What would you consider a professional photographer to be?

I know that some say go to college, others dont care. What do you think makes a pro photog?

Well, according to some, I am a professional because everything I earn comes from taking photographs. However, and this is a big part, I am able to produce the image you want, maybe based on nothing more than a description, once you show me the money. Knowing how to make the image that's required isn't an issue. It may be a subtle point, but there are a lot of tremendous photographers out there. You can see their work all over the web. However, that is personal work, done as an act of their personal imagination. I have to take pictures of people and things I don't care about, for purposes that I don't care about, working for and with people I may not like, at a time that may not be convenient for me, in a location I wouldn't go to if I had my choice and produce a quality product with a smile. Many people can't do that. Money aside, that's what makes a professional photographer.

But, you exclude those who have a choice in their assignments. It sounds like only someone who is employed as a photographer is a professional. Report It

It is pure and simple....
anyone who has been paid for taking pictures.

That makes me a professional I guess *smile*

100% of my income is from photography...that makes me a professional photographer.

Unfortunately the only thing that can determine whether a photographer is professional or otherwise is through his income level. That is the only measurable agent we have, art in itself possess intangible variables such as skill, creativity, knowledge, all of which can't be measured. Unlike other professions, photography doesn't require a degree, therefore one must be making 100% of his income directly or indirectly from photography.

some one who earns money* from shooting images with a camera,

*to earn money consistantly they must always "get the shot" and the cash

i think it would be someone getting paid for what he shoots:)
and well, someone whose photos are just simply amazing.......(;

Anyone who gets paid for taking pictures.

V2K1

There are no standards, no monetary requirements and no governing body. To be a professional photographer you make photography your profession. It's pretty much a meaningless title since there is no accepted governing body to regulate it.

professional is someone who's paid for his job... plus know his job perfectly... college is prefferable

I asked this question as a joke, because it included a link to a silly picture, but I got several serious answers that you might like to read. I'm sorry that links seem to be unavailable through Y!A for now... I'm not even sure if this one will work. If it doesn't, click on my avatar and then my questions and look down about 7 or 8 questions for "Professional or Amateur."

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

anyone who lives of oh just selling and taking photographes