How to Differentiate Amateur From Professional Photography
The line that differentiates amateur photography from professional photography is dull and blurry. The jump from amateur to professional can be as obvious as a tilted picture or as subtle as light exposure. Perhaps the true measure of amateur versus professional is usability of the photographic product.
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Instructions
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How to Differentiate Amateur Photography
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Look at the composition of the photograph as an easy sign to identify amateur photography. Pictures that appear off-center were probably taken by an amateur. Framing of photograph can also be a tell-tale sign. A portrait that has a lot of background noise and unnecessary objects in the photo is probably an amateur's attempt.
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Look at lighting and exposure. Over- and under-exposure are signs of an inexperienced photographer. Poor use of available light or overuse of flash also points to an amateur.
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Notice focus and depth of field when reviewing a photograph. An entire field of flowers that is in focus may look pretty, but a shallower depth of field focusing on a smaller patch of flowers may look more appealing. Blurry photographs are also a fairly good sign of inexperience.
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Note that many amateurs take excellent photographs. Amateur does not always equate to inexperience, although the previous steps may lead you to think so. What can differentiate them from a professional is maybe the fact that they are not paid or hired for their photography services. Famous photographers may consider themselves amateurs because they take pictures as an art and not as a profession.
How to Differentiate Professional Photography
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Look at photo composition once again. Professional photographs are taken with great care and detail. Composition should be very deliberate and pertinent to the subject of the photograph. Professional photographs are often unique in their framing and perspective.
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Look at the usability of a professional photograph. Professional photographers are hired because they continually produce usable photographs.
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Expect professional photographers to deliver quality photos in every type of situation. Specialized photographers, like wedding photographers, carry a full arsenal of equipment that will help them take the best pictures possible in an unpredictable environment.
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Browse through a professional's portfolio and compare that to an amateur's. You may not see a difference, or the difference may be obvious. There may also be photographers that call themselves professional but are nothing of the sort. Be your own judge. If you plan on hiring professional photographer, yours is the only opinion that really matters.
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Tips & Warnings
Photography is a very subjective topic. An amateur's portfolio may look stunning to you and horrible to the next person, and the same goes for a professional's portfolio.
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Comments
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zappy
Oct 16, 2008
My clinical definition of the difference has nothing to do with quality, dedication, knowledge or skill. A professional has chosen to make his living from his 'profession' where an amateur has not. The amateur may sell his work, perhaps be more successful than a lesser skilled 'professional', but in all walks of life I believe my distinction holds true. I am an 'amateur photographer', I go nowhere without my camera, I have spent many hours reading books and magazines on all topics relating to photography as an art, a science, a career and a hobby. I shoot with supreme confidence, I have sold my work, both as an artist and as a technician, I am not, and probably never will be a 'professional photographer' ... and guess what? I don't care! -
zappy
Oct 16, 2008
My clinical definition of the difference has nothing to do with quality, dedication, knowledge or skill. A professional has chosen to make his living from his 'profession' where an amateur has not. The amateur may sell his work, perhaps be more successful than a lesser skilled 'professional', but in all walks of life I believe my distinction holds true. I am an 'amateur photographer', I go nowhere without my camera, I have spent many hours reading books and magazines on all topics relating to photography as an art, a science, a career and a hobby. I shoot with supreme confidence, I have sold my work, both as an artist and as a technician, I am not, and probably never will be a 'professional photographer' ... and guess what? I don't care!
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Lousson
Jul 21, 2007
Composition wise I have to disagree. Documentary style photography would usually not conform to the conventional rules of composition, favouring instead a more 'humane' means of depictions. There are different ways of composition and a professional photograph does not necessarily mean that it is better composed, but rather has a better understanding and sensibility of form and composure.
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Lousson
Jul 21, 2007
Composition wise I have to disagree. Documentary style photography would usually not conform to the conventional rules of composition, favouring instead a more 'humane' means of depictions. There are different ways of composition and a professional photograph does not necessarily mean that it is better composed, but rather has a better understanding and sensibility of form and composure.
