I get paid to take photos of people, horses, homes, etc. Am I considered professional because I get paid?

Question

I've had no formal training but with the encouragement from my co-workers I started a small photography business on the side. The definition of the word, "professional" has changed over the years and seems to mean different things to different people. What determines a professional?? Wikipedia basically states that you can receive payment and still be an amateur. When would I be considered a pro'? After I've completed some courses? If so, how many would I need to take or is it just skill that counts? I remember this term caused some problem with Olympic skaters several years ago....

My other job is not connected with photography, so I'm not a free lance photographer. Thanks for bringing that up though.

Dr. Sam - love your answer even tho' technically it may not be the best one!

Answer 1

By definition you are a pro. If you just sell a couple of pictures here or there you can still be an amateur but if as you say you are doing it as a business that more than qualifies you. Doing a course is irrelevent to whether you are a professional or not.

Maybe you are just naturally a good photographer who just knows his stuff and his equipment. There are plenty of photographers out there who have done the college courses etc and have the technical knowhow but still can't take a good photo. They still like to call themselves pro.

Answer 2

I consider myself a professional photographer because I photograph roughly 20 weddings a year and a boat load of portraits. BUT - the majority of my income is not from photography, which means I am NOT a pro. That is how most organizations would classify pro versus amateur. I have my own business and make a ton of money, so I would consider myself a pro - but some organizations wouldn't see it that way. Why do you feel you need that title? You can call yourself whatever you want. If you get paid, you are a photographer. If you take pictures, you are a photographer. I would suggest taking courses or training with a seasoned photographer. Do you have a website...I would love to see it. Good luck.

Answer 3

The definitions I use are as follows:

Amateur: one who takes photographs, but does not sell them.

Free-lance: take photographs, sells them, but not as a full-fledged business.

Professional: takes photos, sells them as a business, either as a primary or secondary means of income.

Based on these definitions, I'd say you qualify as a professional.

Answer 4

I beg to differ with Wikipedia. You are getting paid for a service, ergo you are a professional.

Answer 5

Probably around $4,000-$5,000. I would say more but, standardbreds don't go for too much around here, plus because of the economy you can get decent horses pretty cheap. I love standardbreds, and she sounds amazing. :)

Answer 6

I am a pro and I don't sell my images.

I used to... but now I am retired form selling, but I still shoot for arts sake. I am still a pro!

Regardless of the income, the fact that I once sold my images or shot for money or barter, makes me a pro.

The quality of my images also make me a pro.

So, there in lies your answer to your question...

Answer 7

You're a pro! Deal with it.

Answer 8

Haha - Why don't you tell the IRS how much you made or lost on photography and let them decide?

Answer 9

I always like the definition that states that you make the majorority of your income from photography. Just my viewpoint.

Answer 10

From what you said, I think it means you freelance, and work on projects if you have been offered one.