A Photographer Level

Hey all,

I would like to ask: What is your level in photography? how do you know your photography level if you are not a pro or even semi-pro?

What makes a photographer a pro or semi pro, by earning money in photography only? If not earning money in photography yet, what level he is now?

And my private or personal question is: What is my level now [I am talking about myself]? definitely not a pro/semi-pro

I'm an expert-master-genius level. At least that's in my mind

There is no official "level" so you can call yourself whatever you want.

I'm a level 40 photographer with a normal prime for +10 low light ability

Todd Lambert wrote in post #9152182
I'm an expert-master-genius level. At least that's in my mind

There is no official "level" so you can call yourself whatever you want.

I don't think so, i wish to call my self a pro or a master for sure, but there are people will slap me if i tell them i am a pro and i am not and they are, also can't tell them i am just a hobbyist, all people who hold a camera even a child is a hobbyist.

Mike Deep wrote in post #9152195
I'm a level 40 photographer with a normal prime for +10 low light ability

Great, i love this thread going into some funny or non serious posts, thanks, keep going.

If you sell your stuff, you're a pro.

If you don't, then leaving off the pro, and going for expert, master, genius, gifted, god, etc.. whatever you want, is accurate in the sense that it's not against any "rules" and is up to you.

Mike, I LOL'd at your post... awesome.

Todd Lambert wrote in post #9152220
If you sell your stuff, you're a pro.

If you don't, then leaving off the pro, and going for expert, master, genius, gifted, god, etc.. whatever you want, is accurate in the sense that it's not against any "rules" and is up to you.

Mike, I LOL'd at your post... awesome.

hmmmm, then i will choose "expert" or "genius", even "Talented" is fine but is it fine to call one of those? and how can i know dat it isn't against any "rules"? I mean many people can ask me this including masters and pros themselves in different locations or situations, so i have to be accurate or honest about my level and not telling them what i want to call myself and it is maybe not correct.

I think it's sort of a slippery slope, since there is no real official level designations, which is what was my point. You can call yourself anything, whatever you think suits you.

It may be a stretch to call yourself master, if you're not, but only you can make that determination.

Todd Lambert wrote in post #9152279
I think it's sort of a slippery slope, since there is no real official level designations, which is what was my point. You can call yourself anything, whatever you think suits you.

It may be a stretch to call yourself master, if you're not, but only you can make that determination.

LOL, so "Philosophic" statements

Anyway, in my area some people calling me as a pro and i never say no even i am not, but i am afraid to say i am a pro to all people and later some will find i am not or needing a proof.
Also in some websites if i choose "Pro" level then they will ask some additional questions such as: how long...as a pro, how much income/earn, what field, personal website link,....etc.

Also if you said that if i should call a "Pro" but then i can choose a "Master" for example, why some website making that a pro level is equal or a "must" to be a Master?

I think what you're seeing is the illustration of the fact that there is no official designations. Meaning, some sites consider "Master" to be all-supreme with a special set of considerations to become one.

Other sites, define things as being a "Pro" level.

It really depends on the site and what classifications they use to determine experience or level.

Which then comes back to the original premise that it doesn't really matter, since it's only an opinion since there is no official body or sanction determining it.

I kind of wish there was some sort of official level, since it would make things easier to prove and hopefully might add more value since it would take a certain committment to become a certain level, much like craftsmen - with a beginner, journey, master, etc...

I'm a Level 87 Photographer-Paladin. I chose the Paladin class as that is a warrior of light, so that kinda fits the bill. I have a +25 Sword of MOB Smiting (Wedding Photogs will get it) and a +10 Soft Light Reflective Armor.

OdiN1701 wrote in post #9152540
I'm a Level 87 Photographer-Paladin. I chose the Paladin class as that is a warrior of light, so that kinda fits the bill. I have a +25 Sword of MOB Smiting (Wedding Photogs will get it) and a +10 Soft Light Reflective Armor.

/puts camera away

/casts flash

/dances

Tareq, by Canon CPS standards, I think you have to make 51% of your earnings, or more, through photography and own a couple of professional bodies (1D-series/5D series) or more. Also, if you have 'tear sheets' that would count, as well.

There are many levels of professionals. Those who pick 'one' field, and shoot that. Weddings, sports, glamour/nudes/fashion, etc.

Other than that, I would just say I'm an 'artist' rather than a pro-photographer. Isn't an artist greater than a hobbyist? I feel it is...but, that's just me.

THIS is my level...

JWright wrote in post #9152728
THIS is my level...

Hah! I fell for that!