[cosmicma]

i will explain what i mean by " i would say that the title would be given by others rather than being self appointed "

by the time someone is ready to go into business as a photographer they would / should have already proven themselves in whatever field of photography the are opening up as a business and would be known by others as a photographer

to go into business as a self appointed photographer with no portfolio or any standing to show you can actually do what your business advertises in my view would not make you a photographer and certainly not a professional photographer

a number of businesses require some sort of qualification before you can advertise yourself as say a doctor or a solicitor , accountant etc.. and the qualifications appoint the title but there are a number of businesses that can exist with no qualifications whatsoever like a mechanic , shutter door fitter and a photographer and there's nothing stopping you doing just that but how many people would regard you as your chosen title without recommendations or proof of your work ?
i for one would not
you can call yourself what you like it doesn't mean you are hence saying " i would say that the title would be given by others rather than being self appointed "

and in the amateur world of photography which is what i was talking about i would say it is even more relevant