, but professionalism is what separates one photographer from another--some have more than others....some practice it more than others, some are more true to their profession than others, but a top professional, never stops being professional. A mediocre professional (one that does just enough to get the job done) damages the profession. Not to mention a true professional has paid their dues.

On another note, some photographers, even those that claim they are pros, have passion for the craft, others don't--the difference, is the passionate pro shoots photographs, the one that does it for "work" shoots pictures.

I shoot photographs, what do you shoot? Wishing you the best, and keep taking pictures if that is what you like...thanks, rg sends!



--
Rolando Gomez
http://www.garageglamour.com
http://www.rolandogomez.com
http://www.zugaphoto.tv