I was watching this discussion panel from the WPPI 2012 convention and was really impressed with this panel, so many of the issues photographers deal with and live with have to do with expanding technology and how we as business professionals deal with it.

After watching the whole thing my take on it is though technology is helping photographers do some things easier, anyone who calls themselves a "professional photographer" needs to respect the craft of photography and learn the how and why of every aspect of photography from the camera tech. and control side (f-stop, shutter speed, ISO, white balance, etc.) To how to properly light and pose a subject. That way the profession of photography is lifted to a higher standard and it makes you a more effective artist. I'm not saying that you have to go print film in the darkroom, but you do need to know the basic principles of your craft to be able to call yourself a professional. And last but not least get involved in the groups that want to help you succeed as a professional photographer like P.P.A. and W.P.P.I. that offer training to help you become the best you can be