Amateur or professional
Elliott Erwitt described himself as “a professional photographer by trade and an amateur photographer by vocation.”
Nearly every professional photographer starts out as an amateur. The word “amateur” itself is rooted in the Latin word “amator”, which means “lover.” Amateurs are driven by a passion and love for photography, taking pictures for personal satisfaction or creative expression.
Defining professional photographer
When it comes to the world of photography, the distinction between amateurs and professionals can be difficult to define. On the Australian Institute of Professional Photography (AIPP) board, we made attempts to define what it means to be a “professional” photographer. This created heated debates among members, and there were as many definitions of “professional” as there were photographers. Here I’m not pitting amateurs against professionals in a competitive arena. Instead, it’s about understanding the nuances that separate these two categories, while recognising the value each brings to the art and profession of photography.
However, what sets a professional apart is the incorporation of business practices into their craft. Making a living or earning income from photography is a significant step towards professionalism. This isn’t to say that all professionals work full-time in the field. Some professional photographers operate on a part-time basis, balancing their art with other forms of income.
Professional comes before photographer
A key element of being a professional photographer is the delivery of services to clients. Professionals are tasked with meeting the needs and expectations of their clients, often within specific timeframes and budgets. This client relationship is a cornerstone of the professional photography business.
In contrast, amateurs typically serve as their own clients. They create images primarily to satisfy their personal interests or to develop their skills. This self-driven approach allows amateurs to experiment and innovate, often resulting in work that is fresh and unique.
Influence of social media
In the digital age, the role of influencers adds an interesting dimension to this discussion. While influencers may wield significant power over visual trends and social media aesthetics, they do not necessarily fit neatly into the categories of amateur or professional photographers. Instead, they act as commentators, often influencing public opinion and appreciation of photography.
Talent vs professionalism
One of the most intriguing aspects of this conversation is the observation that many amateur photographers possess exceptional talent, sometimes outshining those who are considered professional. Talent, however, is just one part of the equation. Professionalism is about more than just the quality of the photographs; it encompasses reliability, marketing savvy, and the ability to consistently deliver on promises.
Mentoring and professional growth
As a mentor to emerging photographers, it becomes evident when a mentee’s work begins to look professional. This transformation usually occurs when their work starts to hold marketing value and they begin to think like a businessperson. The shift from amateur to professional is as much about mindset as it is about skill.
So while the boundaries between amateur and professional photography can be flexible, the defining factors often revolve around business practices, client engagement, and the context in which the photography is created and viewed. Both amateurs and professionals contribute significantly to the art of photography, each with their own unique perspectives and strengths. It’s not us versus them.