Amateur's VS Pro's

Ok, everyone in the photography world has different opinions about the subject of amateur's and how they effect the professional side of photography.

We all know someone who's hobby is photography and at the end of the day even professionals fell into the category of armature at one point or another, but the issue has become more apparent since digital cameras came along.

My opinion is not black and white but I will explain in this article my views and why I have come to these views.

Photography is currently the largest pastime through out the world and in response to this manufactures have continually brought out products that make it even more accessible as a hobby.

Now, no body has a problem with the amateur photographer taking pictures and enjoying the whole photography art form. BUT when does it become OK for uncle Bob to decided as well as doing his 9 to 5, Monday to Friday job where he earns his living to then step out into the public world and claim his talents as a professional photographer.

I am constantly seeing an ever increasing amount of amateurs that claim to be full time professional photographers, even when they have a full time job and to even have the cheek to approach members of the public to sell there services. I mean... "I can change a car tire so should I have my own repair company?"

A great way I sum it up is - A professional photographer uses photography to make a living while amateur photographers take photographs for pleasure and to record an event, place or person.

Right let me get a bit firm on this part... A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER USES PHOTOGRAPHY TO MAKE A LIVING!
Now if that don't sum it up I'm not sure what will. I love the idea of everyone owning top spec camera's and showing there amazing shots off to everyone but please take a step back when it comes to making money from it. Professional photographers have taken time to learn there craft, develop there business skill's and like it or not a professional photographer only spends about 10% of there time actually taking pictures and the rest is used for hunting down business, preparation of shoots, post processing and general business admin.
In a normal week I may have two or three actual shoots which combined are 6-7hrs but bear in mind like most other pro's I still work a 60+ hour week and that time not spent doing a shoot is making sure that the business is running smoothly.

Photography as a job is not for the faint hearted... I mean it!
I quote for approx 10-15 jobs a week but I might only get 2 or 3 as confirmed assignments, the truth is we all spend a lot of time to find an excuse to get the camera out and sometimes it does not happen.

Im sorry to rant but who's blog is it????? Only kidding.

Well back to the main subject amateurs VS professionals... lets just say the only time a professional photographer shouldn't be involved is when there is no money or requirement for garmented winning results.


Phil Green
Image and Eye
www.imageandeye.co.uk