A professional photographer vs an amateur photographer

When we hear the word professional in front of occupation or item we believe it to be higher quality. For example, a professional photographer is believed to be a better photographer than an amateur photographer. That is not necessarily the truth. I know some amateur photographers who create fantastic work and have seen some professional photographers do mediocre work. The difference isn’t the quality of work, but how the person makes a living.

We put far too much emphasis on what people do for a profession or job. We measure success far too often by how much money someone makes. I don’t have to be a professional photographer to be successful. I don’t even have to make money as a photographer to be successful.

A while back, I used the term “photographic artist” to describe myself. That doesn’t mean everything I make is art. That doesn’t mean everything I make is even good. I create what I like, if others like it that is even better. If I tell people I’m a photographer the next question is often, “Oh do you do weddings?”. By telling people I’m a photographic artist rather than an amateur they believe that I am creating artwork rather than just photographs. Although, it doesn’t really matter because the quality of my work isn’t any different. I just don’t believe that a professional photographer is any better than anyone else. I let my work speak for myself. Call yourself whatever you wish, just let your work display your ability. Let’s show the world that a non-professional photographer can be as good or better than a professional.