What qualifies as "professional photographer"?

cal_geckocal_gecko Registered Users Posts: 73 Big grins
edited October 30, 2009 in Mind Your Own Business
Every now and then when I'm out and about taking shots, I'll get people asking me if I'm a "professional photographer".. I usually just reply that I'm an enthusiast/hobbyist who likes to take photos and sell them when I can.

So. .. what qualifies someone to be a 'professional photographer' if someone asks... ?
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Comments

  • jmphotocraftjmphotocraft Registered Users Posts: 2,987 Major grins
    edited October 29, 2009
    If asked I tell people I am semi-pro or part-time pro. I have a day job (software developer), and I do some paying photography on the side. I think "professional photographer" implies full-time, and it's your primary source of income.
    -Jack

    An "accurate" reproduction of a scene and a good photograph are often two different things.
  • AngeloAngelo Super Moderators Posts: 8,937 moderator
    edited October 29, 2009
    I've been asked the same question and my response is always:

    "Yes, as soon as you give me $5 to take your picture"


    rolleyes1.gif
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  • Cygnus StudiosCygnus Studios Registered Users Posts: 2,294 Major grins
    edited October 29, 2009
    A pro gets the job done. They have the tools and knowledge to get the images that the client pays for.
    Steve

    Website
  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited October 29, 2009
    according to the IRS if your hobby brings in close to 50% of your income......You're PRO......now there are full time PRO's that aren't pro quality or pro customer service......so think about it....What would you define as pro?.
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • sweet carolinesweet caroline Registered Users Posts: 1,589 Major grins
    edited October 29, 2009
    I used to say "semi-pro", when I did occasional photography work. Now that I consistently have sessions booked and actively pursue business, I have become comfortable calling myself a pro. I aim to provide pro quality and pro service. I would say around 1/3 of my income is photography.

    Caroline
  • QarikQarik Registered Users Posts: 4,959 Major grins
    edited October 30, 2009
    Cygnus Studios wrote:
    A pro gets the job done. They have the tools and knowledge to get the images that the client pays for.

    agreed.
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  • johngjohng Registered Users Posts: 1,658 Major grins
    edited October 30, 2009
    Cygnus Studios wrote:
    A pro gets the job done. They have the tools and knowledge to get the images that the client pays for.

    Actually I call that competance. In reality, there are several areas you could apply the 'pro' moniker to. In some areas you could rate someone as professional but in others lacking:
    • Income (i.e. is it primary source of income)
    • Customer Service - do you behave in a professional manner.
    • Business Accumen if you're the proprietor (vs. employed photographer)
    • work product - are the final results up to 'professional' standards consistently
    • work ethic - the rest doesn't matter if you're not putting in the time / effort all the time.
    As to the question - 'are you a professional' - I simply reply that it's my second job. I do work for hire at a high quality level and if you're interested in a photographer here's they type of work I do and I'll be glad to show you some of my work product. This way it doesn't matter which of the above the ASKER of the question is referring to.
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