Found out what it means to be "professional"

LokiZ · Aug 29, 2009

Am I the only one to find this post just a tad on the humorous side? Don't get me wrong I feel for the op in his situation I do. But once again we strongly cotradict ourselves here on TPF sometimes.

When it is convenient as like in this post, we scoff at the world for seeing a style of camera (in this case a DSLR / SLR) and associating it with the world of professional photography. And this is even though with model choice aside many of us use DSLR or SLR ourselves.

Most of us agree that the definition of a professional photographer has a lot less to do with his hardware and more to do with the knowlege he or she holds within. But on the other side of the coin we do tend to use cameras which allow us to use the most features in the easiest and most efficient way possible. Or in some cases the most basic features with the most ease. Part of that is the ability to change the lens.

So to me when someone says to me you can't use that camera because it is a professional camera I say it's good that they judge that way. Why? Because I still have my point and shoot. I still have my phone. And sad will be the day when they start saying. "I'm sorry sir, you can't take any photos in here because we think YOU might possibly be a professional photographer." "We are not sure maybe the way you hold that phone/camera. Or it might be your footing" "We just need to error on the safe side."

Sure that makes light of the situation a little bit. I mean no disregard. But wouldn't you rather them ban a type of camera rather then all cameras or even worse , photographers they think are professional?

I think Overread's first post put it very nicely and concisely.

manaheim · Aug 29, 2009

The bigger the camera, the more professional juice they can fill it with.

EDIT: btw, Loki/Over ... some interesting perspectives. I wish I had time to respond intelligently to this. Will make for an interesting discussion in a couple days when I do.

I hope someone else responds to it in an articulate way.

max3k · Aug 29, 2009

Overread said:
JamesMason said:

nikon should make white lenses, then i could be pro too

Click to expand...

They would have to learn to make good lenses first - and then apply the white paint :lmao::lmao:

priceless quote:hug::

Plato · Aug 29, 2009

Overread said:
JamesMason said:

nikon should make white lenses, then i could be pro too

Click to expand...

They would have to learn to make good lenses first - and then apply the white paint :lmao::lmao:

...or they could simply use the Canon method - buy a can of white spray paint!

astrostu · Aug 29, 2009

I just want to say that, generally, the definition of a "professional" is someone who does that to make a living. Your level of knowledge really doesn't have much of anything to do with whether or not you're a professional except in its ability to allow you to make money off of it. Case in point that I often refer to is amateur vs. professional astronomer -- most amateur astronomers actually own telescopes and know A LOT of general astronomy and know the night sky very well. But they don't make money off it. Most professional astronomers couldn't find Polaris, don't own telescopes, but have grants and make money by doing astronomy.

Just 'cause someone has a 30" telescope doesn't mean they're a professional astronomer, but they may be compensating for something else.

shed301 · Aug 30, 2009

Rondal i'd take that security guards comment as a complement. even though he probably has no idea that quite a few amatuers have DSLR cameras now days and some of them are getting quite cheap. you never know he may have the title PPITA = Professional pain in the a$$

Overread · Aug 30, 2009

Another thing to bare in mind (and something that I felt more as I moved back home away from London) is that whilst far more people these days do go out and get a DSLR and big lenses - they are stil very much more of a minority in the public. This is a view which on forums is often lost as many new members are guided toward DSLRs for their versatility and other features, something that many are willing to make the jump to as they take photography more seriously than just happy snapping.

Its something to remember that DSLRs still draw attention and the association with them being used by expert photographers (anyone any good at it is bound to make money off it remember

) is still very strong in the public eye

RONDAL · Aug 30, 2009

whats even better was my bosses response as he was sitting beside me.

"take that as a compliment.....you've never been called professional by any of us"

gotta love people that bust your balls