I'll go with the definition that says if you make money from it, you're a pro.
Whether you are a competent pro, or are the kind of pro who is capable of producing results that please your clients (and you) time after time under sometimes trying conditions, that's another question.
Whether you are producing art is also another question entirely.
i generate a fairly consistant 5 digit annual income from stock and paid assignments as well as take calls from agencies or mags to cover events or do one-off celeb portraits. i am not a pro photographer--i have a regular 50 hour a week job. the pro's i know are much more dedicated to the work and can cover a wider array of assignments than i can. so just a hobbyist who can cover his expenses.
...and all this time I thought there was some connection between the word profess and the word professional. Now it appears to me that whatever people profess themselves to be makes them a professional at that which they profess to be.
The logical conclusion would be that the value of "professional" would be in exact proportion to the fulfillment of that which was professed, no more, no less.
Q: In present day language, what is the difference between "Standard" and "Pro"?
A: Standard is made of grey plastic, while Pro is made of black plastic.
Pro: Makes a living off of their work
Semi-Pro: Make supplemental income off their work
Enthusiast: Uses pro gear but little or no income
Amatures: Shoots for fun
Main Entry: 1pro·fes·sion·al
Pronunciation: \prə-ˈfesh-nəl, -ˈfe-shə-nəl\
Function: adjective
Date: 1606
1 a: of, relating to, or characteristic of a profession b: engaged in one of the learned professions c (1): characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession (2): exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace
2 a: participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs <a professional golfer> b: having a particular profession as a permanent career <a professional soldier> c: engaged in by persons receiving financial return <professional football>
3: following a line of conduct as though it were a profession <a professional patriot>
Pro: Makes a living off of their work
Semi-Pro: Make supplemental income off their work
Enthusiast: Uses pro gear but little or no income
Amatures: Shoots for fun
It doesn't define skill though.
I like this summary, it's simple and concise. I'm a semi-pro. I like to think that I approach photography in a professional matter.
I told myself when I bought my 30D that within 2 years, I'll be doing paid work. Since I am laid up from surgery, I've extended that 3 months (so by April of 2010, I'll have to do paid work).
Since I'll be shooting some little league games soon, and the parents may purchase prints from me...I may be a pro sooner.
I realized I was a pro when people said I should be paid for my work and did.
I realized I was an artist when people thought my having gotten the perfect moment on film was a kind of a miracle I made happen...when all the individual moments in the frame met at the same time to form a complete unified world...truth be told, I don't always know exactly how it happens either...
As to what makes a quality photog, I've always thought it was the degree of self-reflection and self-critique that helps to know which 10% of my shots are really good.
Most people are a "pro" at something. Do you think professional people continually question their own abilities, or have to remind others of their professional status? Acting professional at what you do goes without saying. The art end of photography is always in the eye of the beholder, client or not. Show your portfolio to the ASMP or PPA if you want official recognition.
I think a pro would be someone that lives for the perfect shot and their heart and soul are dedicated to the art of photography not only the capture of the shot but the willingness to help others to learn and capture the perfect shot .... making money is just a perk all be it a good perk still just a perk
to stand up in front of people and say " I'm a pro " is saying i make my living from photography ...... but to have people say he is a pro about you is to have touched that person with what they think is the pefect capture that is a ........ Pro
