WHen is one a "pro" photog!?

Like many other things... If you have to ask this question, you are NOT a pro.

What do "pro" and "photog" mean? Something kind of internet slang?

Not sure about the rest of the world but here in England a "Pro" is a lady who solicits their sexual favours for money.

This thing has been beat to death so many times on here it is almost comical. People want to call themselves a "Pro" so bad it hurts. Call yourself whatever you want, it doesn't make any difference. There are no rules and it matters not what you do in this respect.

I do nothing but photography and when someone asks me what I do I simply say I am a photographer. I know in my own mind what I do and trying to impress someone with that "Pro" word seems all too desperate, imo.

For me "Pro" is photographer who can deliver (in every condition) great or at least average photo. In fact that's not all - he has to have great business skills, deliver work in time and always learn more (and improve skills). Maybe these days Pro is also person who earns his wage selling his photos or photographic skills to any buyer. Remember, any goods or service has it's own customer. Everyone is not able to pay the best photographer in business!

Can I be a Protographer?

whtchocla7e wrote in post #11353569
What do "pro" and "photog" mean? Something kind of internet slang?

it's fairly obvious what those abbreviations mean especially considering the context of how it was used. I wonder if you have the mental capacity to solve 2 + x = 4?

neil_r wrote in post #11353601
Not sure about the rest of the world but here in England a "Pro" is a lady who solicits their sexual favours for money.

This was meant toward the people of my culture in America. Obviously the meaning of certain words and phrases vary from culture to culture.

ssim wrote in post #11354931
This thing has been beat to death so many times on here it is almost comical. People want to call themselves a "Pro" so bad it hurts. Call yourself whatever you want, it doesn't make any difference. There are no rules and it matters not what you do in this respect.

I do nothing but photography and when someone asks me what I do I simply say I am a photographer. I know in my own mind what I do and trying to impress someone with that "Pro" word seems all too desperate, imo.

1) This thread wasn't a sad attempt at me trying to see whether or not I could justify calling myself a pro or not, thanks. I was curious, that is all. I do not consider myself a pro, nor would even call myself a pro even if I DID consider myself a pro. Just like I don't call myself good looking even though I am...oh wait.....


thanks for the opinions everyone!

RL. wrote in post #11357119
it's fairly obvious what those abbreviations mean especially considering the context of how it was used. I wonder if you have the mental capacity to solve 2 + x = 4?

Gee how do you add up letters?

korrektor wrote in post #11352094
disagree. you may be terrible and still make money. a bad photographer is not a pro. it's a photographer who makes money by doing bad work. no more.

I can think of many "professionals" who are bad at the work they do. I don't know if quality matters as long as they make bank in terms of professionalism.

Jeffro250 wrote in post #11352066
My neighbors wife doesnt have a job but has a Canon XT and a kit lens. She charges people 50 bucks for a CD with snapshot style headshots and its her main source of income. Id hardly call her a pro.

Why? Maybe she is delivering exactly what her client base wants. Not every client out there wants to blow $500 on portraits. Sometimes a mitt full of shots on a CD to be posted on facebook is all that is required.

Don't equate professional with how much they charge. There are many types of clients and she caters to a specific type.

korrektor wrote in post #11352094
disagree. you may be terrible and still make money. a bad photographer is not a pro. it's a photographer who makes money by doing bad work. no more.

From your persepctive then, what is a Pro. If the person delivers terrible results, surely sooner or later his work will dry up. If this photographer continues to exist, then maybe....just maybe his results were OK and his clients are happy with the results.

Sage Ken Rockwell puts it all in perspective. Laugh at him if you want to but this is about as good of a definition as I see it.
http://www.kenrockwell​.com/tech/what-is-a-pro.htm
Photography is not a profession. It is a trade.
http://www.kenrockwell​.com/tech/pro-not.htm

To quote the Chuck Norris of photography:
Professions don't require prefacing with "professional." For instance, one doesn't say a "professional banker" or "professional dentist" since people don't do banking or practice medicine as hobbies.

When people do hobbies for money then one prefaces it with "professional," for instance, "professional golfer" or "professional photographer."

Yes, a horse beaten to death.
Hey, do I need a UV filters for my lenses?

Just take a look at the noted photographers of the past and present. Galen Rowell, George Lepp, Franz Lanting etc. etc. etc.. They are recognized professionals. Take a look at what they have accomplished and that should tell you what a true professional photographer is.

korrektor wrote in post #11351909
a pro can will shoot well every time.

I no understand.

Tee Why wrote in post #11360824
Sage Ken Rockwell puts it all in perspective. Laugh at him if you want to but this is about as good of a definition as I see it.
http://www.kenrockwell​.com/tech/what-is-a-pro.htm

Well, apart from: