Distinction between pro and amateur?

Question

I just started learning photography in June. I am told that I take beautiful photos and, that I have an eye for composition, by both amateur and professional photographers. A few people have told me that my photos are better than some people out there that call themselves professionals. This positive feedback after only a few months of work has me considering pursuit of a career in photography. My question is, I realized that most of the pictures I take are of beautiful scenery thus, I am producing beautiful photos. How do I gauge if I have the talent to be a photographer or, if I just have an eye for beautiful scenery?

Answer 1

Well, let's start off by addressing your distinction question:
The difference between a pro and an amateur is mainly how the person is recognized by the community and other professionals in the same area of expertise. Another difference is the education behind the photographer. Professionals of any trade take time and put some type of education into their trade other than just common sence. This shows a dedication to their job.

Now, to answer your talent question:
Beautiful scenery is very easy to photograph. My younger brother took an absolutely gorgeous sunset photograph with is cheap nikon that, if in poster size, I woulda purchased if I saw. And he has no idea about photography in general. However, just because you have an eye for beautiful scenerey doesn't mean you aren't on the track to becoming a professional photographer. Every photographer who started, had a niche when he first started out. You don't start off with a wedding hoping to do a good job. You start off with something you feel comfortable with, practicing basics such as composition and lighting.

It's very, very hard to make a living on just nature photography alone. Mainly because the market for it on a consumer level isn't all that high in most areas. Mainly because the people that do purchase beautiful scenic images go to some local Wal-Mart or Kmart and buy their $5 posters. Which leads to the fact that most people like to buy large poster size prints and for the average user, that's not a cheap print. Companies who mass produce can make a poster size print for next to nothing.

If this is something you are seriously concidering, put together a portfolio of work and show it to various people. Ask them how much they would pay for a poster sized print. That will give you an idea of pricing for starting out. Another thing that scenery is great for is inspirational posters. Print out one or two and then try to sell them to local businesses.

Also, a great place to showcase your work is in local art galleries, trade shows, craft days, etc. Anything that will allow your work to be viewed by your community. The library at my hometown would always be willing to display pictures from local artists, accepting any form of printed media, sculpture, etc.

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, email me.

Answer 2

When I was starting out in photography I was told by a very good photographer that the difference between an amateur and a professional is editing. An amateur will show ALL the pictures they took, whether good or bad and a professional will immediately dispose of the bad and only show the good! I think that may actually work.

To see if you are good at photography in general or just at what you are shooting, you need to step outside of your norm and shoot things that you wouldn't. Spend a day just shooting what you find in the kitchen! We had to do that for a photo class and let me tell you.... it seperated the good the bad the ugly real quick. We also had to take 24 shots first thing when we woke up without leaving the bed while laying on our back. That's when you see who is creative.

Answer 3

the only way to find out is to try.

And perhaps not take people seriously who get hung up on the idea of talent. Producing pictures of beautiful scenery is only "bad" if you think it is, if you have bought into that mindset.

Creating beauty is a much better thing than what many people choose to do with their lives, whether or not the "experts" judge that you have "talent" or not.

Answer 4

A professional photographer make money and leave out of it; the amateur has another job and from time to time sells his photos.

Answer 5

Well seeing as you have an eye for photography the best thing to do is break out of the norm and take pictures of different subjects, it'll help you build a photography portfolio and it should also show you your strengths and weaknesses, which you can improve on. Just go out there and shoot. :)

Answer 6

Put a portfolio together and see if any galleries or studios are willing to display them...be prepared for harsh criticism but hope for rave reviews. Good luck!

Answer 7

a bit off-topic... are you tired of someone suggesting you use google picassa when you didn't ask? Well, I am.

Report picasa_better for spamming - I did.