Are you a Pro or Amature?

Amature here. I've never sold a photo.
I have the 20D, three lenses, a decent tripod, and a few filters. And a Kata backpack to lug it all around in (except the tridpod, it won't fit). I don't know if my gear is pro level or not. I don't even care. I would own a 5D if I could have afforded one when I bought the 20D. Not because I think I could be pro, but because I like to buy the best equipment I can.

I agree with several others that say a pro is one who makes the majority of their income from photography. I would be happy to sell enough photos to buy a Canon MP-E 65 lens.

Folks, the word amateur is not spelled amature...... even though the title of this thread is mis-spelled......

I'm an amateur, but gear, up to a certain point, should not be the determining factor to determine the type of photographer you are. Of course if you can afford quality gear, by all means. Eventually, practice and perseverence will produce a top grade picture. One example I can share is the fact that I have taken some head shots of my niece for her grade school graduation. When my brother took them to Walgreens to have some printed out, they told him that they could not print the pics because they needed a release form from the professional photographer that took them before they could be printed. He called me up and told me the situation; I felt complimented that my work was considered a top quality product, but on the other hand, felt that this was going to turn into a hassle on the long run. I ended up driving up to Walgreens, and showed them my gear as proof.

I suck but I'm trying. That's all that matters to me.

And that's all that should matter. As long as you're happy with your photographical abilities and performance, that's it.

Dave

To beat the dead horse, the gear doesn't make you a pro. One of my books about digital photography was shot completly with a 3mp camera. Every shot is gorgeous, but obviously you would have a rough time if you wanted them poster size.

Technology advances extremely fast. Take a look in a Best Buy ad and you will see. There are point and shoot cameras with higher resolutions than the XT. Amazing pictures are captured with people's cell phones.

I was looking at some "professional" Little League pictures not long ago. THERE WAS A PERSON WALKING IN THE BACKGROUND AND A TREE OUT OF THE KIDS HEAD... The really sad part is that it was the only tree in the picture.

What all this rambling comes down to is this:

You buy the toys/tools that fit your needs/desires. If you find you need all the bells and whistles, then you really should get them. If you don't need them, it isn't going to hurt to have them, but it really won't help.

Amature now, but hopefully pro later. I'm going to Brooks Institute of Photography next year for their visual journalism program. As for equipment, my theory is that a pro can get good shots out of anything. As for me, I just sold every possession I possibly could to get my dream setup. I don't need it now and I'm pretty sure I won't be able to max out it's capabilities for a while, but hey, I was in a position to do it. I guess what I'm trying to say is that for me equipment is highly personal. I have what I have because I feel like a bada** having a camera that shoots 8.5 frames a second, but again, it's not a need. Yet.....

SkipD wrote:
Folks, the word amateur is not spelled amature...... even though the title of this thread is mis-spelled......

Yep, if you can't spell it, you should just call yourself a beginner.

My definition would be that a pro earns a living thru what they do. sure the boundaries get blurred, but I think if you have a 'day job' and are lucky / clever/ talented enough to make a bit extra thru photography, you're not really a pro.
Doc Klepper's comment about not turning the hobby into a job is a good point - but I must admit I would love to be good enough to make some cash to help fund this obsession. I'm still learning the ropes and finding my way about the camera, and I'm also well aware that my interest in gear is far in excess of my ability to use it. i hope that will change with time, but this will always be a hobby for me.

I don't aim to be great; I aim to be paid.

EDIT~ amateur. Damn dyslexia. That's it. Dyslexia.....

SkipD wrote:
Folks, the word amateur is not spelled amature...... even though the title of this thread is mis-spelled......

Thank you, Skip.
I visited this thread several times, and wondered if anyone was ever going to address that issue.

I am a proffeshunul photografer.

I consider myself an professional amateur. I do make more money off this then my old job. Thats why I quit. Now I am taking on more gigs and making even more money. Not alot, but more then my low paying 9-5 job. I have also sold a bunch of prints. But I am far from a pro. Many moons will pass before I ever consider myself a pro. And top dollar gear will not make you a better photog. I shoot with a silver body (gasp!) 350D. I would like to upgrade but feel money spent on better glass will be a better investment.

Ditto here

I have to say though, I went to meet a professional the other night, he has quite a few books under his belt as well as shooting for alot of travel magazines etc ...
When I got a chance, I asked what equipment he used - guess what, it was another brand equivilant to my 350D.
Just goes to show you... it's not what you've got, it's what you do with it.