when is it ok to be called a professional

You know, I've always wondered this. My mom believes that if you've accepted any amount of money for any type of photography work you've done, then you're considered a professional and not an amateur. One photo contest I've entered, the definition is that if a significant portion of your income comes from photography, you're considered a professional. I like the term "emerging professional" myself for someone who is kind of right on the line of being an amateur and a professional.

Someone who makes a living from photography shouldn't necessarily be called a pro. I've seen a lot of so called 'pros' whose work is pretty awful. The one thing that truly sets a professional apart from an amateur is the ability to create images, not simply to rely on the equipment and hope to get lucky. Knowing your equipment in and out to a point where creating great images is intentional and not by accident is key. The money aspect of it doesn't really make me consider anyone a pro. There are a lot of people who aren't making their living off of their greatest talents, but that doesn't mean they're not professionals in terms of those talents. I would give the skill level priority over income as an indication of professional status any day.

Like any other field of activity,especially Sports,An Amateur doesn't get Paid for doing what they do-they take part for the love of what they do..You've become a Professional Photographer when You're earning Your Living by doing it!

if you use photography as your main source of income then your a professional. Of course if you earn via photography, then you'll want to increase your skill and the such. Have a good day!