What constitutes a person as a pro photographer

To be fair, I use the word "experienced" when I describe myself to others.

I'm an experienced photographer. They can put other labels on me if they'd like.

nphsbuckeye wrote in post #8100868
I usually only hear people say what they shoot.

Good point.

Wedding photog
portrait photog
architectural photog

etc......

To Jay - Thanks.
Looked at three polls -
7.66% said their income was from full time photography
8.2% said their profession was photography
2.7% described themselves as Professional
1.8% described themselves as a Seasoned Professional

if you do it for a living you're a pro... if you make money at it sometimes you are a semi pro... if you have to get on here and tell people you're a pro chances are you're not... I have found a lot of nice helpful people on these forums and then I have found a lot of enormous egos on these forums also...

rumplepigskin wrote in post #8100953
if you do it for a living you're a pro... if you make money at it sometimes you are a semi pro... if you have to get on here and tell people you're a pro chances are you're not... I have found a lot of nice helpful people on these forums and then I have found a lot of enormous egos on these forums also...

Egos, pro's, and making money is really what it's all about in the real world, not just in forums.

I've seen many jack ass professional photographers outside any forum.

Photography is a business more than a talent.

Success is just like any other business and if you think talent will make you succeed, your mistaken! Only business sense will do that...

I work in consulting.

When I notice someone working in my field of expertise, I decide whether or not they're a competitor based upon the type of deal (contract) they've won.

That does not mean that they can deliver. It does not mean that they're any good at all.

But because they signed a contract, they are professional.

Anyone else is an amateur, even if they are paid.

It is rare, very rare, for an amateur to do the job as well as a professional.

Experience makes all the difference; ability to sell, form a contract, deliver to the contract, then get the next deal, all spring from that.

S.Horton wrote in post #8102402
I work in consulting.

When I notice someone working in my field of expertise, I decide whether or not they're a competitor based upon the type of deal (contract) they've won.
That does not mean that they can deliver. It does not mean that they're any good at all.
But because they signed a contract, they are professional.
Anyone else is an amateur, even if they are paid.
It is rare, very rare, for an amateur to do the job as well as a professional.
Experience makes all the difference; ability to sell, form a contract, deliver to the contract, then get the next deal, all spring from that.

This is my second summer working at a major music festival doing photography work. Both times I have signed contracts as to what both parties will be providing. There is no monatary compensation, but enough others including copyrights ownership and credentials to cover it. I have likened covering this event to "like an artist having an unlimited choice of paints on his pallette".
I think being a professional has more than to do with the business end of the deal. It is also how any given situation/assignment is approached, and then captured through the lens. There are many others in other "professions" that are real (expletive deleted) and not a credit to their titles earned with a little higher education dollars.

Stealthy Ninja wrote in post #8095228
If you're paid for it.

That's what I think.

Doesn't mean a GOOD photographer though.

Spot on!

I believe it should reflect on a few things

1. you conduct yourself in a professional manner

2. you receive payment for your work

3. your work shows the appropriate skill (ie: you
can properly frame and expose an image as well as
choose the proper background)

4. You have professional grade equipment and by this
I use the term loosely. There are a couple posters here
that still use Canon 10D's that are capable of generating
professional quality work...

5. You have the drive and ambition to succeed...

DaveL wrote in post #8116443
I believe it should reflect on a few things

1. you conduct yourself in a professional manner

2. you receive payment for your work

3. your work shows the appropriate skill (ie: you
can properly frame and expose an image as well as
choose the proper background)

4. You have professional grade equipment and by this
I use the term loosely. There are a couple posters here
that still use Canon 10D's that are capable of generating
professional quality work...

5. You have the drive and ambition to succeed...

I slightly emphasised the operative word.

The day I started keeping records of income generated, expenses and mileage for tax purposes I became a professional.

(at least in the eyes of the IRS!)

Some are born pros... for example...

Master Rockwell was born with PPA, ASMP and NANPA memberships.

By the age of 2 he was president of all 3.

So the legend goes.

What do you consulting guys do exactly? I've been meeting a lot of consultants lately...of all different types. Accounting, marketing, tax...give out information for a fee or something?

I should be a photo-consultant.

Karl Johnston wrote in post #8124241
What do you consulting guys do exactly? I've been meeting a lot of consultants lately...of all different types. Accounting, marketing, tax...give out information for a fee or something?

I should be a photo-consultant.

Consultant: Someone who borrows your watch so they can tell you the time!!!

FlyingPhotog wrote in post #8124250
Lawyer: Someone who steals your watch so they can tell you the time!!! Then makes you pay for it.

Fixed

Before people rabbit on about nothing. My best friend is a lawyer, so all jokes are fair and awesome.