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.
- Difficulty:
- Challenging
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Web Cameras
- Computers
- 35mm Cameras
- Camera Accessories
- Camera Bags
- Camera Batteries
- Film
- Online Career Search
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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.
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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.
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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.
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4
Develop an outstanding portfolio. Include excellent photographs you have taken on your own - in particular, those focusing on a given theme.
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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.
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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.
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7
Attend workshops and seminars to remain up-to-date on technical advances in photography.
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1
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.
Related Searches
Comments
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I have a question I'm still in hight school and I think I want to be a photographer and I was wondering when I get older what college teaches you how to be a photographer.
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@ raquell3: Great advice, thanks.
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raqell3
Dec 07, 2006
I've just finished my first photography class in college and I'm already getting paid for my photos. My tip: Let everyone know your passion for photography, even in casual conversation with someone you hardly know. I've been getting business from word of mouth. Simple, just be friendly and easy to talk to. Business cards are a great idea too. Start small and before you know it you'll have more than you can handle. Also dont worry about the best equipment I've used my blanket for a backdrop over the shower rod in my bathroom and the pics came out great. So if your worried about the money, try to be creative. -
raqell3
Dec 07, 2006
I've just finished my first photography class in college and I'm already getting paid for my photos. My tip: Let everyone know your passion for photography, even in casual conversation with someone you hardly know. I've been getting business from word of mouth. Simple, just be friendly and easy to talk to. Business cards are a great idea too. Start small and before you know it you'll have more than you can handle. Also dont worry about the best equipment I've used my blanket for a backdrop over the shower rod in my bathroom and the pics came out great. So if your worried about the money, try to be creative.
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Jul 14, 2006
Create a web page that shows your portfolio, a resume, and a brief bio. This makes your work accessible to anyone that may stumble upon your site. Believe it or not, a lot of people these days find artist through online searches. It's also cool to have on a business card.
