Share your thoughts.

By definition there is only one difference. A pro photographer gets paid, an amateur does not.


But what does amateur even mean? Is it everything bellow the paid level threshold? What about fine art photographers? Are they amateurs? The amateur/professional titles given out are kind of a joke. Just like touting a photography degree.

What does pro even mean? Because someone paid for your pictures does that make you pro? Does that elevate your work to some special level where it should be respected because someone paid for it? No.

I've always cringed when I've met someone that labels themselves a professional photographer. It's like people are so insecure and need special labels to show some advantage over someone else.

In terms of quality between the two? Often not much at all in my opinion.

90% of "professionals" don't do anything special and don't do anything that can't be taught from a lecture or workshop. I'd say 95% of the professional wedding and mainstream portrait photography industry is basically like this.

Very few photographers have any special quality in their work these days.



anyway, that's my rant lol

This post was edited by lithfkn on Aug 24 2013 03:35am

Amateurs worry about equipment, Professionals worry about time, Masters worry about light

true



very true...

A professional is one who provides their services to a client. They know what they’re doing and have experience in the field of photography business, and because of those reasons they’re called professionals. It has to do with business and work ethics.

An amateur is one who wants or needs to learn about photography.

well put
I don't consider myself pro but yet I get paid for shoots

Experience and Quality

And hence, money and not weekend cash.

To me "professional" means two things; deriving the majority of your income from said work.
And the defining characteristics of a professional in your chosen field. For photographers it would include technical know-how, creativity and/or imagination and of course all the necessary business skills that are vital to "being in business" and being successful.

Personally, these days if someone asks if I am a "professional photographer" I just reply with, most of the time. Or, I will be with you.