I think it's all a moot point. Anyone can call themselves a professional and say you're not because, "I know more about photography than you." Just like anyone can say they're a professional because they've sold their pictures or they're a professional because they've won an award. Where do you draw the line. I understand your point, I get annoyed by anyone with a point and shoot camera that says they're a professional or anyone with no schooling that buys the most expensive camera in the store so they can have the "prettiest pictures". Maybe it's just jealousy. But who are we to say what anyone is qualified for?
allgrownsup
· 1 year ago
Really though, not anyone can call themselves a professional. There is a line, a very clear one - is it your profession? Does it pay your bills? If the answer is no, it should be a very simple equation. I don't think it actually has anything to do with a "pretty picture" or who thinks what is aesthetically pleasing, as all of that is subjective (which I think is your point) - it all comes down to the one bottom line.
KE
· 1 year ago
Girrrl, I completely agree with you. I meant to comment when you posted originally, but yeah-- I can't stand people who call themselves pros at anything, and aren't actually making A LIVING from said trade.
I've tried to have this exact conversation with people who call themselves "professional artists" and, oh god, you should see the egos fly when you start throwing the A-word around.
This, and I'm an artist / picture-taker / musician myself. Anyway, keep fighting the good fight. This is why Al Gore invented the internet.
allgrownsup
· 1 year ago
"This is why Al Gore invented the internet." = amazing.
Adrian Bryant
· 1 year ago
you wouldn't be at these cross roads if it weren't for digital ... it has really changed the landscape of PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY and in a bad way for the professional for sure. Digital has taken it out of the hands of the professional and put it in the hands of the consumer... it's happening to music as well .. what ever happened to the singer songwriter? .... name a photographer that is/has become famous in the last 5/8 years... digital has blurred that line for sure ... and yes I call myself a PRO
s
· 1 year ago
why do you care who calls what themselves? just "sigh" and pass on. and what is the definition of professional? i know people i am paying to do stuff for me, but it is not because they are good at it, it is because i am ok with what they are offering. does that make them professional? i don't think so. doing a job is one thing, being excelled at something and doing it good is something else.
All Comments
I meant to comment when you posted originally, but yeah-- I can't stand people who call themselves pros at anything, and aren't actually making A LIVING from said trade.
I've tried to have this exact conversation with people who call themselves "professional artists" and, oh god, you should see the egos fly when you start throwing the A-word around.
This, and I'm an artist / picture-taker / musician myself.
Anyway, keep fighting the good fight. This is why Al Gore invented the internet.
and what is the definition of professional? i know people i am paying to do stuff for me, but it is not because they are good at it, it is because i am ok with what they are offering. does that make them professional? i don't think so. doing a job is one thing, being excelled at something and doing it good is something else.