Professional photographer: earns a living from photography. Consistently produces quality pictures to suit their client’s needs. Stands behind their work, takes responsibility for their actions, runs their own business and knows their trade. Worth more than they cost.
Amateur photographer: Has a day job. Produces pictures to please themselves. Nothing at stake, nothing to lose. Might be worth what they cost.
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An amateur practices until they get it right. A professional practices until they can’t get it wrong.
An amateur might know how to fix mistakes. A professional knows how to avoid them.
A professional has to be good all the time. An amateur has to be good only once-in-a-while.
An amateur may understand photography. A professional understands the value of photography.
A professional knows how to negotiate fees without devaluing their services.
An amateur knows how to use their camera. A professional knows when.
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“If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional to do the job, wait until you hire an amateur.”– Nathan Gilkarov, economist and philosopher
Tags: hiring a photographer
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