What makes a pro...a pro?

[picturepages]

ok...johneric8 asked a question about camera size and status to the pro verses the "wanna-be" shooters..(As I call us...lol) And his question has me wanting to know...just what makes a pro photographer? Is it the equipment that one has...is it the knowledge of using that equipment...is it in the quality of the end result?
Can one that does not have much knowledge of the workings of a camera but knows the end result they are looking for and can get it...yet couldnt tell ya about what lens is best or setting..not a pro?..even though the shots may be wonderful?

I ask this because I'm that person. I'm still learning....at this point I need to take a class cause I'm not even sure of the questions to ask....lol.
However...I do sell my images.

I have been frustrated because my little knowledge has limited me in allowing this 20D to do what some think its capable of doing.

So is it more knowing the equipment that makes one a pro...or the end result of the image that makes one a pro?

[Ocean Blue]

Pro has simply connoted for me that you make money or perhaps even a complete living at it. The term professional is often used in this way these days although there was a time when there were a limited number of actual professions - medicine and law are the two traditional professions that come to mind.

[willg]

you sell prints as art or portrait or what? either way, some would consider you a professional, however with photography many bring home some money, yet not enough to keep them alive. I don't know what I would consider a professional because it really depends on what field whether that be portraits, sports, journalism, etc. I am slowly learning the business of portrait shooting and hopefully it will be a financially worthwhile journey.

[RobertoM]

For me a professional is the one who sells his work...doesnt matter if its good or bad, cheap or expensive.
If you get paid for, you're pro.

Of course, lots of "amateurs" will do a better job. But if there is someone paying you, you gotta be doing something right... at least.

[ACDCROCKS]

to me, a pro is some one knows what he/she is doing extensively and gets paid, equipment helps, but it's knowledge.

[Spiral Photo]

It's one of those terms that gets thrown around quite a bit. A profession is one that is an occupation or career, but it doesn't necessarily mean that you're good at the art of it, just good at the business side of things. I've seen some professionals (meaning people who make a living with it) who turn out crappy results. There are lots of beginners and what are commonly called "pro-sumers" who can do outstanding work. Many of them better than the professional. When people see people who are successful at what they do and see how they live, most of the time people automatically assume that the person is a top-notch artist. While that can be true sometimes, there are some of them who are sprinkled around who are simply good business people. That's a professional. Now, being a master of the craft...that's a different issue altogether.

[blue_max]

As I have been commissioned a couple of times for real money, I could fall into that category.

However, I feel it should be qualified by "makes the majority of their living by photography". That would exclude me - and make me feel much more comfortable!

Even an amateur who makes more money from photography than their "day job", deserves to be called a professional.

Then again, it should not be just about money. You could be incredibly professional and not make a bean.

Pass

Graham

[SkipD]

A professional - in any field - is simply a person who makes a regular income (usually their primary source of income) in that field. Unfortunately, most folks assume that means that the individual is competent at what he or she chooses to do for hire. That assumption is all to often a mistake. I have run into far too may "professionals" who I would never hire because of their poor quality work. Many pros are too concerned with productivity instead of quality, and their work suffers as a result. This applies to photographers, drywall hangers, auto mechanics, and the like.

[Spiral Photo]

Originally Posted by blue_max

Then again, it should not be just about money. You could be incredibly professional and not make a bean.

I tend to disagree with that. A profession is called a profession because it entails an income. You can be the most knowledgeable person in the world about photography, but if you're not taking advantage of it, whether it's taking photos, selling photo equipment, or teaching photography, then you're essentially an extreme hobbyist. It becomes one of those things you do when you're not at work or on the weekends.

[ACDCROCKS]

"With a professional phototgrapher, you'll only see one in ten of the pictures he takes, whereas an amateur will show you all of his". -Kevin Gilbert

[picturepages]

hummmmmm...."master of the craft"...there ya go thats what I want...lol.
I have mostly scenic shots that sell...although thats not what I really like to do...I would like to be more "artistic" with my images. I love macro and fine detail...hope to do more of that...I would like to get into portrait shots..but not sure how many have the patience to wait for me to "get it just so"...lol therefore..yes I still have lots to learn.
I do this as a living but mainly as a hobbie...cause I dont feel "pro" .
I have a posted a couple of images in the B&W section on this form...of my kitty in infrared if you would like to see my progress with the 20D.
I'm finding that this camera may be more for protrait then the long scenic shots that I'm able to print myself...but because I really dont know the ins and outs...I'm probably wrong on that.

[Jim_T]

Yes.. A professional photographer is one who makes a living taking pictures. That's it.. There is no more to it..

HERE are a bunch of definitions of the word professional.

It's got nothing to do with skill or equipment or ability. I know a guy who puts up a booth at fairs and other public gatherings. He uses a cheapie point and shoot camera to take pictures of people. He has a machine that puts the pictures on mugs and plates... He makes a good money taking these pictures. He is a professional photographer in every sense of the word.

But normally, we assume a 'Pro' has some skill.... Otherwise nobody would want his/her product.

[Lord_Malone]

I'm a professional wanna-be professional.

[Phil V]

To be professional - means that you're making your living, or a significant amount of your living, from photography. Some of the most famous photographers have been essentially amateurs.
However 'Professionalism' is another issue. This means you can understand the issues required to produce a photograph of a given subject in given conditions. Many 'professionals' aren't great photographers, however they can consistently produce acceptable work, this makes them worth their salary. Some 'professionals' produce consistently great work, this makes them worth more, and their services are highly sought after.
As you said - you have no basic understanding of photography, therefore no-one ought to hire you to shoot an event (and you certainly shouldn't push your services for such). When you come unstuck it will be extremely messy and no-one will be a winner. However if you've managed to make some good photographs and you have found a market that'll buy them, good luck to you.

[Emjay]

To me 'professional' would imply not only one who makes his main living off his skill, but who also has considerable bredth, depth and knowledge of his skill, and who can advise others.

However, I've sold some of my art, and i've only been truly at it for a couple of years ... and i can advise some on what i know, but the more i know, the more i realize i don't know, and the more i don't think i'll ever know it. Which leads me to conclude that many of us are "professional" in certain areas only ... It really irks me to see a ski photographer for example, who makes his living setting the camera on a tripod at a race, and pressing the shutter for a round when the racer is in exactly the same place as the last one, and the next racer after that too. If that was my kind of ski photography, i'd die of boredom because i wouldn't be learning anything new, or shooting in a variety of ways. It only irks me because i struggle to learn and grow and please others with my art, and here they are just pressing a shutter at a given time, and making a living from it!

I've had wonderful compliments, my most valued being from another photographer who said they've never liked my kind of subject matter until they saw MY images. And yet i know nothing compared to so many of you out there. But some would call me a pro just because i know more than average.

I don't consider myself a pro, and probably neve will ... the pros are who i ask and receive good advice from, because they make a living at what they do AND know their trade.