at what point do you tell people your a PRO?

Jay25Jay25 Registered Users Posts: 70 Big grins
edited September 23, 2010 in The Big Picture
Guys I dont know how many pros are on this forum? But I know there are Pros on this forum. I know that for a fact. At what point do you tell people Im a pro? when I mean pro meaning your photos are no doubt very sharp and stand out amongst others. But thats not the point. Pro means you do it for a living? Pro means your photos work/art is amazing? I bought a cheap 10D body and took some very good sharp shots. So equipment is not the question either?

But when you are for hire I dont want to sound like a chump. But Im always pretty anal about my work. I strive to improve. I can surely show you guys my work from before I came here. And what it looks like now. Of course Ive been reading books and watching youtube vids etc...

but can anyone shed some light on this when are you considered a professional photographer?

Jaime

Comments

  • pickerbwpickerbw Registered Users Posts: 78 Big grins
    edited September 19, 2010
    Here's a link to Webster's definition of professional:

    http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professional

    I would argue that while making money is a requirement to be called a professional, it's more than that. For example, I'm a professional engineer. But, I couldn't legally call myself a professional engineer until after I had a degree in civil engineering, minimum four years experience, and passed my licensing test. While that may be a bit extreme for photography, I think similar standards can be applied to any field... Be an expert in your field, make money doing it, and act professionally and ethically towards your peers and customers.
  • Jay25Jay25 Registered Users Posts: 70 Big grins
    edited September 19, 2010
    pickerbw wrote: »
    Here's a link to Webster's definition of professional:

    http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professional

    I would argue that while making money is a requirement to be called a professional, it's more than that. For example, I'm a professional engineer. But, I couldn't legally call myself a professional engineer until after I had a degree in civil engineering, minimum four years experience, and passed my licensing test. While that may be a bit extreme for photography, I think similar standards can be applied to any field... Be an expert in your field, make money doing it, and act professionally and ethically towards your peers and customers.

    I got it! thanks for answering. Because Im a auto mechanic as well. I m very good at that for sure!!! I went to school but never finished. However Ive got 10 years of doing that. I definitely call myself a pro. Now this photo thing has always been my hobby. However Im not careless and I dont waste no time in what I do. I do it with a passion. Id love to go to school for photos. however there are really no good schools near me that Id love to attend. Most of them are elsewhere:(

    but thanks for the reply

    Jay
  • Art ScottArt Scott Registered Users Posts: 8,959 Major grins
    edited September 19, 2010
    New York Institute of Photography has been around for over 100 yrs and does correspondance....there are other acredited shcoold of photography that do correspondance also.

    As to the definition.........I got audited back some 30 yrs ago and the IRS told me I wasn't a pro until I made over 50% of my income was from the "hobby"...then you are pro......
    We all know the IRS are gods and know everything correct...............call yourself a pro when your start charging for your services....until then be a student and build a fantastic portfolio.....
    When you start charging and taking on clients you should be presenting yourself as a professional...so call yourself a PRO........if you gotta act like one then you might as well be one.......
    Never tell people you just do it part time....I mean hell.......what part of the time are you doing this.....before , after or while the shutter is cliking........when I first started out I would
    tell clients that photography was just one of 2 of my vocations......but as long as I have camera in hand....I am a full time photographer, I will not talk about anyother job...
    I will talk hunting fishing and such, as I always have a camera ready when I am doing those things also.....but I will not talk machining when I am photoing......................
    "Genuine Fractals was, is and will always be the best solution for enlarging digital photos." ....Vincent Versace ... ... COPYRIGHT YOUR WORK ONLINE ... ... My Website

  • QarikQarik Registered Users Posts: 4,959 Major grins
    edited September 20, 2010
    a pro photogrpaher imo is someone who is paid and can consistently deliver quality images in his/her niche under a wide variety of conditions.
    D700, D600
    14-24 24-70 70-200mm (vr2)
    85 and 50 1.4
    45 PC and sb910 x2
    http://www.danielkimphotography.com
  • angevin1angevin1 Registered Users Posts: 3,403 Major grins
    edited September 21, 2010
    Jay25 wrote: »
    Guys I dont know how many pros are on this forum? But I know there are Pros on this forum. I know that for a fact. At what point do you tell people Im a pro? when I mean pro meaning your photos are no doubt very sharp and stand out amongst others. But thats not the point. Pro means you do it for a living? Pro means your photos work/art is amazing? I bought a cheap 10D body and took some very good sharp shots. So equipment is not the question either?

    But when you are for hire I dont want to sound like a chump. But Im always pretty anal about my work. I strive to improve. I can surely show you guys my work from before I came here. And what it looks like now. Of course Ive been reading books and watching youtube vids etc...

    but can anyone shed some light on this when are you considered a professional photographer?

    Jaime


    Jaime.....d00d, that is a lot of ?-marks!

    I think Art Scott brings up a very appropriate point...when the IRS say's you are, you are!

    I think many/most folks say Pro when you receive money for your effort.

    You've obviously been a Pro-mechanic. Being a Pro-Anything is similar. Just because you hang a Shingle that says or reads: I am a Pro. Means nada!

    The only thing that actually means Pro is when a customer says it!
    tom wise
  • Jay25Jay25 Registered Users Posts: 70 Big grins
    edited September 21, 2010
    I appreciate all the input. The dictionary term I could have looked that up. Art Scott, Qarik gave a awesome description. Looking at that dictionary gives you the definition. I was defining at what point does one become a pro photographer? JUST about everyone has a digital now a days. Everyone, but not eveyone can take a sharp quality image. But I appreciate the polite input angevin1. Could not be more clear.

    Jaime
  • StephanyStephany Registered Users Posts: 86 Big grins
    edited September 23, 2010
    At what point do you tell people I am a pro?<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>
    __
    <o:p> </o:p>
    To put it simply, you do not. Either people like your work or they don’t regardless of the art form.
    <o:p> </o:p>
    First, develop a Business Plan, because it will make you to focus. You may be surprised how many loose ends one has to resolve. What type of photography do I want to specialize in? How many years will it take to make profit? How am I going to market myself? Art shows, web pages, active selling? How much money do I need to get started? Do I have the super-duper portfolio and recommendations in place? Can someone always answer my phone so I do not loose a valuable lead? What if I become successful and cannot handle the business?
    <o:p> </o:p>
    You can be the best photographer on the planet, but if you do not market yourself successfully, you will not make it. That is true in any venture. Most small businesses fail within the first five years. I do not know what the market for a freelance photographer is these days but I can only assume it is tough . I would try to land a contract/employment with a magazine first. Looks good on a resume too. <o:p></o:p>
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