Photography Thailand Forum

[bkkdave]

I read a lot of reviews and some folks state that they are professionals and some are amateurs like myself; however many are in the category of: ‘Semi – Professional’

What is a 'Semi-Professional" Photographer? What exactly does that mean? Does it mean they are in a transition state from amateur to professional; does it mean they have a camera and sometimes people pay them for their photographs? Are they just testing the waters so–to-speak and are not ready to quit their day jobs yet?

Just curious,

Dave

[Adzz]

Hi,
Well personally, first I would say there are plenty of Amateurs that produce very professional work and plenty of professionals that produce somewhat amateur work.
If you have made or are making a living out of photography full time  then I would say your a pro....  Semi Pro? Part Timer? No, its not a term I would use.
This term Semi Pro seems to be just a marketing tool for camera companies.
I do not see much point labeling people to much anyway.... The Image is the most important thing no matter who took it....As long as it get to the client on time!
Regards Adam

[bkkdave]

Adam,

Yes that helps to explain it. As you mentioned and I forgot to ask in my question I do see many cameras aimed toward different segments of photographers. BH Photo has been my source since 1993; however  they use the terms; Pro, Semi-Pro, Advanced Hobbyist, Serious Hobbyist and Amateur all the time in describing their products. So perhaps it is like the old proverbial mega-pixel theory that; ‘More is Better’…Not!

Thank you

[Marc Schultz]

I do not see much point labeling people to much anyway.... The Image is the most important thing no matter who took it....As long as it get to the client on time!

Amen. Labels are just labels. And to expand on what counts when dealing with clients: Good organization, responsiveness, integrity, courtesy, professionalism, satisfying the client's needs, delivering what you promise, etc. All the same things that would apply to any business/client relationship.

As for the labels that the camera companies like to use, "Prosumer" is another one they often use to describe their mid range DSLR bodies.

[David Salmanowitz]

Well put everybody. Let's not forget the companies are in business to make $, and if their advertising name or classification sells the goods mission accomplished. Marc--very well put in dealing w/clients.

[epixx]

Good answers, and Marc sums it up nicely. It's an interesting word btw. Anybody heard about a semi-professional architect, dentist? There are the "police volunteers" in Pattaya of course. I guess they can be labeled as semi-professional, but I'm not sure what side they're on   :-\