"Are you a professional?" What would you have said.

[BillsBayou]

I'm out in the park with my gear taking shots on my tripod. A dog walker asked me if I was a professional. I said "No. I'm not." He looked disappointed.

While I really don't care what the yuppie with the Italian Greyhound thinks of me as a photographer, it occured to me that I might want to have a better answer than "Uh.... nope." You never knows what doors are being closed with such a response. I could have stumbled upon something interesting. Something like "My wife would like to have glamour shots done" (Ok, I'm dreaming ;) ). The point is, I know that I shut the guy off when I said "No" and I don't know what could happen when people see me out and about.

I'm not looking to sell my services. I have no idea how to even PRICE services. I just don't want to be walking around shutting people off and coming across as someone with more dollars than sense.

What would you say if you were a father of three with a full time computer job, just tooling around the park?

What would you say if you've never been paid for a shot in your life?

[Ronald S. Jr.]

If I were a father of three with a full time computer job, and didn't have time to shoot professionally, I'd say "No." However..

When someone asks me if I'm a professional (just walking on the streets and such), I have no problem saying "Yes, I am." Do I think I am? In a technical sense, yes. I make money from photography. In the understood sense, of being an expert, no, I'm definitely no expert photographer. However, like you said, when you say no, you often turn people off to you. I'm not one to shy away from business. It makes a lot of people more comfortable to hear that "yes", especially if they want to get you to shoot something for them. Many people want it done "professionally". Now I'm confident that I can get results that will "wow" just about any non-photographer, and even some of us. So, when I think it will lead to a business opportunity, it's yes everytime, because I know I won't let them down.

[JAZZ D.P.G.]

My normal comment is.......
No, just a paying hobby:-)

[swapnali]

I had been to many such situations.
Once I was shooting for a open concert by invitation, and somebody even asked me whether I am from some news channel. I can remember the faces of people being diappointed:( but I never thought that I may be loosing some opportunity. Now as you said, I think I need to find the good answer to that question.

[Tom W]

I've been in this situation as well. Generally, I'm not in the mood to talk when shooting so my answer is usually "no". Saying "yes" does have the potential of drawing in business if you're looking for it. Or it can simply spark a conversation. Sometimes.

[liza]

I'd say, "Sure," and hand them a business card. I keep a supply in my bag for just that situation.

[sando]

Why not give a non-commital:

"I could be..."
"Well, it's a professional-hobby, if you follow..."
"It's paying for itself nowadays..."

Or just a good old:

"Yes, I am"
If they want photos taken, why not take them? you can always say no after you've seen what they wanted you to do.

[nancypics]

I say yes, but I clarify that I specialize in stock (even though I'm a newbie - just signed with an agency but not up on their website yet). This way I am not selling myself short, but I won't end up in a situation that I'm not comfortable with. For instance, I've been asked to do weddings, and I reply that it's not my specialty, but I have a friend who does them, etc. Do I consider myself a pro? Yes, but a very new one. I call myself a pro so that I will be more inclined to think and act like one...

[cyclone]

You could say "I do photography part time" or "on the side" or some variation of that. It implies a semi-professional state, but is truthful.

[BillMarks]

If you really didn't care what the yuppie with the Italian greyhound thought, you would have been content with what you said--and you wouldn't be asking the question here. The real question you have can't be answered here.

[Jon Foster]

I'm a father of 3 and a computer guy. I tell every yes now because I lost my job along with half the company to our terrible economy. Here in Michigan computer jobs pay about the same thing as working at Burger King.

Jon.

[landdownunder]

Professional in quality of photography, just not in money making, that would be my response.
I have sold prints, postcards and artwork (montages in local and regional art shows), but I don't sell enough to be a professional as such.
I have little homemade business cards and I call myself a nature photographer on them, just because that is what I take photos of all the time.

If you can even half use the equipment you've got, you are a professional to the average person, IMO.

[dewmuw]

In some parks if someone asked me if I was a professional they wouldn't be talking about photography! :)

Rather than answer the question directly with a 'yes' or 'no' you could always try "Are you looking to hire a photographer?" You will then know if it is a door opening or just a chat.

