Professional or Amateur

Comment

Comment by Paul Francis on April 7, 2009 at 1:40pm

Is it not a bit like the difference between a wine taster as a proffesional and someone who just appreciates a good bottle of wine. At the end of the day I feel that if it is something that you genuinely enjoy doing and others get enjoyment from that, then fantastic. To me it is a bit of distinction. The professionalism comes from how you conduct what you do. Amatuers too can be professional.

Comment by Steve on April 4, 2009 at 8:00pm

My thoughts, don't think there is a way to distinguish amateur and pro I have a small business not Photography I have another small business that is Photography key word business but I take shots for people to order I don't take shots to order. Dos that make me a pro I don't think so.
That said I don't think you need to make most of your income from photography to be a professional photographer I also don't believe you need formal qualifications to be a professional photographer. I think its more about attitude and business skills than photographic skill or talent.

Comment by Stephen Mitchell on March 31, 2009 at 11:07pm

Thanks Sofia. I was unaware that accreditation bodies saw it that way! I have already been removed from the PRO' group here, so the answer has been given to me.
Oh well, being entitled a professional (or not) isn't going to change the way I aim, shoot and capture images with my camera.

Comment by Sofia Calado on March 31, 2009 at 12:43pm

i don't think that "professionalism" has anything to do with the quality of work, or intelligence of the photographer.

Comment by Sofia Calado on March 31, 2009 at 12:42pm

My understanding is that a professional photographer is one whose main income or only income is derived from photography. Or at least that how accreditation bodies seem to think about it.

Comment by Stephen Mitchell on March 24, 2009 at 6:43pm

Hello and thanks for your opinion Mel.
I agree with the issue of undercutting. I've read a lot of articles on that issue, most saying it is better to meet the same cost as your competitor, but to provide a higher quality service and/or product.
Totally agree on preserving digital images!

Comment by Stephen Mitchell on March 24, 2009 at 6:38pm

Charlie, I both dream and aim to earn 51% of my salary from photography. With the current economic client, and because it makes sense, I also don't plan on quitting my day-job any time soon.
Thanks for the definition: A professional never shows you their bad photographs, an amateur does.. That's certainly helped me with a few issues!

Comment by Mel Neumann on March 24, 2009 at 1:46pm

must agree also with charlies last post

Comment by Mel Neumann on March 24, 2009 at 1:46pm

this is an interesting forum. some amateur photographers have better skills than those working professionally. In my book a professional photographer is someone who makes a living as a photographer. they are not subsidised by their partner or a second job. sometime we need to do this to get to be a profesional photographer. Also a professional photographer should understand his/her business, clients needs etc, and above all, not undercut the rest of the industry. The Professional photographer cares about the photography industry as a whole, tries to educate the general public about the importance photography has to all, and encorages everyone that they come across to print, or preserve all those digital images that we are going to loose one day!!
Ask me again tomorrow and i may have changed my idea!!
M

Comment by Charlie Lawrence on March 24, 2009 at 12:43pm

In the strictest sense a Professional is someone who earns 51% or more from there profession no matter what it is. I like this definition though . . . 'A pro never shows you their bad photos, and amateur does'

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