To begin the journey of understanding professional photographers and their process of capturing stunning imagery, one must first delve into the definition of a professional photographer. It's not merely about possessing a high-end camera or having the ability to frame a picture perfectly. A professional photographer embodies a synergy of artistic vision, technical mastery, and an in-depth understanding of light and composition, used in conjunction to create images that resonate with viewers on an emotional level.

A professional photographer is distinguished by the ability to consistently deliver high quality images, irrespective of challenging conditions. This is achieved through the amalgamation of a comprehensive knowledge of photographic equipment, sophisticated editing software, and an innate ability to capture the essence of a moment.

The lens through which a photographer views the world is informed by a deep understanding of visual aesthetics. Comprehending the rule of thirds, the golden ratio, and Fibonacci’s sequence allows photographers to construct balanced and appealing images, akin to the way an architect might employ mathematical principles to design a building.

Photographers imbibe elements from a range of disciplines. From the science of optics, they learn how light interacts with lenses. The art of composition is informed by the study of visual perception in psychology. Understanding the climatic and celestial patterns, gleaned from meteorology and astronomy respectively, enables them to predict the 'golden hour,' a period shortly after sunrise or before sunset during which daylight is redder and softer than when the Sun is higher in the sky.

Advance photographic technology, such as high dynamic range (HDR) and Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) systems, offer photographers the ability to capture a larger range of luminosity, enabling them to replicate the human visual system more accurately. While HDR can create images with a higher range of luminosity, they can often appear hyperreal and artificial if not refined correctly. On the other hand, LIDAR systems can capture light data from the environment, but they trade off color information.

Photographers also have at their disposal an array of editing software, such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, which allow for the refinement and enhancement of images. However, the usage of such software is a double-edged sword. While it provides the ability to correct image deficiencies and enhance certain elements, over-reliance or overuse can result in an image that is far removed from reality, which may not always be the desired outcome.

Moreover, professional photographers are adept at visual storytelling, using their images to narrate a tale or convey an emotion. They do this by capitalizing on elements in the frame, using light and shadows, and manipulating depth of field and focus.

Professional photography is not just about capturing what is visible. It’s also about pinpointing the invisible and making it tangible. This often involves capturing the perfect moment, a skill that involves patience, anticipation, and a deep understanding of the subject matter.

In conclusion, the creation of a stunning image by a professional photographer involves an intricate dance between art and science. It's about understanding and manipulating the technology at hand, while concurrently nurturing an intuitive connection to the moment being captured. It's this symbiotic relationship, along with a dash of serendipity, that enables photographers to freeze a moment in time, making the transient, eternal; the commonplace, extraordinary.