Pro's or Con's

I would like to ask you all what in your mind makes a "pro" seeing as there are no formal qualifications to pass or internationally recognised standard.
I have heard arguements that a pro is someone that usues pro gear, someone who makes over 50% of their living by photography, is someone who has been published and even my favourite, someone who gets asked back to do more work.
I use pro gear (d2x) have had photos in my local press and magazines, get asked back to nearly evey festival in the area to shoot their events and a lot of local bands ask me to attend gigs and get photos of them.
Income, LOL, I have been paid for 2 or 3 freelance jobs for the paper, going rate for a music festival is a free ticket and maybe a food voucher or 2, gig coverage usually a pint or 2 from the band. (Will work for Beer! LOL)
Whats your take? pro or not?

I am asking as this is one of those questions that seem to upset so many people that I though I should ask it, and the forums here have a much nicer friendly atmosphere than some i could mention. But I am genuinely interested in what peoples opinions are. What defines a Pro?????

This topic has been discussed here ad nauseum as well. Check around in this General Photography forum, and you'll find that it comes up quite often.

This is not a question that can not be answered by anyone else but you. If you're asking whether I think you're a pro or not, my answer would be no. But then again, I define pro differently than 50 other people here. Having the gear does not make one a professional, it just means you can afford the best equipment. I can drive a car with a stick shift, but that doesn't make me a NASCAR driver.

Being a professional anything is less about how deep your pockets are, and more about the quality of the product you produce. Even more than that, it's about work ethics.

You ask a very good question. From what I've read for various blogs and forums, I think most people tend to get caught up in what type of gear you are using. I don't think that gear alone or being published defines if you are a pro photographer or not. I think the most important thing is experience and the combination of gear that you use. The photographer makes the picture, not the gear. If you don't know how to use your gear, it doesn't matter if you have a D3s, the picture isn't going to be its best. The debate over what is considered pro gear has snagged me slightly. I'm upgrading from a N75 and I've really been debating over buying the D7000 or waiting for the D400 or D800 to come out in the marketplace. But because I keep waiting because I don't want to buy the D7000 and then next week have the D400 or D800 come out on me, I'd be mad if something like that happened. Why do people think the D7000 is able to be used at the pro level? Is FX Full Frame the only type of camera that is considered a pro camera? Some people think if you are not using a D3s or above, then you are not a pro at all. And just because you don't make over 50% of your living using your camera doesn't mean you are not a pro either.

Here is a link to an article that I just read about your question. Check out the comments from others. What makes a photographer a ‘professional’?

Good link. And this question was answered in the very first comment:

You’re a professional photographer when you no longer have to ask yourself whether you’re a professional photographer or not.

Click to expand...

And for what it's worth, I entered my own comment on that article back in July 2010:

When people start calling YOU to take photographs, instead of the other way around.

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I think a lot of people put too much emphasis on the word 'professional'.

As stated, it's not like a college degree, or a certification, so anyone can 'call themselves' a professional.

The quality of your work and your actions are what makes you a professional, not having the best or latest and greatest equipment.

And, you wouldn't walk up to a client and say 'Hi, I'm John, your Professional Photographer!' any more than you would be likely to walk up to a client and say 'Hi, I'm John, your Professional DJ!', or 'Hi, I'm John, your Professional Caterer'

Introduce yourself as John the Photographer, and *they* will decide if you're a professional or not. Based on the quality of your work, and your actions - or the recommendation of previous clients, your portfolio etc.

johnwartjr said:

I think a lot of people put too much emphasis on the word 'professional'.

As stated, it's not like a college degree, or a certification, so anyone can 'call themselves' a professional.

The quality of your work and your actions are what makes you a professional, not having the best or latest and greatest equipment.

And, you wouldn't walk up to a client and say 'Hi, I'm John, your Professional Photographer!' any more than you would be likely to walk up to a client and say 'Hi, I'm John, your Professional DJ!', or 'Hi, I'm John, your Professional Caterer'

Introduce yourself as John the Photographer, and *they* will decide if you're a professional or not. Based on the quality of your work, and your actions - or the recommendation of previous clients, your portfolio etc.

Click to expand...

You know what, John? That's the best answer I've read about being "pro" in a long time! Makes perfect sense to me. Who determines who's a pro or not? The other so called pros out there? Who made them pros? How were they able to determine a "pro" grade?
To me, a pro photographer is a person who makes their living from photography. Someone who has been at it for years, maybe even teaches a course on how to take better pictures, etc. But that's my PERCEPTION of a pro! And we all have different perceptions of what a pro is. So this debate will go on forever, it seems. I don't sweat it, though, because I take the best pictures I believe I can, and let other people judge them. I could go on and on about this, but, I think you get the "picture".

Well I might as well and my two cents on this one. Taken right out of the dictionary:

pro·fes·sion·al –adjective

Following an occupation as a means of livelihood or for gain.
Following as a business an occupation ordinarily engaged in as a pastime.
Undertaken or engaged in as a means of livelihood or for gain.
A person who earns a living in a sport or other occupation. Frequently engaged in by amateurs.

pho·tog·ra·pher –noun

A person who takes photographs, especially one who practices photography professionally.

My wife use to sing in a band and enter Karaoke contest. Professional singers were not allowed to sing in these contests. It was our understanding that once she was paid for singing in her band she was no longer an amateur and was now considered a professional.

Just because you are paid for something you do or did, and are labeled "Professional" does not make you better than anyone else, nor does it mean what you do is good. I have to echo what Anthony said above. "The quality of the product you produce. Even more than that, it's about work ethics"

Actions speak louder than words. If you can produce quality photos every time and can conduct yourself in a manner that shows respect for the individual, service to your customers, and strive for excellence. In my book you're a professional photographer.

Rick

johnwartjr said:

I think a lot of people put too much emphasis on the word 'professional'.

As stated, it's not like a college degree, or a certification, so anyone can 'call themselves' a professional.

The quality of your work and your actions are what makes you a professional, not having the best or latest and greatest equipment.

And, you wouldn't walk up to a client and say 'Hi, I'm John, your Professional Photographer!' any more than you would be likely to walk up to a client and say 'Hi, I'm John, your Professional DJ!', or 'Hi, I'm John, your Professional Caterer'

Introduce yourself as John the Photographer, and *they* will decide if you're a professional or not. Based on the quality of your work, and your actions - or the recommendation of previous clients, your portfolio etc.

Click to expand...

That has to be one of the best answers that I've ever read, I have thought that the old line of "if its your main income earner" was a little too easy, we all know people that have a very good day job but are in demand as photographers becasue of their skill and in some cases work ethic. I get a lot of work, I am asked to gigs, festivals and events all the time to take photos, all of these events are either run for charity or by a band that has no spare money (I am talking about the local music scene, not chasing Pearl Jam or The Rolling Stones here ) I almost never get paid, but free access or a couple of pints is very nice when you know that they have no cash. Am I the first professional charitable photographer???