[lmelendez]

I'm a father of two, with a full time computer job who happens to shot lots of pictures in parks (or my daughters). I have been asked if I'm a professional... the answer is pretty much the same all time:

"No, I'm not... not yet..."

Why? well.... several reasons

1. Expectations.
If I say 'yes', somebody hire me and I do a ****ty work... there goes any oportunity I might have in the future to become a full time photographer.

2. Respect to professional photographers
My definition of professional photographer is somebody who has the skills and knowledge to deliver quality pictures 99% of the time. Those people make lots of sacrifices to make a living out of photography. The last thing I want to is to be that 'Joe with a nice SLR' who tries to compete just because he can afford good equipment (Canon :))

3. Time
My computer job is very time consuming and my daughters are growing fast. The time I don't spend working, I try to spend it with my daughters... and when I want time for me... well, I go and take pictures. I know that a paying job will require lots of time and effort... right now, I have other priorities.

Now... after all that, I have to admit I have received money a few times from my pictures:

- Once was a concert. I took pictures for a friend (as a favor, I wanted to try my new lense). There was no professional photographer covering the event and people liked the shots. I sold a bunch of them.

- The second time was a neightbour who wanted pictures of their children. I told her it was going to be a favor but she ended up paying me. When I asked her why not hire a professional, she told me that none of the professional would take pictures outside (????). I was not stealing anybody's market... the city is small and the two or three photographers here didn't want to take a saturday morning to go and take the shots :)

- The third time was a friend getting married. Didn't have the money to afford a professional. A few friends where there with P&S. I took my 20D and the 50mm and give him an album of pictures as a weeding present. In this case, I guess I kinda affected a bit the market... but he is one of my best friends, I was not gonna let him get married without a good picture :)

I think the best answer so far is the guy that said: "I do photography part time". That's good if you are looking to get some money, but please... think about the people that is doing this for a living. If you sell your work at 10% of their price... you are gonna put them out of business. Maybe you care, maybe you don't.... but at least... think about it :)

Sorry for the long post...

Leo.

[That Guy]

My answer is " Thats a matter of opinion"

[sageone]

My answer is..."yes, but on the side." Then give him a biz card!

[Barb42]

I'm with 'ThatGuy' - its a matter of opinion. ~l However, I am more often asked what magazine I work for....so I usually answer that I am an artist and introduce myself. I give them a card to my site. The most shocking event was when I was shooting ladyslippers in a park. I turned around to find a crowd of people looking/standing behind me. I appologized for being in the way and the response was 'we were watching you'. Try and work after that! ~L

[Tee Why]

No, no, no...
If you are willing to sell your shots but aren't out there shooting for some organization, that makes you a "free lance" photographer, doesn't it?

I get asked, "who are you shooting for?" question alot. In west LA by the entertainment industry, it's usually a "paparazzi" as they walk by. When asked, I usually say, "no it's for myself" or "No, it's a hobby" and some seem disappointed by that response. I personally think that they just want the excitment of having seen someone from a newspaper or a magazine or something. I once got asked "which newspaper are you shooting for" once at a festival and just replied "Freelance" and he had a puzzled look for a brief moment and walked off. I guess that would make me a free lance as I'm there at my own expense, but if someone wants to buy my shots, I'd gladly sell it to them. I too have cards so they can see my webpage and I guess I can hand that out as well at that time.

[ron chappel]

Quite often i'm asked if i'm shooting for the local paper.

This thread get's me to thinking- i should have some 'interesting' replies ready ;);)
Like - "shhh,act normal.Don't look suddenly but that guy back there is following you"

[Mike Reynolds]

I say you bet...here's my card (I also make sure I keep plenty in my bag) feel free to give me a call but as you can see I'm in the middle of a shoot, as politly as I can but still keep focused and snapping.

[condyk]

I have been asked variations of the question several times, which is very surprising given I dress pretty casual at weekends and generally walk around looking somewhat aimless :lol: :lol: and I always reply 'no, an artist'.

