Pbleic: Views and Things

Definition of a Professional Photographer
I have seen many arguments about what makes a "professional photographer." Most are based on whether he/she gets paid for their work. I don't think this is it. Here is my definition: A professional photographer is one who, given a situation or assignment, consistently produces high quality, saleable photos.

Most professional photographers get paid for it, of course. But what distinguishes a pro from an amateur - consistent, high quality photos.
IMHO. And mostly because I know what I am *not*.

2 Comments:

• I totally agree, and I'm glad to see someone else saying this. Just getting paid for work has always seemed to me to be a gross oversimplification. Being able to go into any situation and deliver a publishable shot is a much stronger endorsement of what it takes to be a professional photographer.

Onward.

By  Marshall, at June 3, 2004 11:16 AM  

• Hi Paul,

I think that "professional" is about the money. What you have defined is 'expert' -- an expert photographer may or may not be a professional. And a professional may or may not be an expert.

And I'd limit professional even further to those who's PRIMARY source of income is photography.

LeeBase

By  Anonymous, at September 20, 2004 9:39 PM  

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