I have read all too many posts that have lacked a certain, civility as members of this forum debate (and insult) their way along trying to prove their point. Professionals, although having paid their dues (and taxes) are labelled "snobs" by the newbees who think that by using their label of "freelance" excuses their illegal activity. We have been accused of "forgetting" where we came from and how we got started. Again a lame (more rude) attempt to divide this collective than should be posted openly. Comments like "narrow minded views of photography" and other condecending remarks serve no purpose but, to create a greater divide about these members. We all need to take a deep breath and calmly look at the facts.
I am a professional. Been making my way as a photographer for decades. I DO remember where I came from and how I got here. As most old pros we all started out working for someone else. A tabloid, newspaper, magazine or even our high school yearbook. If we were paid other people (our employers) paid the taxes. I sold photos in high school to local papers for $5.00 per photo used. Yes, while working for the university I shot for friends for nothing and for fellow students for the promise of an evenings meal. Usually experimenting and always gaining experience. But, after years of honing my skills (and four degrees) I was ready to make the leap to independent professional. As it has been for centuries for any artisian we have labored, guided by mentors (or our Boss) often failing, until we had reached a sufficient level of expertise to call ourselves "professional". We then stepped out, on our own, created a business and then offered our services to the public. That has all changed with digital photography. Now anyone who thinks he can tune a TV screen now wants to jump straight into the business, without paying any dues, without suffering the unavoidable failures, without legally forming a business and they immediately start solicitating business with little, to no, experience. They will still suffer those unavoidable failures but, it will be their customers who truely suffer and the view of our profession, as a whole, will be tarnished because of their over zealous rush to shortcut the process.
Just a few years ago we had to KNOW, from training & experience, that we got the shot right and then move on. Now you referrence your screen every shot or two and pat yourself on the back as if you have accomplished great art. Hell, I know newbees (but, calling themselves professional) here in Louisville who have never owned a light meter must less a studio flash meter. There are newbees that only shoot outdoors either because of a lack of studio space or to cover over a lack of knowledge concerning studio lighting. Again this does not make you a pariha just a non-professional newbee, a hobbyist. It is amazing to see the crap that is posted, the worst of it (including porn) often titled "fine art". There is no art to a badly composed, poorly lit photo of a kid sitting in your backyard with telephone poles and clothes lines in the background. But, by the opposite token, I have seen the most beautiful of images taken by a hobbyist, even if it was by accident.
All of this boils down to the fact that you can start anywhere to begin your journey to professionalism but, if you have not obtained the training and experience, created a business and followed the legal route you have not completed your journey.
AND as a shamless plug for the PPAGL, that is why we created a novice level within our membership. A level where newbees, beginners or hobbyists, are welcomed, appreciated and hopefully helped along the path. We also have professional level members who offer to mentor and everyone in our organization (I hope) is willing to answer questions and assist the struggling beginner or even the advanced amateurs with areas that they are unfamiliar with.
My old Pappy said, " don't put the word professional in front of your name until you are one 'cause if you do and you screw it up or turn it down your customer won't call back. And neither will their friends".
In other words, "learn to do it the right way or learn to say,'would you like fries with that.'"