Sometimes that just ends the conversation, which is cool, sometimes I have chatted to people about what I like to shoot and sometimes I have been asked if I am ever interested in doing it for money, i.e. to date I think two weddings, a shoot for a car dealer, and two lots of family shots. I always say no simply because photography at that kind of level doesn't pay very well, I prefer my spare time to more money anyway, and I don't need the hassle.

[GyRob]

i think a lot of people ask if your a pro simply because they think your up to no good .
i got asked at a sport meeting i said no it's my hobie then the person told me i needed permision i did not know that at the time, i was taking shots for my mate and his wife who was with me of HIS kids in a running race by the time i got the form to get the right to take shots the race was over .
Rob.

[saravrose]

I get asked a lot at parks and places with my nieces.. And when i'm doing a portrait session.. I usually just say, that it's a self supporting hobby.. I still haven't gotten around to getting business cards...

sari

[rklepper]

I get asked that all the time at sporting events and I just say I am the unofficial team photography. This really isn't far from true as I give away enormous numbers of photos to the other, cameraless, parents. Never made a penny on it, but I still get paid in other ways.

[drparker]

"shhh,act normal.Don't look suddenly but that guy back there is following you"

LOL, I love it!

[Jon, The Elder]

I've recently borrowed the 'Photosguy' type of response...
"some people seem to think so". I leave it at that.

[mak8ce]

;)My answer is " Thats a matter of opinion"

I like your response.
I have said yes at times and no at other times. Depends who the person is...i.e the drunk guy that saw me with a camera at the winery..yeah I am leave me alone i am busy. Otherwise it's on the side..or "hobby out of control." I feel like i am cheating the actual pros who went to school for photography is I say yes. My real job is a social worker and where i live if you say you are a professional social worker you better be because if you really are not, and you are saying you are, you can get in trouble....it's a law around here.

[nanodog]

one word....

Freelance...

Keep em guessing..

[RTMiller]

My answer is..."yes, but on the side." Then give him a biz card!
Same here. I say "Yes I am but I have a regular day job too". Then I hand them a business card (not the day job card, the other one).

[johnnybfan]

one word....

Freelance...

Keep em guessing..
I usually say "Well, it depends on who you talk to".
But I do like the "freelance" one. You could just say "I do a little freelancing every once in a while".:lol::lol::lol:
Might just stop then at the question or go into a conversation. Good idea!

[calicokat]

"No, are you, I am having a hell of a time turning this thing on, do you know how" j/k of course :eek:

[peterdoomen]

Technically, I am a pro because I earn money with it (stock photography). Mentally, photography is only half a hobby (though I spend a lot of time with my camera). So that's difficult to answer. I'd opt fot the latter answer: "no I am not".

P.

[stratos]

"why do i look like one ? well tanks .... but no im not a pro " - is my usual awnser but ppl only asked my few times that

[txduggan]

This may sound like a mouthful, but it comes out pretty quick:

"Technically yes, since I've sold some work. I do hold a day job, but I have a very (emphasizing the word very) small business on the side."

Then, when I'm asked if I do weddings, I look at them with comic horror.....and just hand them my card :)

Best,

Tom D

[Billginthekeys]

i would have to say yes. I have sold a lot of my work locally, been published in a national publication, and have a fairly steady (abit only portfolio building) job shooting sports now. And i am trying to find a good gallery locally to sell my nature work in. As someone mentioned much earlier on, do i consider myself and expert photographer, no, but i am very proud with what i have learned about and have been able to do with my camera. And treat it very professionaly.

[michael_]

i have been asked a few times, most recently last week taking a shot of a guys motorbike (here (http://evocider.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=8837)) it was nothing special at all i just liked the look of the bike, the owner saw me aked what i was doing (non aggressively mind you), i simply said " admirring your bike" this broke the ice i snapped a few more while he got ready to leave and i showed him the photos, he asked if i was a pro i said "yes but i freelance" (even though technically its not the case but hey he doesnt know) anyway long story short he gave me his business card and asked if i would like to shoot more photos of his bikes for his business, offcourse i would, if i had said i wasnt a pro i dont think he would have asked but hey if it leads to a paid gig im all for it.

[Permagrin]

my standard answer when someone asks (usually based on the white lens & tripod combo) "no, but I spend like I am..."