alexwh wrote:
Just a bit more serious (I have posted this over and over again) a professional is a photographer who can shoot on demand and come home with one useable image.

Unless it's a wedding...

Louis Braga wrote:
$$$$$sss ....

hehe

Tracey Masterson wrote:
C.Slim, I agree with Marcus and think he really took the time to help you out.  So few take the time to answer the question.  Also, Alex (as Usual) makes a great point about what doesn't make a professional.  It is a difficult question because you have to take into consideration the person that is giving you the advice.  Take a look at the portfolios and see if you think their work is professional.  I am not saying whether or not you like the style, but does it look professional to you. 
For example, I like to show fashion and beauty in my book.  This is what I do.  Paul does portraits and he is phenomenal at doing them.
Alex does real, raw edgy work.  Mary does fashion and commercial.
You may not like all of those styles, but I think they are all done  very well and some of the best on here.
And I have to say, for a bunch of so-called amateur butt shots, they sure have gotten a helluva lot of views! :-)

thanks for the compliment Tracy.  I love the fact that you made note of the popular butt shots.  I can't even look at them, I cringe when I see this type of shot but there sure is a market for it, at least in places like this....you can look at portfolios all day long and the most popular shots are always the ones with the least amount of clothing, cheesiest poses etc.