What is your level of photography experience?

I think anyone who clicks on the link in my signature would agree that I'm more than a beginner, but not much higher than that

Intermediate, don't really think i am beginner because i know about things i need and how they work. Cant really say anything more, don't get paid for taking photos and none else beside my friends like them.

I'm not going to vote, because I would call myself a very advanced amateur.

I make most, if not all of my money off photography. Photographer for a very big sports complex, an annual publication for many major high school sports in Minnesota, and an currently an intern at a daily paper in central MN.

Don't consider myself professional yet, really though. I'll know when I'm professional!

There are so many different skills in photography- from flash photography to sports/action. I think I'm more skilled at shooting certain things than some other people, and the other way around. I understand camera gear fairly well (could probably work at Henrys or something) but I still have lots to learn. Intermediate is what I put, maybe I'm advanced but I don't really feel i'm there yet.

DStanic wrote in post #5798819
There are so many different skills in photography- from flash photography to sports/action. I think I'm more skilled at shooting certain things than some other people, and the other way around. I understand camera gear fairly well (could probably work at Henrys or something) but I still have lots to learn. Intermediate is what I put, maybe I'm advanced but I don't really feel i'm there yet.

DStanic... I agree with you totally... many different types of photography. Studio, Flash, Action, Landscape... even pano is such an art. I think where it gets hard to keep up isn’t the learning process; but sometimes the necessary gear in order to accomplish results.

I think mastering the basics and most fundamental parts of shooting are the most important things… after that, it just gets better. I spent months and months learning about exposure and what was technically correct before I started taking on new challenges.

I feel (personal opinion) once you get to the advanced, advanced amateur, and professional (but maybe not as much for pros since you are here to make money; not just spend time messing around and out-sourcing tasks in very common) but you need to have spent some times in other aspects of photography besides for just taking the photo...

I’ve done the whole film thing so I feel I "paid my dues" in that respect...

In the digital world I am a firm believer you haven’t completed the process until you have the print in your hand… From Camera to Computer, RAW to processed JPG; color management and print. Products like Lightroom really made an impression on me since I have my digital negatives, which I am generating a print from.

I think an advanced amateur takes more interest in the technical and process than a working professional may. The last wedding photographer I met sent everything to a lab to just process everything for her… when I asked why; she said “I just don’t have the time” No offence to any of the professional on this forum because I do know many that take it from start to finish too.

I was more or less referring to the crowd here to make money, not necessarily perfect an art. I’ve also noticed more of the advanced amateur crowd has cooler gear that the majority of the pros I have met in person… again when I asked why, “increase of overhead costs” Again.. not refering to anyone in this forum.. but from my personal experience when I am out at events.

napolar wrote in post #5797607
I think mine would be serious but VERY AMATEUR

OHHH this one works for me as well! I plunked around with an AE1 years ago (lots of years) but never was good at it by any means. I'd love to eventually sell some of my photos, make a little on the side to support this habit (as my DH calls it). I tell him though - it's like which came first - chicken or egg, because you need some decent glass to get those good shots I'm fortunate that I do have another job that has so far paid for my habit so far!

So with that said, very Serious Amateur!!

I've voted 'Intermediate'.

At the risk of sounding arrogant, my composition was already reasonable when I bought my first DSLR, and in the three years since, my technical knowledge has shot up something chronic. I've devoted serious money (for me, anyway) to my equipment and started to throw myself out in the live music and events scene. Almost had one paying gig, but got let down; I learnt a bit from that!

Hoping to start earning a little bit later this year, but I realise that 'going pro' is out of my reach. Perhaps one day I'll 'go semi-pro', heheh. Fingers crossed!

Pro since 1978...

Full time since 1986.

B/A in photography and have taught advanced portraiture at a junior college.

Won't be long and i will be off first base as a beginner

Ian

I am a sojourner seeking the light. The more I learn the more I am aware of my shortcomings.

Tandem wrote in post #5802595
I am a sojourner seeking the light. The more I learn the more I am aware of my shortcomings.

Nicely put...

Amateur.. Beginner.. Novice.. N00b.. Oh no.. No not N00b.. never want to get called a N00b

I'm beginner only been in to photography for under a year first 2 camera's were fuji bridge's, now own a 350D

Let's see... I've been shooting SLRs for 35 years, so I'm not a Beginner... I contribute photos to my company's real estate magazine, but "photographer" isn't in my job description so I don't get paid for them... Certainly not a Professional... Advanced Intermediate?