Reply To: They can't take friendly competition!

[JimC]

Our county fair has the same 50%+ income distinction as yours, but it also has a caveat that if you have in the last year advertised or listed yourself as a photographer in a directory or website, then you are considered a professional.

I personally really like that distinction. My current job doesn’t allow me to have a second job, so photography is officially nothing more than a hobby for me. I don’t market or advertise myself as a professional. I make WAY less than 50% of my income, so that’s good, too. As a result, I meet amateur criteria and I get to compete against the grannies with their Coolpix on full auto. On the flip side, all the “professional” fauxtographers with their Coolpix on full auto are forced into the pro category, where they get mercilessly smoked by people who can use a camera. For me, it’s a win-win. 😀