Tampa Bay Commercial Photographer "An artist is constantly making images that inspire them."

I pose this question because in this day in the digital age anyone can get a  semi professional or professional grade camera and call themselves a photographer so I decided to elaborate on the meaning behind the word photographer and my own opinion what it means and the categories.

Merriam Webster's defines a "Photographer" has one who practices photography; especially : one who makes a business of taking photographs.  I believe that this term has evolved to have a broader meaning and cover hobbyist also. 

The "Hobbyist Photographer" is a person who enjoys taking pictures or may shoot part time for money. They may photograph product, weddings or models on the weekends. Just because you make some money part time with it does not make you a professional no more than fixing a neighbors toilet for extra cash would make you a "Professional Plumber"

 "Professional Photographers"  earn "100%" of their income from photography. They are competent in their jobs and have years of experience and learning behind them. They have invested a lot of time and money into honing their skills to give their customers the best possible product.  

Now, there are also "Artistic Photographers" and "Artistic Professional Photographers" .  Just because you are a photographer or professional photographer does not automatically make you an artist. A photographer can take a good picture but an artist can "make" a great picture. An artist is not just taking photos for money but for themselves also, they are constantly shooting either with their camera or their phone.  Making images of everything that inspires them.

How do you define the word photographer? Do you consider yourself a photographer or a professional photographer? Do you think of yourself has a true artist? Would love to hear everyone's opinions.