what counts as pro?

[BobtheTog]

Originally Posted by messyhead

To me, Professional means you make your living from it. Semi-pro, you make some money but don't do it as a 'day job'. Amateur is doing it for fun, but not to make money.

^ I agree with this.

[Brad_wakefield]

everyone is a photographer these days, which isn't a bad thing, i say let your pictures speak for themselves.

[KernowPhoto]

As far as the TAX MAN is concerned, then if you are being paid then you are a Pro and while they are likely to turn a blind eye if you just do the occasional paid job, they can come down on you very heavy if they suspect you are making a habit of it.

My advice would be simply to register yourself with them as self-employed, thats what I did when I started out.
Its a very simple process, and you can be self-employed as far as your photography is concerned even if you are in full time employement in your day job. At the same time register for additional NI contributions exemption if you don't expect to make more than about £2500 per year (thats profit - not turnover).

If you do register as self employed then they will send you a self-assessment tax return to do each year and you will have to pay tax on any profit you make. However on the plus side, you can claim all the expenses against tax so that new lens, tripod, memory card can all be claimed as well.

The forms are relativly simiple to complete, but if in any doubt get an accountant to do it for you, typically the will charge about £100 for this (which you can then claim against tax in the following year!).

Of course if on paper you don't make any profit, then the tax man actually pays you, and you get some of your PAYE back that you paid from your 'real' job, (in addition to having of course that new lens, camera and tripod, which the taxman has effectivly bought for you).

[nick_gray]

Kernow, some good advice there, however, being self-employed you'll have to pay class 2 NI which is £2.50 per week unless you earn less than £5,315 per year and also class 4 NI which is 9% of your profit between £7,225 and £42,475 (these figures are for the '11-12 tax year).

As far as claiming for camera equipment, if you offset the whole amount of the purchase against business expenses, the equipment has to be for the sole use of your business, if you also use it for personal use, you can only offset a portion of the purchase against business expenses.

Also, the taxman will not effectively buy anything for you, they aren't that kind . The maximum you will be able to 'reclaim/offset' is 40% of the cost, and that's if you are a higher rate tax payer. I will explain: If you imagine in the year you make a profit of £1,000 (ignoring personal allowances for my example) you would pay 20% (basic tax rate) to the taxman which would be £200. Now let's imagine that you've purchased a camera in the same year for £1,000, this wipes out your profit, your profit is now £0, so you pay 20% of this which is nothing. So you've saved yourself £200 by offsetting the cost and not the whole £1,000 that the camera cost you, you are still £800 down.

If you want a lot more useful information have a look at http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/incometax/basics.htm

Whilst I don't work for HMRC, I've been self-employed for over 12 years.

Regards

Nick

[JulianK]

Interesting and honest question
I'm a professional fashion and advertising photographer, that means I earn a living from my shots and I'm recognized, write masterclasses, run big workshops overseas - I don't have a day job.

If you're starting out, still have a day job and beginning to earn regular income through photography...it's up to you how you want to label yourself, you could be ballsy and state that you're a pro or call yourself semi pro. I'm all for confidence and I think if you're earning a substantial amount regularly and aim to grow further then shoot from the hip - call yourself pro.

Of course, once you give up your day job then there's no question about it

[Mr C]

I was forced recently to not go to a reasonably well paid job with little else by way of alternative for me. (Long story, so won't bore you ! ). So I decided to take the leap of faith and set up as a Pro photographer. I DO feel like a fraud because I didn't study at uni, nor have I been a photographer for 20 years or more, but, I do now earn a living from photography. I DO pay my taxes, I HAVE set up all the relevant insurances etc so it's all legal and above board, not to mention a tad expensive !! And yet, I do struggle to come to terms with the phrase 'Pro'. I still consider myself a semi pro at the most. Also, don't let not having a Canon Mk5d MK 2 or 3 bother you, get one when the money is there. I manage extremely well with my 60d for both video and stills.

Ii have a very basic set up at home for a studio and I spend most days pooping myself about where the next job is going to come from or whether or not I'm up to the job. But, to give an example, last week I was unexpectedly required to take a profile pic of a UK celebrity, I didn't know about it until 12 hours beforehand and I was quaking in my boots ! When the time came, it was fine, I did what I could to the best of my knowledge and experience and it was all fine. He even asked for a business card ! You just never know !

Ii think finding a niche or genre helps, and it sounds like you already have done that. I have yet to find mine !

And finally, although I'm supposed to be 'the photographer' I'm still very open indeed to being a photographer's assistant, or general dogs body for a day or two. Any experience is worth experiencing ! it adds to and aids your confidence when dealing with your own clients in the future.

Don't know if any of this helps, but it made me feel better by airing and sharing :-)

[Sean N Photography]

I would say you can call yourself a pro if you can financially support yourself 100% from your photography
or semi pro if you do so 50%
Amateur if none of the above apply

[Edmack]

When working, sold Camera insurance in the shop. Policy Wording, "For the purpose of this insurance, a Professional is one who's monetary gains, exceed his initial outlay". Good memory! that was 50 years ago. Ed.