You know you are a professional photographer when . . .

[Jane Walsh]

when ps means something that is not Emily Post.
when you go on vacation and pack photo equipment first.

[dennis spaziano]

When you wake up in the morning and look out the window and say to yourself, it looks like its going to be a f8 125th of a second day.

[genepaltrineri]

You know you are a professional, when you set up a shot and a bunch of cameras come out to copy you!

Related point NEVER NEVER NEVER let someone shoot over your shoulder.
Case in point> I left the Summer Seminar early (mistake) to photograph a family reunion (60 - five sub families) at Bow Lake.
Prior to the first set up I announced that other camers were not allowed since:
1. They would distract from my images and eyes would not be toward me
2. This is how I make my living
3. You can do your own set ups after I am done.

First sub family grouping, I set it up and hear many cameras clicking behind me.
I repeat 1, 2, and 3 above with a PLEASE.
Second sub group, three cameras are clicking, two of the same.
I repeat 1, 2, and 3 above with a PLEASE.
Third sub group, two cameras are clicking, one of the same.
I repeat 1, 2, and 3 above with a PLEASE.
Fourth sub group, one new camera is clicking, the previous delinquent was in the picture and gave her camera to someone else.
I turn around and someone says "I know you don't want us to take pictures, but you don't have to get angry about it.
Group five was small and I ignored the many clicks.
I then did the large group. Fortunately EVERYONE was in the picture.
I am suprised no one asked me to take a picture with their camera.
Now the order comes in:
14- 8x10s from the big group.
Zero orders from the sub groups
What a coinsidence.
Thinking of a new policy stating that additional cameras are prohibited.
If this rule violated a $250 minimum order is required for each set up that others are photographing.
I'm getting toooooooo old to put up with this.

[Steve Bedell]

You are correct, no other cameras!!

[Corrie Zacharias]

My portrait agreement, that they sign off on, says no other cameras are allowed. I did have one person pull out a camera a couple of sessions ago, so I just stopped shooting, stared at her, and said "I only work alone." It was said with a smile, but a very hard stare, and she put it away. Don't know if it would work all the time!