Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/11/26
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Perhaps it is because I've been around the sports world for so long, but the designation "amateur" photographer, whenever I use it, is a reference purely to the individual's income derivation, not his level of experience or quality of work. In many instances an amateur athlete is regarded with higher regard than a pro; witness those who compete in the Olympics. Earning a living at photography necessitates choices regarding technique and equipment based on the commercial saleability of images. Depending upon the market, that can be a very frustrating obstacle. The amateur has the advantage of being free to practise photography always as a pure art form. He can, if he has the income, indulge himself in the most expensive and exotic equipment; or he may choose to use archaic, nostalgic equipment. He can buy lenses based on scientific charts and "star ratings" or because they have beautifully-machined parts. He can eschew UV filters as degrading and scrub his lenses with his sweatshirt because if he fails to notice a grain of sand on the front element he will only need to replace the element... he doesn't have to finish the day's shooting with the depressing knowledge that the images may not be saleable, he'll lose the client and untold possible referrals. There is a direct relation between the income of a full-time pro and his ability to think like a businessman. Regards, Nigel ___________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com/getjuno.html or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]