In my opinion a professional is someone who will on/off get paid for their services (freelance) BUT their photos show what they are doing. Any idiot can go find a cheap bastard who will give them $20dollars and a lollipop to take photos of something for them. If your photos reflect you know what your doing and not just pointing the damn camera at something and pressing a button, then I consider it professional. If your someone who does this as a 9-5 at a studio then thats your job -- doesn't mean your a pro