Besides, what kind of Pro is she if she can barely afford gear? I mean, a Leica ME + Lens is about as expensive as a Pro Nikon Kit. Let's get real for a moment, please.
If you're refering to me, again, I think you are way off topic. I never mentioned her talent..
I wasn't referring to you; I'm a very slow typer and thought I was following Mr. Turtle's
'hilarious' thread above yours - I should have edited my slow post to make that clear.
I don't know about where you live, but where I am in the UK Photography isn't really a profession, in fact it's at best barely a trade. I know, and know of, far too many photographers who've found it financially unsustainable. These include photographers with extraordinary client histories and rare photographic and technical talents who've formerly run large, busy, advertising studios, and photojournalists who've formerly shot assignments around the globe.
For a 'Professional' photographer to commit to an ME and second hand Leica lens may well be a huge financial decision for them. I have never known, in the digital age, 'Pros' with the quality of equipment that so many regular, non 'Pro', contributors to forums have. In the digital age, I personally know no 'Pro' who uses digital-Ms, and I have been well placed to know a lot of photographers. Forums often recycle the notion that 'success' in Professional Photography is well rewarded; that was true 20 years ago but in my experience is now uncommonly the case. Often, and certainly for all the Pros' I've known,
'getting real' as you put it has meant working within the limitations of the older, well worn gear they have and not with the latest and best.
So :
... what kind of Pro is she if she can barely afford gear?....
In terms of 'Professional' financial reward I wouldn't be surprised if she were just 'getting by'. In terms of the quality of her work I'd say she's a bloody good Pro. In 'Pro' photography now one can be good, and broke.
.............. Chris