The idea that the digital era has grown the most is Photography. Nowadays, everyone has become a photographer with the help of expensive gadgets. Despite this, the demand for professional photographers has not reduced. If you are passionate and want to know how to start a career in photography then this article will help you a lot.
Before embarking on photography as a career ask yourself
Q. What gets you excited to wake up in the morning?
Your working habits and how you relate to your work are also helpful to understand. Starting a career in photography can be hard since this field is very serious. The field of photography is so vast and interesting that it is difficult to work without skills.
Q. What kind of work brings you satisfaction?
Important! You will have to spend time, energy, and probably some money to get really good at it. So before you dive in, it’s worth taking the time to evaluate whether or not you have the right personality for the world of photography.
Choose photography if only you love it
The best thing about this field is that you will discover what you love and will get paid for it.
Types Of Photography
Fashion Photographer, Industrial Photographer, Film Photographer, Action / sports photographer, Aerial Photographer, Wedding / Event Photographer, Micro Photographer, Macro Photographer, Landscape Photographer, Wildlife Photographer, Underwater Photographer, Forensic Photographer, Travel Photographer, Stock Photographer, Real Estate and Architecture Photographer, Newspaper And Magazine Photographer or Photojournalist (Editorial), others
Where to Start
Get the right photography education
Professional Photography is one of the very few fields where structured training is not essential. You can self learn, work, and improve your skills without going to a formal educational institute. However, it can add a lot of value to your career, skills, and experience as a professional photographer.
There are countless instructional articles and videos online that can give you a basic understanding of the techniques professional photographers use every day. A lot of professional photographers have taken photography courses at top photography schools, universities, or design institutes. Besides a formal course of instruction to develop their skill sets, a photographer should have a keen eye, oodles of creativity, and technical ability.
The downside of this approach is the mentorship you lack from not working with an instructor and the inability to give and receive feedback, which having classmates allows you to do.
Choose wisely from the many Photography Courses available.
Formal Photography Education
A wide range of photography courses from Photography Certificate programs to Masters level courses is available.
The Certificate Photography programs can be completed in a few months. They help students learn essential skills and knowledge in photography. These programs cover the basics of:
- Fundamentals of photography (Fundamentals come first)
- Principles of Digital photography, how to use Photography software, and image manipulation techniques.
- History of photography and foundation of film photography
The Associate Degree in Photography is offered in various Art Schools, Colleges, and Universities. The Associate Degree course typically lasts for two years. The curriculum is technical and prepares students to learn the different types of photography and use various techniques — from transparency and negative films to working in a natural setting. Students also learn to acquire skills for making photographs in a studio.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography is typically a four- year course available at a University or College. The course includes in-depth curricula and supporting coursework. It entails a study of the fundamentals of photography, digital and film photography, its narratives, history, and techniques. The course also teaches understanding imagery in Editorial, Advertising, and Fine art photography.
The Master’s Degree in Photography or Master of Fine Arts prepares students to explore theory and gain essential practical experience. The Master’s Course is available for students who have completed the Bachelor’s Program.
Online Photography Courses
Reading a lot is essential, and there is ample information available on photography blogs and podcasts to get an understanding of the basics of photography — composition, aperture, shutter speed, ISO settings, depth, white balance, etc… You can always learn additional skills in lighting, posing, equipment, flash, and improve your editing skills as you go along.
We have listed a few sources to learn online.
- Photography Basics and Beyond: From Smartphone to DSLR — Coursera
- Top Photography Courses Online — Udemy
Tips On How To Start Career In Photography And How To Become A Pro
- Get Right Education
- Start Taking Photographs from now
- Attend Photography Workshop And Seminars
- Create Your Online Presence
- Create your online portfolio website
- Market / Sell Your Photography Business in online Stock sites as contributor (e.g shutterstock, adobe stock, photodune)
- Practice, Practice, Practice
