A lot of you may have heard the old phrase "Fake-it till you Make-it".

That may hold true in some industries but not necessarily in the photography industry.   You may find it will hurt you more than help you.

If you have a camera and you love taking photos, that doesn't make you

a "Professional Photographer".  Always keep your eye on the prize but never try

and sell yourself off as a Professional Photographer unless you really are.

Here are a few scenarios for you to consider:

Scenario 1 - I have a great/expensive camera and I can take pictures so I'm a Photographer = NO YOU ARE NOT. You are a person who has an expensive camera who likes to take pictures a lot.

Scenario 2 - I have studied all the photography books and read all the blogs etc. I have an "Ok" camera and I can take great photos with it so I'm a Photographer = Maybe... but don't try to sell yourself as a Professional Photographer.

Scenario 3 - I bought all the latest and greatest gear, I've read all the books, taken thousands of great pictures and I really want to own my own studio one day so I'm a Photographer = Yeah, I'd give you that much... but don't let your eyes get bigger than your stomach! You still have a LONNNGG way to go before you're a Professional Photographer.

Scenario 4 - I am smart with my purchases of equipment. I am educated and well trained in photography. I work (or worked) at a real studio and have learned what it takes to operate a Professional Studio. I have excellent references from ...other Professional Photographers and Customers. I never (or very rarely) put my camera on any other mode other than "M". I control my lighting and I do not let my lighting etc. control my photographs. I know exactly what a fair price is for a job without having to call other Photography Businesses and ask them what they charge for xyz events.. I can show you the quality of my work and stand by the quality and workmanship in my prints as well as other products I offer... I have a business license (aka occupational license). I pay taxes for services rendered, therefore I charge taxes for services rendered... therefore I am a PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER! My answer to this person is YES... YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER! :)

If you fall into Scenario 1, 2 or 3, you are simply a G.W.C. (Guy with camera) and should NOT be pedaling yourself off as a Professional Photographer. Be honest with your potential "customers" and you will soon learn it will get you A LOT farther than if you try to "fake it till you make it". If you try to sell yourself as a Professional Photographer, Customer's will see right through you!

Now, you may ask..  What about working out of your home?  (Scenario 4)  I have been very successful running part of my business from my home.  Not a thing wrong with it as long as your doing all the other things listed!  The world is my studio in many cases and NO.. you don't NEED a degree to be a Professional Photographer!  I simply said "educated and well trained" - which can come from ANYWHERE including learning the hard way by failing over and over..    :)