what is the process to become a professional photographer if there is any ?

Answer 1

There is a lot of work in becoming a professional photographer and being able to call yourself one.

Something to keep in mind is not everyone can become a pro photographer. It takes a lot of training, a lot of natural talent and a lot of frustration.

One of the absolute best ways in becoming one is starting off with an apprenticeship or assistant to a local photographer whose work you admire. Volunteer your time to him or her. Offer to carry equipment, clean camera room, clean equipment etc. Again, I suggest you volunteer your time as a lot of photographer already have the staff they need budgeted in and may be less interested if you offer your services for hire.

Study up. There are a lot of excellent books out there that will give you a great headstart and will help you improve your game. Books like

Beginner's Guide to Photographic Lighting
http://www.amherstmedia.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1785&Category_Code=B

Bride's Guide to Wedding Photography
http://www.amherstmedia.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1755&Category_Code=B

Black & White Photography for 35mm
http://www.amherstmedia.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1670&Category_Code=B

Practical Guide to Digital Imaging
http://www.amherstmedia.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1799&Category_Code=B

Posing Techniques for Digital Portraits
http://www.amherstmedia.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1901&Category_Code=B

Digital Photography 101
http://www.amherstmedia.com/miva/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=1903&Category_Code=B

Amherst Media is one of the industry's top publisher of photography books. Check out their website at http://www.amherstmedia.com for more information and a bigger selection of books tailored to your photographic style

Getting a degree is an option. However, you will fine that the majority of the pros already in the business don't have one. This is not to say that having a degree won't help or isn't worth it. You can learn a lot this way.

If you don't have the money, local and national organizations offer annual courses through their workshops. The courses are taught by some of the biggest names in the industry. They are hands-on so you get to practice what they preach.

Professional Photographers of America
http://www.ppa.com

Wedding & Portrait Photographers International
http://www.wppionline.com

Get to learn Adobe Photoshop CS (or CS2). It is the industry's top graphic design software. Used by 99% of all professional photographers for digital retouching and manipulation. You can get a free demo from http://www.adobe.com. If you go digital, you'll use this for all of your retouching such as removing pimples, whitening teeth, softening harsh wrinkles, etc.

Force yourself to take photos. Grab 2 sheets of blank paper. Give them each a label (on the front and back so you have 4 labels) that is something you enjoy. Then below each heading, write as many possible ways to express that heading. Go out and photograph using your new checklists. I forced myself to photograph at least 5 rolls a week. I'd get them developed and then pick out the best 5 - 10 images from each roll. Then I'd have friends and family give me a true critique. This is hard, because a famil member and friend will naturally only tell you good things even if the image would suck in a pro world. Ask them how much they'd be willing to pay for that image.

Interview local photographers. Ask them what it took for them to get where they are. Most photographers won't mind sitting down and talking to an enthused photographer.

Answer 2

Your question requires a long, detailed answer. I made the move from amateur to professional back in the 1980's, but it was not overnight.

It would be too difficult to give you a complete answer here, so I will be brief.

You need to first perfect your art. There are so many, many, many people that consider themselves photographers and all dream of being a famous professional someday making lots of money.

According to the SBA files, (Small Business Administration), photograpy is the most failed business in the U.S. That is because all you need is a camera and some business cards, but so few people really know the BUSINESS of photography.

First and foremost, choose a field of photography: people, nature, news, real estate, etc and get really good at it. Enter some contests. Get some of your photos enlarged to 16x20, not smaller. The size helps make the pic more impressive.

However, you better make sure your focus is razor sharp, cuz if you are using a 35mm, a poorly focused shot will look BAAAD enlarged to that size.

I would suggest you move up to medium format. Move slowly. I first went from a 35mm to a twin lens for a while then to a Hasselblad.

I could go on and on...because I did it, I know how to do it. If you want to know more...email me. I will try to compose something to give you some tips on what to do, but they are not set in concrete. They are ways that I made the switch. Your situation may be quite different.

Answer 3

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Associations may be a good avenue to explore as well. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Photographers Market Guide to Building Your Photography Business: Everything you need to know to run a successful photography business by Vik Orenstein
* Legal Handbook for Photographers: The Rights and Liabilities of Making Images Paperback by Bert P. Krages
* How to Start a Home-Based Photography Business, 4th Paperback by Kenn Oberrecht
* Shooting & Selling Your Photos: The Complete Guide to Making Money With Your Photography by Jim Zuckerman

I also posted links to some free articles in the source box.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 4

Studying gets you know where, to become a professional photographer you simply keep taking pictures, market yourself and then use business skills to get a business going. Personally I would definitely scrap Spanish and get onto Business Studies and try and change Geography to IT because Having, Art, Media, IT and Business Studies really involve the skills for having a successful business. I was in the same boat as you (I'm 17 now) and chose Media, Business Studies, and History and failed History unfortunately but Media and Business taught me alot, Media taught me about demographics and marketing the product and Business shown me finances and the backbone of business. Do you live in the UK then if so I assume it's BTEC Media first diploma, and as a heads up, don't do BTEC photography if you go to college because it's exactly the same as doing an art course and it won't really teach you anything you can't learn from a book also it's alot more work. I'd go onto a Business course, Media course or maybe another course just for backup in case you don't hit it off as a photographer :)

Answer 5

If you do live in Pittsburg, then there are some really good art schools in Pennsylvania that offer photography courses (although alot of aspiring photographers head to New York). If you have a really good eye and keen sense of seeing light then you have half of what it takes to be a photographer because photgraphy is an artform that uses light to capture a moment. You should also try internships because its about experience, who you know and how good your work really is not only to you, but to other people.

Answer 6

Study and look for a photographer's assistant position.

Answer 7

Take lots and lots of pictures. Take classes. Study the work of professionals. Promote.

Answer 8

Take Pictures.

Share them. Display them. Sell them.