What is YOUR definition of a Professional Photographer?

[SCraig]

I think if you make any money doing photography then you're a pro...

I got paid for shooting a wedding about 30 years ago. Does that make me a professional today? If the strictly monetary definition is used then it does since I **DID** get paid for my efforts. Bottom line: That definition doesn't work.

[TPF Sponsor]

[analog.universe]

I think if you make any money doing photography then you're a pro...

I got paid for shooting a wedding about 30 years ago. Does that make me a professional today? If the strictly monetary definition is used then it does since I **DID** get paid for my efforts. Bottom line: That definition doesn't work.

If you're making money today then you're a pro today. If you made money 30 years ago then you WERE a pro 30 years ago.

Also this argument is meaningless and silly

[SCraig]

If you're making money today then you're a pro today. If you made money 30 years ago then you WERE a pro 30 years ago.

Also this argument is meaningless and silly

I was not a professional photographer, I was the only one who happened to be available. The groom was my friend, and they couldn't get anyone else on short notice. They did pay me something though, $100 or so. Unless there is a time limit or expiration date or something then since I did "Make money at photography" at one point then by that strict monetary definition I "Am" a professional photographer.

To be a true professional at ANYTHING, regardless of the strict definition, there has to be more than just being paid for one's efforts. That's my point.

[manaheim]

Bitter!!!! What have you done??!?!

It was related to another topic that was up top, so I bumped it.

omfg you should be SO banned.

[manaheim]

I think if you make any money doing photography then you're a pro...

I got paid for shooting a wedding about 30 years ago. Does that make me a professional today? If the strictly monetary definition is used then it does since I **DID** get paid for my efforts. Bottom line: That definition doesn't work.

Yes, it does. A retired one with a very brief career, but a professional nonetheless.

People please...

This topic has been debated ad-nauseum on this forum since the dawn of time. There is one and only one answer... it is the same answer as all other professions... professionals are payed, amateurs are not.

Any other definition leads to matters of opinion, and there cannot be matters of opinion in a standard or definition. Otherwise, I could just as easily argue that a professional is someone who has a parrot on their shoulder as you could that they are people who "appeal to a certain higher standard" or whatever.

Pros...
are...
PAID.

End of discussion.

[MSnowy]

End of discussion.[/QUOTE]

Funny thing is it had gone away for 24hrs but you brought it up again. Let the debate continue.

[spacefuzz]

To add fuel to the debate...

In engineering to become a professional engineer you need to earn a degree, then pass a fundamentals of engineering test, then work under an accredited professional for several years, then pass another test. Otherwise you can't call yourself a professional engineer.

Perhaps photography needs a pro test from PSA.....

[pgriz]

If I get paid doing photography, then I am a professional. Not necessarily a good professional, or even a professional (adjective) professional (noun), but a professional nonetheless. But really, so what? It does not confer on anyone who is a professional any special priviledges or even abilities. So the arguements get a little pointless.

[manaheim]

End of discussion.

Funny thing is it had gone away for 24hrs but you brought it up again. Let the debate continue.[/QUOTE]

Damnit. Did I? Lol. Should have checked the time.

Well now to save face I'll have to keep bumping it.

[Overread]

Professionals don't post in threads like this == amateurs do.


*ruffles feathers of annoying people that bump old threads!!!*

[Bitter Jeweler]

As if this question would never be asked again...

[thepaulreid]

I define it as a photographer who takes photos for money and it is his main source of income. It does not relate directly to how good the photographer is, although may do indirectly.

[EIngerson]

You're not a pro until you have 1,000 likes.