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DPChallenge Forums >> Business of Photography >> When you are shooting out
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02/19/2008 05:58:16 PM · #1
When you are out shooting and someone approaches you and asks you if youre a professional photographer what do you tell them?

I've had plenty of people approach me and ask me this question. I always tell them that I do it for fun, and half the time their interests die.

I wouldnt mind selling my work to folks, but I have this honesty issue that I dont feel right saying im a pro unless I have some sort of business setup and I sell my work. However I would love for people to buy my work.

How do you handle these types of situation?
02/19/2008 06:07:05 PM · #2
Well... I've never been in that situation but here's my two cents.

I think it's all about attitude and confidence. If people are showing you interest, don't turn them away. If you feel saying that you are a pro would be dishonest, sell one photo to a family member for a dollar - you've now sold your work and are a pro! ;-D

Or something like, when they ask if you're a professional or not, say "well, yes, I am interested in selling my work!" which encourages their interest while also being honest.

Message edited by author 2008-02-19 18:08:44.
02/19/2008 06:45:29 PM · #3
Why not say you are a semi porfessional who shoots in their spare time. Have a business card handy with your details. This comes accross as someone who is serious about their photography.

Edit to add this is what I do as I feel the same as you do. I don't feel right calling myself a professional as I dont feel good enough for that even though I do sell some of my work.

Message edited by author 2008-02-19 18:48:10.
02/19/2008 06:50:08 PM · #4
the last two years i've been saying "yes i am.."
& then go on to tell where to see my art ..

02/19/2008 07:14:32 PM · #5
Originally posted by Monique64:

Why not say you are a semi porfessional who shoots in their spare time. Have a business card handy with your details. This comes accross as someone who is serious about their photography.

Edit to add this is what I do as I feel the same as you do. I don't feel right calling myself a professional as I dont feel good enough for that even though I do sell some of my work.


This is exactly what I was going to suggest. Have a card though, even if it's just to your online portfolio here. It gives them something to walk away with, think about and maybe contact you again.
02/19/2008 07:15:24 PM · #6
I do action sports part-time, but tell people I'm a semi-pro. My standard for being a pro would be doing photography as my only job, but until I get there...
02/19/2008 07:19:17 PM · #7
I explain to them that it is just a fun hobby for me and if they are interested, I give them a card with the URL's for my DPC and Flickr pages.
02/20/2008 02:50:54 AM · #8
Originally posted by JaimeVinas:

When you are out shooting and someone approaches you and asks you if youre a professional photographer what do you tell them?


I tell them yes.

Originally posted by JaimeVinas:


I've had plenty of people approach me and ask me this question. I always tell them that I do it for fun, and half the time their interests die.

I wouldnt mind selling my work to folks, but I have this honesty issue that I dont feel right saying im a pro unless I have some sort of business setup and I sell my work. However I would love for people to buy my work.

How do you handle these types of situation?


As gracefully and honest as I can.
02/20/2008 05:28:50 AM · #9
before i made a commitment to a fulltime pursuit of photography, when people asked me what/who i was shooting for, i told them 'fun & practice'. when they asked if i was a professional, i answered, 'not yet, but maybe someday.' when my wife told me to 'go for it', i built a website, got business cards, and started answering 'yes' when people asked me if i was a professional. you can go further and have less to worry about being straight up and honest, rather than trying to make up something.
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