When did you decide that you were good enough to be a "pro"?

[Ballistics]

I see some people in the beginner's section that haven't owned a camera for more than a year and already have business. I feel like that's a bit premature, but what was the turning point that you believed that you could start making money from your pictures? This is a curiosity I have.I don't plan on being a professional ever, or charging any time soon (probably never too). Also, did you purchase your camera with the intentions of making something of it? Or was it a "perk"?

 

[Shadowbox]

good question, I am curious now too

 

[KmH]

The same instant I made the commiment to learn how to do professional level photography 30 years ago.
It's not rocket science, and it only requires skills that anyone can learn.

 

[Railphotog]

Just because one can make money from their photos doesn't automatically make them a pro. If you can support yourself with photography then you would be a pro.

I've made money with my photos for about 45 years, always as a part time effort. I've never considered myself a pro.

 

[H4X1MA]

I second your question, and I don't plan on being a pro either

I have seen a lot of people who have a business doing photography with work that would get destroyed if they posted a C&C in the beg forum. I notice this a lot more now that I have had a lot of my work ripped apart. I kind of know what to look for now, but I dont always remember it when shooting lol. Just today someone told me to check out someone's facebook wedding site and out of the hundreds of pics they had, I say maybe 10 that would get a good review.

 

[Destin]

I'm by no means a "pro" right now. I'm an advanced amateur. I do not have the proper gear, or enough experience to call myself a pro.

That doesn't mean I don't make money on my photos. I truly enjoy shooting sports, and can get photos that are much better than what parents are able to achieve. I also shoot senior portraits from time to time, and occasional weddings. I go my first dslr just over 4 years ago now. I've currently got about $3,500 worth of gear, and it's all been bought with profit from my photo sales. I refuse to put my own personal money into photography anymore. If I want new gear, I have to earn it.

So while I'm not a pro, I charge for my work, as a means to support my hobby. Most people on here consider a pro to be someone who earns over 50% of their income from photography, btw.

 

[katerolla]

when i finished a four year course at uni and purchase $20,000 - $30,000 worth of photographic equipment

 

[mickmac]

After working in the industry for 8 years.

 

[BuS_RiDeR]

I am not a pro... Nor do I expect to be a pro anytime in the near future.

I enjoy photography immensely. And if I can make money from it someday... great. But that is NOT why I do it.

 

[Ballistics]

Just because one can make money from their photos doesn't automatically make them a pro. If you can support yourself with photography then you would be a pro.

I've made money with my photos for about 45 years, always as a part time effort. I've never considered myself a pro.

I agree, which is why I put pro in quotations, being that the term pro is used very loosely and has a few meanings to different people.

 

[Ballistics]

I'm by no means a "pro" right now. I'm an advanced amateur. I do not have the proper gear, or enough experience to call myself a pro.

That doesn't mean I don't make money on my photos. I truly enjoy shooting sports, and can get photos that are much better than what parents are able to achieve. I also shoot senior portraits from time to time, and occasional weddings. I go my first dslr just over 4 years ago now. I've currently got about $3,500 worth of gear, and it's all been bought with profit from my photo sales. I refuse to put my own personal money into photography anymore. If I want new gear, I have to earn it.

This is probably the absolute best way to have a hobby.

 

[Bitter Jeweler]

Starting a business is meaningless. Anyone can do it, at any time, with no regard for knowledge, quality, or experience.

 

[Ballistics]

Starting a business is meaningless. Anyone can do it, at any time, with no regard for knowledge, quality, or experience.

Of course... You can support yourself in any occupation and still be a bag of sh*t. But I am curious when people regarded themselves as worthy of accepting payment for their work.

 

[radiorickm]

I might have the funniest answer here....
The instant I started photography, I was a PRO. I can and did support myslelf for several years by taking pictures. I find it ironic now, 28 years later, trying to answer this question and finding that I have worked my way DOWN the progression fro PRO to a newbie.

How is that possible you might ask?
As a PROFESSIONAL, I did not have the option to fail. There were hard and fast rules that were followed, no matter what. There was little room for experimentation.
Now, I have the freedom to experiment and take chances, and apply my own artistic expression to what I do.

Recently, I attended a "country team roping" event out of town quite a ways. As an embedded habit, I immediatly set up to get the "money shot", which bragging a little, I got pretty quickly. It then came upon me, that I had the freedom to experiment a little. I stayed for hours (and actually followed the event to a different city on the next weekend) taking different kinds of pictures. I played with motion blur, slow shutter speeds, and several other ideas that turned out really well. Had that been an assignment earlier in my life, I would have never taken any of the chances I did.

Now, even though It is not my full time carreer, I truly enjoy this hobby with a great deal of knowledge and a wealth of experiences behind me.

happy shooting

 

[nntruong]

My answer is : to each his own. Some calls themselves pro but other doesn't see it that way. Everyone has different perspective towards it is kinda like the egg or chicken question.