It's not an idiotic question, in fact, I've been in that scenario.
I used to supplement my income with photography but there were some hard times I fell upon when I turned to my abilities to self-promote myself in such a way that with hard work, long hours and the personal motivation to push myself as an individual needing to survive with my talents for creative writing and photography, I managed to earn a living doing accidents, news and the occasional assignment from local media. I became what is called a 'Professional' because I was living primarily from my income as a photographer and doing odd jobs like mowing grass, some electrical work and home maintenance (jack of all trades kind of stuff) to get a few more dollars here and there outside of the photography.
Currently, I do have a primary income that I now supplement with my photography so the rolls have reversed. I will always be a photographer but not always be a Professional (until I retire and go full force into what I love to do).
Thanks for the question... you opened up an issue I always address with people.
A photographer sells images... everyone else just takes pictures.
A Professional photographer earns better than 50% of their annual income from photography work they do...
...it's that simple.
.
