How to Become a Photographer

To be successful in this satisfying career, you need an artistic eye, technical skills, a knack for marketing yourself and a passion for your work.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Web Cameras
• Computers
• 35mm Cameras
• Camera Accessories
• Camera Bags
• Camera Batteries
• Film
• Online Career Search

1. Take pictures for your high school yearbook or student newspaper after you have taken a workshop in the basics. You will get an idea of how deep your passion is for the medium.
2. Decide which type of photography - such as news, advertising or fine-art photography - best suits your interests and talents. Search the Internet for some online resources and organizations.
3. Understand that a four-year college degree is increasingly necessary if you want to be a photojournalist or a photographic specialist in medicine or other sciences. The contacts you make and the experience you receive from required college internships will be invaluable.
4. Develop an outstanding portfolio. Include excellent photographs you have taken on your own - in particular, those focusing on a given theme.
5. Be willing to work as a photographer's assistant once you have some experience. You are not going to be competing with experienced photographers for a while.
6. Realize that more than 50 percent of photographers work on a freelance basis. Many magazines and organizations that use photographers do not keep them on staff.
7. Attend workshops and seminars to remain up-to-date on technical advances in photography.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the best camera equipment you can afford.
• Take business and public relations classes if you eventually want to set up your own studio.
• Ask a studio photographer for an internship if you are not enrolled in a college. But realize that if internships are available, photography students in college may be your competition.
• Consider using stock photo agencies to sell your photos. They are listed in the annual "Photographer's Market."
• Be willing to travel at a moment's notice if you become a photojournalist; also be prepared for irregular hours.

Who Can Help:

• Earn an Associate's, Bachelor's or Master's Degree from the University of Phoenix
• University of Phoenix, degree Programs to Fit Your Life.