What's your definition of "Pro"?

[charlesa]

Make money out of it, always seek natural light whatever the effort involved and the ungodly hour to find it!

[Dave_NYC]

I think I have (too often) thought the Pro definition was synonymous with skill and experience, and a broad spread of background knowledge, not just about your gear and what it can and cannot do, and light, and composition and all that good stuff, along with any life experience/education/etc. that contributes to what you are shooting or creating.

So my question has evolved from "at what point is someone considered a pro?" to "How do I define someone as a skilled and experienced photographer? At which point would I even dream of thinking of myself as a skilled and experienced photographer who is over the tipping point in terms of how much I have learned versus how much remains to be learned?"

The answer to the last question, I suspect, is never.

I think a pro delivers paid pictures that meet or exceed expectations (whatever those expectations are, and whether they were stated or not) and approaches assignments from the perspective of needing to be paid in a professional businesslike manner.

The definition of a skilled and experienced pro is much, much broader.

[picturesbyme]

Someone who doesn't spend his/her time on forums, but out shooting/working 

[crasher8]

I get paid here and there. I do NOT consider myself a pro. I am more like a hobbyist with a business license who files a Schedule C and 179.

Pro for me has nothing to do with compensation, it is how I regard someone's skill set. Me, I'm 48, still taking classes and just enjoying what I do. No fanciful dreams of being a Pro someday.

[Plato the Wise]

I don't see this question as black and white as some.

There are so many different types of photography and markets for different types of photos that the term pro or professional doesn't really apply.

For example - Ansel Adams was a fine art photographer. He didn't shoot weddings or to my knowledge even do any commercial work. Would you consider him a pro? He studied music and probably was broke for the early part of his career.

Professors at University's very often produce fine art photos or do commercial work in addition to teaching. Are they not professional photographers because they don't make photos "Full Time."

I know many photographers who earn all of their income through photography and even their work is not so cut and dry. They sell stock, make fine art prints, shoot photos for ads, or work on portraits for politicians.

[brett b]

I don't see this question as black and white as some.

There are so many different types of photography and markets for different types of photos that the term pro or professional doesn't really apply.

For example - Ansel Adams was a fine art photographer. He didn't shoot weddings or to my knowledge even do any commercial work. Would you consider him a pro? He studied music and probably was broke for the early part of his career.

Professors at University's very often produce fine art photos or do commercial work in addition to teaching. Are they not professional photographers because they don't make photos "Full Time."

I know many photographers who earn all of their income through photography and even their work is not so cut and dry. They sell stock, make fine art prints, shoot photos for ads, or work on portraits for politicians.

I agree.

By most definitions detailed in this thread, I am a pro. However, many times I've had companies or people, who really like my work, attempt to hire me for jobs requiring photographic experience and skill that I don't currently possess...weddings and fashion mainly. While I could've taken these jobs, I think it would've been unethical to pretend that I was the best photographer for the job.

I guess my point is that professionals need to know their strengths and weaknesses and therefore set limitations on what jobs they agree to take. If I'm being paid to do something, I want to meet or exceed expectations. I would never want to let anyone down knowing that my skill wasn't up to the task. That said, you'll occasionally get an overly critical client who is impossible to please even though you know your work was excellent.

Not every pro can excel in every photographic medium. I know I'm very good in my area and if I want to add to my repertoire, I have to learn and practice enough to become skilled, competent and confident before selling it to a potential client.

I see many impressive, beautiful images posted on CR...from both amateurs and pros...which inspire me to try new things and continue to learn.

[Pieces Of E]

Just jumped into this thread without reading the previous entries, but my definition of "Pro"? Getting paid for our work and having to pay TAXES on the income and equipment! 

[Cptn Rigo]

I respect a lot the term "Photographer", I still feel a little uncomfortable when people ask me if I'm one.

I'm a guy that loves to take photos, that's it.

[sandymandy]

Some people say that when somebody earns money with photography theyre "pro". Somehow i gotta think of the guy in the small store in my town whos doing like 95% Id card photos or such. He earns money by this but i still dont think he is a pro...

[Alex]

The kit makes you a pro obliviously. 

[CharlieB]

I'm curious. What does it mean to be a professional photographer?

To deliver professional results, and adhere to your commitments and contracts in a professional way, and to behave and conduct business in a professional way.  It doesn't matter if you shoot one wedding a year, or shoot one catalog a year... if you take the job, and act professionally, deliver professional goods, then you are a professional.

[shunsai]

So many good and thoughtful replies! Thank you.
It's really not such a straightforward question, huh? The responses have given me a lot to think about.

Generally, I don't like the question when asked. I have ideas how I think about the term 'professional', but I can never be sure what people mean when they ask.

As for the answers you all have given, is that generally how you respond to others when asked? I mean, I don't imagine most people who ask are looking for a dissertation or our life stories on what it means to be a "pro". What are your default answers when asked?

I don't remember what I say, but it's probably something along the lines of: 'I do some paid jobs, but mostly photography is my hobby.' That's probably as succinctly as I'm willing to put it, short of "No".

[Mt Spokane Photography]

Its actually very a well defined term, its just that some want to bend the meaning for some reason or another.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional

[jdramirez]

Sure you can go with someone who makes money, but I think of a pro as someone who will get a really nice shot before lightroom.  Lightroom just takes it up a notch.  And this is in all situations... not just putting it on shutter priority and letting the camera do the job.  White balance, metering, shutter speed, aperture, bouncing light, etc.  And the the shots are unlike what most quality amateurs can get.

[jdramirez]

I can drive a car... but I wouldn't race a car.  I can drive a taxi and get paid to drive, but it doesn't mean that I'm capable of performing at a high level.  Money doesn't define being a professional... it is the skill that is developed and honed to excellence.