Amatuer Or Professional?

[thomasgeorge]

What constitutes an Amatuer and what constitutes a Professional in this world of Photo Restoration? At the outset I donot think the old defination of a Professional as one who derives sole income from a particular field is valid anymore except in the context of "Economic Professional" which says nothing about skill, etc. only the monetary side of the equation. What then gives one the identity of Amatuer or Professional or is this such a new and different field that the distinction is not valid? Tom

[DJ Dubovsky]

Good question. Unfortunately not one I can answer. When someone who knows nothing of Photoshop sees my work, I feel like a professional. But when I'm online asking questions or seeing what others are capable of, I feel like an amatuer. I guess it will always be that way. Maybe professional is being able to get pretty good results but always learning new things. An expert in this feild is probably someone who doesn't have a life.
DJ

[Ed_L]

Tom,

Time to suck up! I would have to say you fit the definition of a true professional. That would be someone who posseses the necessary skills to do the digital work, plus the morals and sensitivity to give the client what he deserves for his money.

(Had to get off line for a few minutes, so there's another excuse for another edit.)

I also think a true professional is someone who stays on top of the changing technology and someone who takes the time to do their homework on the handling and identification of historic photographic items.

I don't think a professional in this business is really much different than a professional in any other business. It takes skill, hard work, and a certain frame of mind.

Ed

[DJ Dubovsky]

There's an old saying:
True knowledge is not measured in what you know but in knowing where to find the answers to what you don't.
DJ

[Ed_L]

Hey Debbie. I don't have much of a life. Does that make me a near professional? Or do you actually need the skills to go along with that?

Ed

[thomasgeorge]

Thanks Ed, you are too kind!! Digital work like this is so new that no real definations have been carved out yet. To a degree that is what is being done by all the diverse and talented people at this site. I guess one thing I wonder is if the terms Amatuer and Hobbiest are NOT applicable to those who have taken the steps of aquiring expensive equipment, software, spent sufficent time learning how it all works to produce a final result which is pleasing to both themselves and their clients--whether the client is a paying one or not. Is "Professional" a term which only applies AFTER the particular field a person is plying their talents in gains wide public acceptance and recognition? Tom

[DJ Dubovsky]

You have a life Ed, you're an amatuer comedian and an all around funny guy.
DJ

[thomasgeorge]

I second that!! Tom

[thomasgeorge]

When photography began in a serious way it was looked upon as belonging to the hobby realm. Were these early photographers simple that...or something else? Comments, people? Tom

[Ed_L]

That's another good question Tom. I guess if technology advanced far enough that you could actually smell the rose when you looked at a picture of it, there would be many people who would get into the hobby (?) simply because it was something that was very new - it was unthought of. But there would be others who would be so taken by it, they would take this technology to new heights. They would always be on the cutting edge. Maybe you could say these would be the ones to be classified as professionals? I think there will always be both pros and amateurs, and many times it's a very fine line that seperates them.

Fair warning folks -- when that technology comes along, I'm gonna lose my Avatar!

Ed

[thomasgeorge]

Just to add another layer of complexity, who exactly determines if a person plying this trade is a Professional or hobbiest? Is the title one of self determination or is there a basic level at which one switches roles from amatuer to Pro? Do you have to belong to a recognized orginization or are the independent minded included as well? Tom