Are you a Pro or Amature?

If I had to define myself, I'd say addict/enthusiast. I've been paid to take some shots here and there. But I didn't enjoy shooting what others wanted. Now if I can go sell stuff that I shot for my own artistic tastes and make a good living at it, that would be wonderful.

I personally define a professional as someone who uses photography as his/her primary income source. If if make a substantial but not most of your income from photography, I'd say you're a semi professional. If you make a few bucks here and there, I'd say amateur/hobbiest/enthu​siast/addict or what not.

Cost of equipment or what gear you shoot with is almost irrerevent as I've seen amazing shots with a p&s and generic snapshots with the most expensive professional grade gear.

I are a pro cus I caint spel armature too good.

Just kidding. I am somewhat of a 'tweener, straddling the fence between amateur, hobbyist, and pro.

The bigger question is, what defines a professional? A person who takes pictures for money like weddings? Or someone hired to take pictures of something other then weddings like a newspaper or magazine?

Many wedding photographers call themselves professional while other professionals do not consider that a professional photographer. Or so it seems. So is there a line one must cross or is it the second you score a gig you are no longer a amateur but a professional? For that matter who's the better photographer? The professional or the Amateur? I've seen some pro's work that is amazing work and then I see the newspapers front page and I wonder. I see Amateur pictures better then many professionals. So its not really a fair question I just asked.

For that matter what does it matter if you are a pro or serious photographer amateur. Its not like there is some league that seprates the two. The only difference is one gets money while the other does it for free.

20D is called a Prosumer camera. Basically because it is suitable for both Serious Amateur and Professional alike. Congratulations and Happy Birthday!

amature

but i have shot some events for money.

Amature, proud of it too. Although i can develope my own pictures in the darkroom, film wise. I just like getting pictures (sometimes other things) of the cars I like since i might not see them again (at car shows).

Amateur...possibly dabbling in the pro side later this summer doing some event photography.

I'm a professional at being an amateur.

That's no lie. Your shots rock...

There was a post on one of the boards which showed professional photographers who seemed unenthusiastic about their work. It's pretty much the same with most people in any field. I loved working for an Investment Bank when I started but now it's a chore. If I have to type up one more report I...

Does being an amateur mean that you love photography more? Your not reliant on it for your income and so you take pictures for the love of the hobby.

Definately an amateur here.

Thanks, Steve.

amature.. but, i'm occasionally paid... does that make me a pro? nah.. I don't think of myself that way.. not because of the money or gear but because I don't think i've learned enough to consider myself a pro.. but, gear is gear.. I've sat with three other photographers all three of them had better, bigger more expensive than I had...But I didn't feel unworthy, and I didn't feel that my camera was holding me back.

sari

amature, professional, hobbyist, artist, addict... I have done events, weddings, nature, portrait, BW fine art, scenic, macro, whatever... I have been paid and I have done it for free. I consider myself all of the above and none of the above. I will take pictures of anything, anywhere for any and every reason.

'Beginner' - started with non-zero bank balance and gone bankrupt after buying all equipments

To me, a professional is a person with a high degree of knowledge and skills on a particular field. You can recognize them easily because they consistently deliver great results and they also admit when they are unable to do something with a minimum expected quality.

Obviously a professional makes money out of his knowledge and skill, but I find hard to believe that if you make money out of photography... that makes you a professional.

On either case, since my pictures are not consistenly good, and I do know have a lot of knowledge and skills... I am an amateur...

Happy to be one though...

Leo.

I'd like to someday be "considered" a professional, even if I never make a dime from it.