What it really means to call yourself a professional photographer
The most generally accepted definition of a ‘professional photographer’ is rooted in the idea that the person accepts payment for their services, thereby making them ‘professional’.
I interpret the term ‘professional photographer’ (and it is just a term) to be better interpreted as somebody who is ‘professional’ in the way they conduct themselves, which includes:
Being open and up front with clients about inclusions and exclusions in each wedding photography package.
Having a robust agreement or contract that protects both the photographer and client, and on balance is fair and equitable taking into account the needs of each party.
Ensuring that at all times you have listened to the client and understood their preferences when it comes to the photography on the day, and respecting that. In other words, always doing what the client prefers where possible, rather than what might be better for your portfolio.
Always shooting in raw format to two memory cards simultaneously, without exception. Sure you can also shoot JPEG to the same card, but never just JPEG.
Bringing (and using) two cameras throughout the day to ensure not only the best possible variation of photos in terms of focal length, but to have a constant backup camera on your person and ready to go immediately. Camera, flash, battery or lens failures happen often enough that this is essential.
Maintaining up to date and complete insurance cover for public liability.
Having relationships with other similar photographers who you can recommend in the case you are sick and cannot be present for a commitment.
Presenting a professional and consistent brand to your client and replying to all enquiries promptly (even if you are unavailable for that date).
Turning up early at all times where a start time is mentioned, whether that is a client meeting or the start of the ceremony. If you are just ‘on time’ you are effectively late and sooner or later you will be late (which is completely unacceptable for any event based photography).
Being diligent in the shooting and editing of the clients photos to the extent that you do your very best to photograph and edit them with the utmost care, and to deliver both a consistent quantity and quality of photos. And by quality I mean not just well composed photos, but at ‘reasonable’ ISO settings that haven’t degraded the photos to a desaturated mushy mess.
Knowing when you are actually ready to shoot as a professional photographer and not a second shooter, in other words - not faking it till you make it.
Having a written timeline that outlines the times you are expected to start each stage of the day, and to communicate this to the client. In other words, having clear expectations determined before the wedding day.
And those are just a few things I can think of!
None of which refer specifically to accepting payment, as you could shoot a wedding for a friend as a ‘professional photographer’ and not actually accept any payment.
In other words, I believe that to call yourself a ‘professional wedding photographer’ you should be doing all of the above and much more. This is what I believe it means to be a true ‘professional photographer’.
