POV sounds familiar
sorry for my hornyness
i think 'pro' is like those who take picture for Big Weddings, special occasions etc. and get paid for it

This post has been edited by insane.gamer: Sep 18 2008, 03:04 PM

I think "professional" photographers are not necessarily "art photographers". I'll define a pro photographer as someone who makes money out of photography, or someone whose day job is to take photos. Their photos need not to be highly impressive, they just need to be useful. Though some of them are also doing the art thing as well.

Just my 2 cents.

If that person is a photographer for hire,
I agree with not being 'too impressive'
the important thing is to get the job done as efficiently as possible (this is what we call professionalism)

hobbyist probably seeks the enjoyment of capturing beautiful visions, not for money.

most important is skill of cos!!

Here some information for us sharing here. The good one I think

The Seven Levels of Photographers

This post has been edited by ramblie: Oct 9 2008, 02:56 PM

this is an interesting topic.

i shoot fulltime, organise highly customise theme photoshoots (not to be confused with 1 model and 16 photogs type of sessions) and give classes to hobbyist in portraiture, recently.

i was a serious hobbyist since 2002 and shoot exclusively in portraits since 2004.

any fulltimers around? based on the replies, i noticed that not one (maybe i missed a reply or someone may have summed up what i am about to say in another way) ever mentioned about the business processes of a photographer when you define a "pro" photographer.

producing expected photos is just part of a process, and not the whole process.

it is similar to other businesses or practises.

to level expectations - there is nothing magical about it (apart you get to do what you like - taking photos)

to me, definition of a "pro" photographer - because of the unique nature of how we conduct businesses here - good business sense (and know how to make full use of it - examples - copyright issues, usage rights and collections of payments), good people skill (because you have to meet and loads of people), teamplayer (because you often work with a crew) and being able be fluid and adaptable (sorry, there is no text book solutions when things changes while on shoot ).

a special mention on business sense - pricing. often most "photographers" compete via pricing. when you are out to get a job with a price war in mind - everyone will lose (customer will gain of course, but on whose expense?). in my eyes, a "pro" photographer will try to avoid to have a price war. he/she have pride in his / her work and will not undervalue his / her work. if everyone practise this - you will never ever need to do a rm150 full day wedding job again.

some i know are willing to do it for free or dirt cheap - but, have a look at this article - http://www.sportsshooter.com/news/1989

then again - it varies pending on what you specialise in. different type of photographers have different requirements and workflows. it sounds logical BUT often people assume a photographer is a photographer regardless of what specific branch / genre they are in.

when you sit down and have a good look - they share the same type of business processes.

the shocker of all things - taking good photos and have an articulate knowledge of your craft - imoho, these elements are pre-requiste. it could be a mere suggestion a few years ago but as of now, with how technology is (affordable good quality cameras) and how knowledgeable customers are - you better know what you are doing because things have change rapidly and dramatically.

if i have a choice, i dont even want to be labelled as a "pro" - its unncessary pressure and attract unneccessary expectations. just as long as i deliver the expected "products" and service my customers as they expected for the value they are paying me, im more than happy.

im wondering if we ever have a poll for "pro" customers - in definition - know specificaly what want (if not, will ask you for advice), acknowledge and recognise your skillset and pay you fairly and promptly for your sevices.

Good topic This is your own idea ka? Good la

eih... based on the link....

i think all of us here in this forum are: Online Expert or Armchair Photographer: Level 0



This post has been edited by ahnien: Oct 31 2008, 03:56 AM

not bad not bad

Keep the idea coming! Pros~

I still remember the keyword: photog is his/her extension of his/her mind...

yaya,agreed,photo represent us,the way we think!