It's a tricky question because there's no standard definition to describe a professional photographer and no measuring stick to look at and declare you've arrived.
Theoretically anyone can call themselves a professional photographer, even if all they have is a point and shoot camera. Depending on where you set the bar, it could be a pretty low hurdle to clear.

Technically, if you've ever been paid to take pictures, you can stretch the label of professional photographer. But like a fat guy in a shirt two sizes too small, most people will be able to see that the label doesn't really fit. There's a big difference between being paid to take pictures and being a professional photographer.

Follow The Money

Money is a big component of meeting the definition of professional photographer, more specifically how much of your total income comes from photography. Like any new artist, many photographers have a day job. I remember hearing the story of band member who worked as a cook at a seafood restaurant for 10 years before their band finally produced a hit.

It can be the same story in professional photography. It's not unusual for new photographers to be in a different line of work within three years; in fact, the vast majority are doing something else for a living in that time frame. Beyond that is another group in the continuum between supplementing their regular income with photography and working a sideline job to make ends meet.

Photography is one of those career fields that's always compelling. Even photographers who put their gear on the shelf and take a day job are never far from the desire to suit up and get back in the game. If it came with a steady paycheck, most would be back in business in a heartbeat.

The definition for professional photographer I use is if the bulk of your income derives from taking pictures, you're a professional. If you carry liability and equipment insurance, plus have a membership in a professional association or guild, you're a professional; even if you have a sideline job or occasionally have to take unrelated work to make ends meet.

Beyond that there is another level of photographer that still gets the honorary title even though the money isn't there yet. There are those people who treat photography like a career, like their future hinges on every job. They meticulously plan and execute studio shoots and treat every job like it's a six figure contract whether they're getting paid or not. No detail is too small and their goal is perfection. You can spot those people in a crowded field and you just know they're going to make it.

So, now you have at least a benchmark definition to start asking whether you're a professional photographer.

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