Hi Bob, Low end photo jobs are good training for newbies. It teaches speed, attention to detail and often customer service. Often it also teaches the young photographer that something else may be needed for a career Skills are honed in jobs like this, the real world teaches much, better, faster and more frequently than any school could ever dream. Good business acumen, follow threw , and even some of the basic mechanics are taught to quite a few photographers in jobs just like this one. I started in a photo department in a jewelry store. I learned how to count change, and how grit my teeth and smile when dealing with idiots. Later when I had a job pulling weeds and schlepping gear for William McIntosh I learned the basics of lighting and editing as well as some B&W printing for portraits. So Yes the kid at the amusement park is a "pro". You never know what will come next. But I do know that I will NEVER belittle someone trying their best to learn even though they are at the professional first rung of a career. Les Baldwin As far as appellations go, anyone can be a professional. There's a kid that frequents my coffee house that takes digital photos of children with Goofy and Mickey at Disneyland. Disneyland gave him the Kodak camera and an orientation and now he's off being paid for his photographic skills. He's a "professional." Now then, an advanced amateur has to at least have some artistic talent. Regards, Bob... -------------------------------------------- "There are rotten people in the world that cannot be cured by magical hippy love." -- Lynda Barry > From: owner-photoforum@listserver.isc.rit.edu > > Question about Professional's. > If a used to be Professional, which at this time receives no > gratuities from > the profession, and is at this time retired, can he or she still > be qualified > as a Professional? > Or have I or we been reduced in status, say at least to an > advanced amateur > status? > At some time in the near future, will I be further reduced to a beginner? > Just wondering. WR
