How to Become a Photographer
ByAre you ready to turn an interest into a passion, a hobby into a career? Photography is about accurately recording reflected light. Record an image properly, use interesting composition, and tell a story using a camera–that is photography.
What kind of photographer do you want to be?
Knowing what style of photography you like best is probably the first choice you will make. Different types of photography require different kinds of equipment and knowledge. A few areas of emphasis are landscape, portrait, wildlife, commercial, industrial, photojournalism, wedding, fashion, sports, documentary, events, architectural, and stock photography, just to name a few.
What kind of photography education will you choose?
Education in the area of your interest can be found in a variety of magazines, schools, and associations.
Dig into print and digital magazines.
You will find many magazines at your local bookstore. The magazines geared toward professionals will probably not be found on the magazine rack.
The Professional Photographer by Professional Photographers of America www.PPA.com is a terrific magazine included in a PPA membership.
Rangefinder, The Magazine for Professional Photographers has a free subscription for applications meeting the qualification criteria for the magazine. AfterCapture is also part of the family of magazines and I am just guessing it is automatically available with signing up for RangeFinder, mine is.
Photoshop User http://www.photoshopuser.com/ is a magazine that comes with a membership to NAPP, National Association of Photoshop Professionals.
Schools. Many local community colleges offer credited photography classes or adult education as part of their curriculum.
If you are interested in a photography degree or certificate, there are accredited professional photography schools. Although there are many, I am personally aware of three.
Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo, Iowa (where I went) is accredited with Professional Photographers of America. This is a two year Associate of Applied Arts degree. http://www.hawkeyecollege.edu/academics/programs/arts/professional-photography/default.aspx
Hallmark Institute of Photography in Turners Falls, Massachusetts has a ten month program. http://hallmark.edu
Brooks Institute in Santa Barbara, California http://www.brooks.edu/
Mid-America Institute of Professional Photography http://maipp.com/ is also an affiliated school of the Professional Photographers of America held on theUniversity ofNorthern Iowa campus inCedar Falls,Iowa for one week each year. I have attended this program a number of times.
Before spending your money, I would suggest asking a working professional in the field of emphasis you are interested in for their recommendations.
Join professional photography associations that have conventions, seminars, and trade shows.
The educational opportunities as well as the networking opportunities are endless at a seminar, convention, or a trade show. This is a great way to jump start a career. I remember I got my first job leads from a well connected photography supply salesman. Start by asking around. Be prepared with a resume and/or business cards.
Professional Photographers of America www.PPA.com is the industry’s leading international organization. They have a yearly convention, trade show, a monthly printed and digital magazine, as well as other educational opportunities.
Each state also has an affiliate state organization of PPA as well. Contact PPA.com to locate your state association or Google “[your state] state photography association”.
Photo Marketing Association International, http://www.pmai.org
Wedding Photographers International at http://www.wppionline.com/
Photoshop User http://www.photoshopuser.com/ is the National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) also has a print or digital magazine.
Join a Camera Club.
There are hundreds of camera clubs of all kinds. Many large companies host their own clubs. Camera clubs often hold contests, bring in speakers, and go on field trips. This is a very affordable option.
Watch tutorials.
You Tube has become a source for all kinds of informational videos.
Get on-line.
There is a multitude of on-line and home study courses, forums, and groups.
What kind of equipment do you need?
Purchase the best photography equipment you can afford. At the bare minimum you need a camera, a computer to down load your image files to, and software to manage those files. Adobe Photoshop is the industry’s leading software.
I can get you a started with some information about choosing cameras with my article “What Camera do I Buy” which is also free on my website at http://barbgordonphotocoach.com/blog/free-articles.
Getting to know a local camera equipment sales person you can trust for advice is a great idea since most of us can’t possibly keep up on all of the latest technology and brands.
Do you want to start a photography business?
Download my free report where I discuss nineteen important steps of starting a photography business. It is called “Making Photography More than a Hobby, planning for success before you take the leap”. You can get if for free on my website at http://barbgordonphotocoach.com/blog/free-articles. Sign up in the box on the right, you will also get my e-newsletter.
A professional photographer produces consistent results that people are happy to pay them for. Generally they make their living strictly from photography.
A professional would also purse excellence in lighting, exposure, color management, posing, composition, and presentation.
Run a profitable business then you are a professional photographer.
Of course experience and on the job training is the best teacher.
Get a job in any area of photography you can. That can be a stepping stone to where you want to go. You never know who you will meet that might have a job opening or know someone who does. Everyone in any profession learns new things at their job and experience is the best teacher.
Being an intern can lead to bigger things. It is an opportunity to learn more about a future possible employer and get a stong foot in the door. Internships do not always pay but the education is valuable and your dedication will be impressive.
Show your work to people.
If you put any work on-line, like Facebook, be sure to use small, low resolution file sizes. The images are less likely to be enjoyed in print if the print quality is poor. Be sure to put your name or studio name on the front of the image rather boldly as well.
Start building a portfolio.
Print your best images no smaller than 8×10 and mat them neatly with a neutral color. If you are going for a job interview, it is best to find out what that studio is looking for so you can tweak your portfolio to their preferences. Some may prefer to see prints and others want a DVD.
So get out there, take photographs and network!
