When do you become a "Professional Photographer"

[crbeveri]

So, we have this topic in my field of work (Geology) on when do you really become a Geologist. Is it once you finish your Masters, get hired and paid under the title Geologist, or after completion of you PG (professional geologist exam). For the most part ppl in the E&P industry tell me Once you have your Masters or PhD, or when you work for a company under the title Geologist.

I was just wondering when do you make the transition from hobbyist/ amateur/ enthusiast... to Professional. Is it when you sell your first image, it become your main source of income....ext.

Discuses.

PS: I did a search for this and didn't find anything so hope it's not a repost topic. (I look at myself as an obsessed enthusiast/ student)

[groovyone]

When you make your income from Photography.[/sarcasm]

Actually I think it would be when you produce consistent results on a regular basis...and the money thing. haha

[d2creative]

The answer is not black and white. It's the same for any creative field.
It all depends on what YOUR definition of "Professional" is.

[RKDauph]

Originally Posted by groovyone

When you make your income from Photography.

Sorry, I call Bull. Would that be all of your income, some of it or enough to pay for your time and equipment?

I know several 'full time' photographers who are anything but professional.

I know many part timers that can (and do) run circles around your definition of professional.

Whether you make you entire income from this or any other venture is an matter of life choices. Whether you treat it professionally is up to the individual.

[rhoffart]

Originally Posted by RKDauph

Whether you make you entire income from this or any other venture is an matter of life choices. Whether you treat it professionally is up to the individual.

Well said with so few words +1

[groovyone]

Originally Posted by RKDauph

Sorry, I call Bull. Would that be all of your income, some of it or enough to pay for your time and equipment?

I know several 'full time' photographers who are anything but professional.

I know many part timers that can (and do) run circles around your definition of professional.

Whether you make you entire income from this or any other venture is an matter of life choices. Whether you treat it professionally is up to the individual.

It was a joke. I completely agree with you.

[HuyMan]

Originally Posted by RKDauph

Sorry, I call Bull. Would that be all of your income, some of it or enough to pay for your time and equipment?

I know several 'full time' photographers who are anything but professional.

I know many part timers that can (and do) run circles around your definition of professional.

Whether you make you entire income from this or any other venture is an matter of life choices. Whether you treat it professionally is up to the individual.

Lol, I totally agree!

[brad]

<sarcasm>

When you start making snarky replies to "When do you become a Professional Photographer?" threads

</sarcasm>

In all seriousness... this topic actually has been beaten to death around here... and people have been banned for their replies on these threads. Sooo.. that said, I'm going to make my joke and step back out again.

[RKDauph]

Originally Posted by groovyone

It was a joke. I completely agree with you.

Sorry, I see you went back and made an edit.

[crbeveri]

Originally Posted by brad

<sarcasm>

When you start making snarky replies to "When do you become a Professional Photographer?" threads

</sarcasm>

In all seriousness... this topic actually has been beaten to death around here... and people have been banned for their replies on these threads. Sooo.. that said, I'm going to make my joke and step back out again.

I apologize and so then I ask a dev to delete this pose. I never ment this to be heated or anything. It was an interesting topic I had with some co-workers in my professional field (Geology E&P) and was wondering in the Art field when people start considering themselves a pro.

[brewercm]

When I say I am.

Nope, still not there yet.

[brad]

Originally Posted by crbeveri

I apologize and so then I ask a dev to delete this pose. I never ment this to be heated or anything. It was an interesting topic I had with some co-workers in my professional field (Geology E&P) and was wondering in the Art field when people start considering themselves a pro.

No, sorry.. didn't mean to imply that the thread shouldn't be discussed... just pointing out why I wasn't going to do any more than make a joke and back out again.

There are a lot of people passionate about the topic... and there is no right or wrong answer. I think Ray said it best.... to paraphrase, there is a HUGE difference between being A professional and BEING professional.

[brad]

The worst recent arguments were in this thread:

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...essionals.html

and by worst, I mean the ugliest, meanest... but there are also good points made in there.

[crbeveri]

Originally Posted by brad

No, sorry.. didn't mean to imply that the thread shouldn't be discussed... just pointing out why I wasn't going to do any more than make a joke and back out again.

There are a lot of people passionate about the topic... and there is no right or wrong answer. I think Ray said it best.... to paraphrase, there is a HUGE difference between being A professional and BEING professional.

I agree with you there in every aspect of life. There are people in my field that are just rude, stuck up snobs but are considered professional's b/ of their experience in the field and degrees. With art I see something different. As a photographer (at least for the events I have done...very few) you have to not only sell your talent but also your ability to interact with people. So it interested me to see what people thought about the "titles" people give.

I ordered a lens from canon today and they lady just asked if I was a professional b/c i was getting an 'L'. It was an honest open question and I answered no but it got my mind rolling. I just dont wanna be the cause of ppl getting banned.

[Tom]

This is a touchy subject with a lot of opinions and no clear, defined answer.

Ray: acting professional and being a professional are two entirely different things. No reason to confuse the two. There are professionals in every field that don't necessarily act professionally. That doesn't mean it isn't their profession.

There are some really spectacular amateur photographers. Amateur doesn't equal lousy. I can name you some amateurs that are much better than some professionals I know.

I believe that someone is a professional when it is their profession.

If I go play golf with my buddies and I win a couple skins on a couple holes and make money... am I a professional golfer? I made money at it. Of course not. I am an amateur golfer that made a few bucks on a few holes. Phil Mickelson is a professional golfer.

I don't think you are a professional until you are living off your wages doing something. If you are relying on someone else to support you, I don't think you are a professional. You may be making money, but it isn't your profession.

The arts just aren't an actual professional field. A real professional field is something like Law or Medicine where you must be accredited by a certifying agency to practice.

Anyone can buy a rebel, charge $20 and call themselves a professional photographer. Anyone can buy Illustrator and call themselves a professional graphic designer. But actually making a wage you support yourself is the clearest way to show that it is your profession.

And again, that doesn't mean that a amateur isn't good or talented. It doesn't mean the professional IS talented or good. It doesn't mean that an amateur doesn't act professionally. It also doesn't mean a professional acts professionally. What it means is that it is a defining form of photography being your profession.