What's your definition of "Pro"?

[Rat]

You're a hobbyist if you do something you like. You're a pro if you do what someone else likes.

 

[V8Beast]

Someone who has no money ;D

 

[unfocused]

Someone who has no money ;D

Best answer yet.

 

[paul13walnut5]

If photography is your living and you have things like liability and indemnity insurance and you pay tax then you are probably pro, regardless of ability or kit used.

I'm an amateur photographer but make my living doing video (partly) on DSLRs.

I see no shame in the badge amateur. It means you do it for the love of it. I see no harm in the label 'hobbyist' either.

By sheer fluke I've sold a couple of images directly and through the getty/flickr scam, but thats because I was asked to, I've NEVER taken a photo commission, and never intend to. It's mine, all mine, and I love it.

By dint of my day job I have an idea how to work a camera, and how to control light, and on a good day downhill with the wind behind me, can even compose a shot. But I would never call myself a pro photographer.

And neither should some of the folk who do.

My final word... careful what you wish for. I was at the video game for a while before I went back to school, and have been in paid work ever since, but I don't enjoy video anywhere near as much as when I wasn't piping to somebody elses tune.

 

[Lurker]

also those who are contributing to the photographic community with innovative and imaginative new ways to express their art. . . . Offering a unique experience

I understand what you're saying but I have a concern.

If a person does something innovative or imaginative people will study it and duplicate it. If they contribute to the photographic community its even easier to duplicate their work. Once others are doing what they do are they no longer a pro? If a person wants to continue to be a pro do they have to regularly change their style or technique to keep it fresh?

I don't think its fair or appropriate to define one person based on what someone else is or what someone else is doing.

 

[charlesa]

Someone who has no money ;D

Seconded haha!

 

[agierke]

its as if we need Jeff Foxworthy to do a "You Might Be A Professional Photographer If...." bit.

you are a professional photographer if your main source of income is from photography. plain and simple.

now whether or not you ARE "professional" is a whole nother story....

 

[Marsu42]

So what exactly does it mean to be professional in your opinion? We know it's not the gear alone. Is it the making money off of your skill? Paid jobs? Making a living? Is it simply having skill and experience? What do you all think?

In addition to the things about income written above, imho it's a mostly a different perspective - either you do it for fun and invest accordingly ("that gear will be fun/interesting to use and I look forward to the results") or you think of it like a business ("what gear is required to do the job and will I get a return of invest").

 

[Chris Geiger]

"You Might Be A Professional Photographer If your main source of light comes from somewhere other than the camera flash"

I consider myself a pro. Photography is my only source of income. I have insurance, pay taxes and recently achieved my Certified Professional Photographer certificate. I average 30+ weddings a year along with other shoots.

 

[Don Haines]

I don't think there is a hard definition...... just a sliding scale...

 

[charlesa]

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

 

[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.