The term "Professional" is quite popular these years. It usually represents high standard.

There is no universal definition for professional. Though we have a common concept, it is without factual criterion. We shall discuss "Professional Photographer" and "Professional Product" in this essay.

Some years ago, a "Pro Passport" function was introduced by Kodak HK to offer membership with discounted D&P, purchase, seminar and free subscription of Kodak Professional periodical newsletter. We remembered that before the "Pro Passport", there had been a guide saying that any photographer who used more than four rolls of films per month was taken as professional. We checked for the condition to be a "Pro Passport" holder in Kodak's viewpoint. The renew condition was based on earning at that time. Any photographic related practitioners with 25% income gained from photographic works would be taken as professional for "Pro Passport". This was much better than the 4 rolls consumption, because some amateurs might use much more films than profesionals. Basing on income drew a clearer line.

Yet until today, there is never a way to measure professional standard. We believe that it is not possible to design a measuring method. Furthermore, any one with photographic career is a customer. Who would do anything to hurt the customer?

What is Professional? P.1/3