RMThompson
the TPF moderators rock my world!
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2006
- Messages
- 1,888
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- Can others edit my Photos
- Photos NOT OK to edit
Ok, on another thread, you'll see that I am building my website. On my website I put the phrase "professional photographer".
In essence I assume I am professional, even if I know I have a lot to learn, simply because in my mind I've sold pictures and taken pictures for money.
In 2007 I plan on purchasing a business license to make it "legal" but a recent discussion with a photographer I know said you aren't really professional until you join the "Professional photographers of America Guild".
I don't see how that can be true. By definition professional means "following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain" so if you've ever charged someone to take a picture, you should be considered PROFESSIONAL on some level.
(I don't mean this to say that my photographs are of a top notch level, I know I have much to learn and much equipment to buy in the next few years)
Now in some states, like mine, certain occupations require certification of study in your chosen field (for example: cosmetology) but i have yet to see ANYTHING for photography.
So what do you guys think?
In essence I assume I am professional, even if I know I have a lot to learn, simply because in my mind I've sold pictures and taken pictures for money.
In 2007 I plan on purchasing a business license to make it "legal" but a recent discussion with a photographer I know said you aren't really professional until you join the "Professional photographers of America Guild".
I don't see how that can be true. By definition professional means "following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain" so if you've ever charged someone to take a picture, you should be considered PROFESSIONAL on some level.
(I don't mean this to say that my photographs are of a top notch level, I know I have much to learn and much equipment to buy in the next few years)
Now in some states, like mine, certain occupations require certification of study in your chosen field (for example: cosmetology) but i have yet to see ANYTHING for photography.
So what do you guys think?