It is likely that you have been contemplating a career in photography for some time, but have not had confidence in your abilities, or have simply not known where to start. The digital age has had the effect of making almost everyone believe they could be a photographer, using filters, editing, and lighting all from just their mobile ‘phone. However, a career in photography takes more than just being great at taking a flattering selfie, and if you are seriously considering attempting to make money from photography, you will need to think about many factors before investing extensively in this particular career.
Why photography?
Entering into any business has its own risks, and if the only reason you want to be a professional photographer is for the money, you may have to wait quite a while to see any return on your investment. Like any career, if you have a passion for what you are doing, you are more likely to work harder to get the results you want. There are many different career paths in photography including, artistic photography, editorial and commercial photography, head shot photography, family portraiture and wedding photography. Each of these routes can prove lucrative.
Training
Apart from getting out there and taking photographs whenever you can, enrolling on an appropriate course will ensure you are aware of certain skills and developments needed to be a great photographer. Research schools and courses carefully and costs beside tuition fees that may not be immediately apparent, such as equipment, and other resources. If you want to become a photojournalist it is usually presumed that you will need to enrol on Batchelors degree course and this qualification will provide a solid foundation on which to build this particular type of career. Professional tuition should be coupled with work experience on a course for the best results as many employers value hand-on experience in addition to a formal qualification.
Go online
Join community groups and share your photographs. Take on board criticism and seek advice from fellow photographers. Keep up to date with current photography trends and receive reputable tips from sites such as Virtualphotographystudio.com that provide a constant stream of informative articles. Being part of an online photography community can lead to networking and even employment opportunities.
Begin at the bottom to reach the top
Although a formal qualification is a wise idea in such a competitive industry, experience will be viewed as essential. Many professional photographers began their training as a photographer’s assistant, and this role can be secured without a degree. As an assistant you can learn about digital photography, editing, and use of computer software. If you are interested in learning about older methods of photography, including film development, ensure you research potential employers and mentors carefully so you receive the training you require to follow your chosen career.
Photography is a very competitive business, but if you are prepared to take the classes, hone your craft and be receptive to extensive training, it could all be worth it.
