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I guess I violate some of the “rules” of professional lol. As I understand it, professional just means that you depend on photography as your sole source of income. I do not, so I guess that means I’m “semi-pro” as I only offer a part of it for my services. Now, whether or not the photographer has “professional quality” work, that’s up for debate. Unfortunately, whether we like to admit it or not, if these “fauxtographers” are supporting themselves with shoddy photography…well they are still “professional” if people are willing to pay it.
I’m self taught….books (like Better Photo), Digital Photography school.com……other sites…….but I do have an art background and diploma from an art school, as well as work experience as a graphic and web designer. I was a late bloomer with photography and I am not done learning. I also don’t think you need to know EVERYTHING to start charging money…as I think you can never be “ready”, since you are your own worst critic, but if people are willing to pay and you are confident in your abilities then IMO you are ready to start charging if you get the basics down and lots of practice…. …I admit, I do not have much experience with flash photography…well mostly because I don’t like carrying a bunch of crap. I hate bulk..the most I had was a TTL unit (I can’t remember the name) with my dSLR…. I’m not a studio photog, so I don’t feel the need to have all the extra stuff…..I may carry a reflector though (if someone is with me) …..though I have taken workshops doing studio photography..I would like to learn more, but not necessarily for business…just for myself….. I just enjoy location photography and ambient light.
Unlike others, I have gotten rid of my dSLR and not planning to upgrade to any dSLR….if anything larger, I’ll go medium format Pentax 645D (and if someone handed me a Hasselblad or a Mamiya, hell I’d take them no complaints! 🙂 …but I will use a dSLR (rent) if I need to do an assignment with sports…which in that case, I use Canon gear….
My style is photojournalism (also have a degree in journalism so that’s why I was drawn to that) so I think compact is best for capturing “moments” and I prefer being the fly on the wall. I worry more about telling a story than if I have the proper equipment. However, have I done weddings and portraits with point and shoot cameras? YUP. Only one client has asked me if my little camera was enough.
Of course, what I use isn’t exactly what you’ll find at Best Buy or Walmart…..I’ve shot portraits and events with my Leica X1, Panasonic FZ150 bridge camera, Sony’s NEX System, Leica dLux 5 , and other compacts..The next camera I’m drooling over and planning on getting is the Sony RX1. Do I think I could use a powershot whatever? Sure…..if I learn how to work within its constraints….I just love small cameras……so I guess to each his/her own…..I guess my point is, if you enjoy what you do, and people like what you do, and you’re “pretty good” at it then heck an iPhone will work too!