At what point did YOU call yourself a professional photographer? I came upon this question in the build + bloom facebook group and wanted to share some interesting perspectives as well as my own thoughts + struggle with CONFIDENCE. I’ve been doing photography for 12 years (not 8 as said in my video 🙂 and went full time this past year (watch that video here— ) but did I call myself a pro before the ‘full time’ badge fell on me? Let’s talk confidence AND I want to hear what you have to say in the comments below!
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I used to make alot of money off of it, but hated it. I still do photography, but more as a hobby. I consider myself more of a professional now understanding my camera, lighting, and everything.
How do you deal with all those creepy guys that think it’s a dating site? I get so many of them every day and it’s pretty annoying. Clearly you can see it’s a photography business.
was i kicked out of the group? the build and bloom by jessica?
Nice Video!
Another great video…!
The word "profession" doesn't really have a terribly ambiguous definition, therefore "professional" doesn't, either.
I think the issue is that people are thinking of the word "professional" as describing the ultimate achievement, or logical extension, of pursuing photography seriously over a period of time. That it represents a certain level of skill and craftsmanship.
That just isn't what the word means.
The word "professional" is actually more boring than that, and comes up during tax season.
Im a professional photographer but I'm a photographer first.
Thank you so much for giving us your thoughts. I think a lot of creative individual have confidence issues in their craft. So this was great to hear your point!
I just want to say that I’m in love with the build and bloom page!! It seriously has helped me sooo much! I basically browse it everyday. I’m always looking for inspiration and asking for help and just reading others tips. I’ve also had some great photographers reach out to me and message me because we met through the page. Keep up the great work it really has helped me a tonne 💓💓
Are those build and bloom stickers for sale?
Love the video and all your thoughts on this topic! I definitely have a hard time even telling family and friends that I’m a photographer because ever time I do, I get the eye rolling “everyone does that” response. Beyond annoying. Btw, I don’t see the link for the 5-day instagram challenge 😫
Lol when you said you've been doing it since the myspace days made me laugh. You sound worried 😂
Why is your Facebook group closed?
This is great and so helpful! Thank you!
I’ve struggled with this topic SO much throughout the 2.5 years I’ve been pursuing photography, so I love this video!! I’m always stuck comparing myself with these other “professionals” who have received formal photo education whereas I have almost no formal education in the subject.
However, I’d like to add something I think would be complementary to your points (which I wholeheartedly agree with!). In addition to being comfortable calling yourself a professional, you also have to keep in mind the viewpoint of the client and the value you’re providing them with. I don’t believe it’s right to label yourself as a professional photographer when your images are trash. If someone books you and pays you based on your self-acclaimed success (which also isn’t very wise), then you’re basically stealing their money because you’re not providing quality work that is usually expected at the “professional” level. Basically, we also need to hold ourselves to a higher standard than any random dad-tog that thinks he takes good pictures.
Just some thoughts that I hope make some sense hahaha. Thanks Jessica!
Let me check your Facebook group
🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽❤️😍
You should definitely hook up with Brooke Shaden.
She has done some amazing things for people all around the world. She actually started a photography school – it's too much to get into, so maybe you should just check it out –
but I think you'll be very impressed and you guys would be an awesome collaborative team.
Two of my absolute favorite photographers put together would be so cool!
When you get paid. I agree with one commenter that in the end it really doesn’t matter.
I personally feel it’s hard to even use the word professional with photography because it is more of an art form than it is a job (kind of like YouTube in a sense where it is a form of art/expression that people are able to make income from) . Of course there are definitely professionals in the industry just like there are pro MUA’s, hair stylists, etc… but that is probably why it is so difficult to decide when someone is a pro!-because it is part of an industry that was built around art and self expression. Not sure if I made sense but loved this video jessica !💛💛
Great topic to discuss.
It takes longer to be professional but whatever you are motivated and you are good, you are a pro. For example if I wanted to write music and I learn new things, I learn faster. But also I play Tetris blitz and I scored higher, I could be that I am professional. But we make mistakes as well and professionals do make mistakes too. it that is good to hear and talk about this video Jessica. Just keep it up. 😊 you can do it and try your best on making and achieving your goals
I’ve been photographing for years and just started calling myself a photographer lol