[BillLee]

I'm talking about professional photographers. I hope you don't mind my questions.

How many pros do we have in this forum? Or how many of you actually make a decent income from your photography?

What kind of work do you do primarily? Weddings, portraits, events, photojournalism, other?

Did you have to attend school for this or did you start your own business?

[UdubBadger]

I used to work sports portraits for youth and HS teams/individuals. It paid really well for the 2 yrs I did it (some commission checks for 2 weeks work - appx 20-25 hrs per week - were in the $3-4k range during busy season) but I would still hardly call myself a "pro".

[Carnifex]

I worked for over a year as a PJ at a daily paper. I'm currently between jobs and doing freelance work. I shoot weddings, sports, product, portraits, and I sell fine art images. I'm working to transition my way into doing more work with AP and Getty.

No, I didn't go to school for photography. I was a psych major and self-taught in photography.

[Black_Dog]

Originally Posted by Carnifex

No, I didn't go to school for photography. I was a psych major and self-taught in photography.

Me too. The last two years I was in college I worked in a photo lab (a real one, not an automated 1-hour roller-transport thingie). If I had been smart I would have changed majors, but I had neither the money nor the time to start my major coursework over.

Psychology is the most useful and most useless degree you can get. On the one hand, every job involves interactions with other people (e.g. co-workers, customers, bosses). Understanding people, personality theory, motivation, etc. helps immensely, especially in business management and marketing. On the other hand, an undergraduate psych degree qualifies you to do NOTHING other than get more schooling, which is why I eventually had to go back to school 10+ years later to get an MBA.

As to the question at hand, I guess it depends on how you define a professional. I have been paid for photos that have been published and have worked paid photo assignments, so in a generic sense I have done some professional work. However, I've never relied on my photography as my sole source of income (I couldn't afford the pay cut). So I don’t consider myself a professional photographer.

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by Black_Dog

As to the question at hand, I guess it depends on how you define a professional. I have been paid for photos that have been published and have worked paid photo assignments, so in a generic sense I have done some professional work. However, I've never relied on my photography as my sole source of income (I couldn't afford the pay cut). So I don’t consider myself a professional photographer.

I'd consider that semi pro. You don't make your living off of taking pics yet you've been paid on occasion so you're not exactly an amateur or hobbyist.

[john]

Originally Posted by UdubBadger

I used to work sports portraits for youth and HS teams/individuals. It paid really well for the 2 yrs I did it (some commission checks for 2 weeks work - appx 20-25 hrs per week - were in the $3-4k range during busy season) but I would still hardly call myself a "pro".

id love to see some examples of your work.

[Vudoo4u2]

"khphoto.no" and "JTPhotos" (member names on here)...not sure if you all have seen their work, but man...im astonished at some of it...really incredible

[khfoto.no]

Hi I am a self-taught photographer from northern Norway, the town called Tromso. I shoot mainly automotive things,
but also weddings, portraits, models and landscapes.
Canon is my choice and I use the 1Ds Mark III with Canon's L lenses. Process images in Lightroom and
Photoshop on the mac. Some of my photos can be viewed on my web www.khfoto.no or Visit My Portfolio if you wish.

Is there anything I can help with just contact me

Thanks and have a nice day!

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by john

id love to see some examples of your work.

So would I... the company takes all the pictures you give them so you can't keep anything.

Let me see if there is anything on my HD though.

[Fat Buff Guy]

I am currently going to school for photography. i dunno, i have sold 10+ pieces done some senior pics and am currently editing my 3rd (but first officail wedding) pics.

but i am still, i believe years away from being pro. although im working really hard towards an internship with some state photographers for the summer. hopefully i get it. i am still very much an amature.

[brad_ztt]

I offer services, have had a few photos published, and have sold plenty of photos/shoots and am now starting to sell prints.

I would consider a "Pro" someone who's primary income is Photography. Mine is still Web Management. Maybe some day