Hobbyist or Photographer? Which are you?

I found out recently that a very busy - oh, I'll call him a "shooter" is "resenting" his popularity. That he considers himself a hobbyist and doesn't want to spend the effort it takes to do the real jobs. Hum, strange that. I always thought he loves shooting. Although, in his early days, when I was training him to shoot, he would always come back complaining that the person he was photographing was not some great beauty. This really riled me. I couldn't understand why he couldn't SEE the person he was photographing. It was after all, his job to take the best editorial portrait of that person! This should have been my first clue.
Later, after he learned all he could from me and had moved on, he was always thrilled when I lost a gig or he gained one. Never mind that these were internal clients and neither one of us booked our own time.
Recently, I gave him the gift he had been working so hard for. Now he is busier than ever, and I am happier than ever. Sour grapes? A little bit!
This guy has always bought the latest and greatest gear. I drooled at the newest toy he always showed up with. I now realize, that he was hiding behind the technology. He can take a great picture, but cannot make art. Its the gear that has him fascinated, not the pursuit of art.
So, what makes a person a hobbyist or a photographer? This question is as deep as learning PhotoShop. The equipment is the same, the printing is the same. Everything that separated the "men" from the "boys" is so easily accessible now. And cheap too!
Ask yourself, which are you? A hobbyist (M/DWAC* ) or a photographer. One thing is certain: your banker knows for sure!


Have fun!
Dawn
Not a MWAC

*Mom or Dad With A Camera