I was wondering what the dictionary has to say about terms that everyone uses so casually without thinking about their meaning.
Photographer:
Someone who takes photographs professionally.
Amateur photographer:
Someone who engages in photography as an amateur.
Conclusion:
If a person has bought a camera, they are an amateur photographer. They can only become a photographer if they can use their camera to buy a new camera. That's what defines a photographer. You don't even need to use the word "professional photographer." A photographer is always a professional. This is someone who earns their living from photography. The others are amateur photographers.
Photography:
1. A process by which, with the help of a special optical device, a visible image of objects is produced on light-sensitive materials.
2. An image thus obtained, a print; a snapshot.