| Can I still refer to myself as a professional photographer?

Can I still refer to myself as a professional photographer?

nikki asked the question:


I was a military photographer in the Army for 2 years, however due to an injury, was recently medically discharged. I plan to continue pursuing photography as a career now that I am back home and wanted to get your guys opinion on whether or not I can refer to myself as a professional photgrapher as it was my job (and I received a salary)? Thanks!

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Comments

8 Responses to “Can I still refer to myself as a professional photographer?”

  1. fhotoace on December 24th, 2008 12:02 pm

    Of course. You have the skills. That is what really is the difference between a pro and an amateur. Yes, there are some advanced amateurs out there, but usually they haven’t had the professional experience of shooting on assignment.

    Until you get back to shooting, consider yourself a temporarily, non-working pro.

  2. 1 Hot Photographer on December 25th, 2008 3:39 am

    Of course, you are never NOT a professional photographer once you already have been. Being a photographer is a CRAFT, it is something not everyone can do. If people are paying you to take pictures, that makes you a professional.

  3. Amanda on December 27th, 2008 2:15 pm

    Absolutely. You are obviously not an amateur, and whether or not you choose to do the same kind of photography as before, as long as it is more than a hobby, you would be considered a professional.

  4. swatthefly on December 28th, 2008 9:02 pm

    yes, you are officially a professional photographer. you took photos for a living. you were paid to do nothing but take photos. it was your profession, so you are a professional photographer!

  5. Evan B on December 29th, 2008 9:28 am

    Yes, absolutely.

    Plenty of people call themselves “professional photographers” with less training and background than you have.

  6. DigiDoc on December 31st, 2008 8:53 am

    “Professional” - one who receives monetary compensation for work performed.

    Yes, you are a professional photographer.

    As a side note - The sad state of things today is that “Professional” is NOT equal to good. There are a lot of advanced amateurs that are better then a lot of so called “Professional” photographers. And there are some “Professionals” that are not very professional in general.

    A Professional photographer is really just a photographer that decides to make photography their profession (whether part time or full time).

  7. Michael M on January 1st, 2009 2:03 pm

    For photographers, there is no real credential for saying YES I AM A PRO, pay me a lot of money. Your work speaks for itself. If you feel comfortable knowing and operating a SLR camera in manual. If you understand the working relationship of lighting, shutter speed, aperture and framing good pics . . . then your all set to call yourself professional.
    YOu just ave to decide wat type of photographer you want to be; photojournalist, modeling, portraits, wedding, paparazzi, etc.

  8. Skully on January 3rd, 2009 5:48 am

    My …. Uncle Sam gives great training … of course you are a professional.