?what do you have to do in order to become a photographer?

Answer 1

Every photographer I know, amateur and professional, reads books, magazines and everything they can find on the photography. Today, moreso than in the past, reading is so vital with the changes and advances that are occurring in the many different fields of today's photography. Knowing how to handle a camera is somewhat like a carpenter knowing how to use his hammer; it's only one of may tools used, right? The photographer must know about lighting (artificial and ambient), posing, color balance, composition, complimentary and complementary colors, filters, digital programs that enhance or correct and/or alter images, printers, inks and different papers, etc. But, many would-be professionals fail just as they're starting out for lack on knowledge on business matters; for example, taxes, running of a business and paying employees, overhead costs of running the studio/business.

Knowing how to handle a camera and "knowing" about photography is not enough. That's why many professional photographers today are opting to graduate from universities and colleges with degrees in fine arts or photography. Once they graduate, they do a 2- or 3-year apprenticeship under an established professional photographer where they learn about the REAL world, not the theoretical world of books (how to deal with the unexpected emergencies, issues with employees, etc).

Too many people see the field of photography and quickly imagine it to be an easy career to jump into simply because they take "pretty" snapshots... but, for some, like the wildlife photographer who must learn about laws (regarding protected and or endangered species) and about many different wildlife animals themselves. These photographers sometimes spend many long hours and even days or weeks hiding in a tree just to be able to shoot off 2 or 3 images of the animal they're assigned to photograph in the wild. Or, for the commercial photographer who spends a week in preparation for a photo-shoot that will only last almost an hour.... working out the problems of lighting (for example, try photographing a diamond ring with very bright gold, or a tea-kettle or toaster with reflective surfaces).

Every year, over 200,000 photographers graduate colleges and universities and other educational institutes, and each one will be competing with you for the same job and your knowledge, skills and talents won't be enough... you must have the passion to persevere and overcome all the obstacles that will come your way if you are ever going to succeed, regardless of the field within photography you choose to specialize in. In photography, knowledge is indeed (earning) power, and going to college or university or training institute will only help you get started, the rest is up to the individual. How much you are willing to give is almost what you'll get in return.

I recommend getting the most eduction you can; you never know when it will come in handy. If, for example, you find yourself without work for an extended period of time, you can always turn your acquired knowledge into another lucrative job, like teaching or writing a book (how good are your academic skills and your communication skills?) or selling images to stock companies or book publishers or doing postcards or advertisement work or work in a lab or camera shop... it's better than standing on the unemployment line and pays better, too.

If, however, you're just interested in becoming a BETTER photographer for purposes of taking better snapshots, then I recommend that you start by subscribing to a couple of monthly magazines. Go to the library and/or bookstores and see what new books may be of interest to you. Read. Read. Read. Stay current. Join and be an active member of a photography forum and/or a photography club. Take photos and share with the more knowledgeable photographers and ask for feedback (and don't be offended if they don't like your images, ask them to tell you WHY and to also tell you how to improve it).

Take classes at local YMCA/YWCA, Boys'/Girls' Clubs, local community college (Adult, Evening & Continuing Education Department), go to seminars, etc. If you feel this is the profession you wish to pursue, then you'll have a very good start.

Whatever you do, enjoy it. Otherwise, why do it?

Answer 2

You need to do some studies...
I'm graduating now from the university of photography in Greece (T.E.I.) and I'm telling you, talent may be a factor but it's definitely not enough!
You need to be taught stuff...about lighting, about balance about developing black&white pictures yourself, maybe some multimedia arts...
Don't base only on your talent you'll get disappointed when you discover what agencies seek for in a photographer...
"PHOTOGRAPHY REQUIRES MORE THAN HANDLING A CAMERA, AS PHILOSOPHY REQUIRES MORE THAN KNOWING THE ALPHABET..."
Except if you're looking to become a non-professional a.k.a. non -paid photographer who jumps around hills and cliffs with his wife and kids waiting in the car................................

Answer 3

Buy a really nice camera and go make pictures!!! Use your imagination and shoot the unnoticed! Also, join some photographers' forums - you can learn a lot by chatting with people and asking questions! :) Good luck!

Answer 4

To become a photographer you have to take pictures.
To become a good photographer you need to have good lessons.
To become a professional photographer you need to have good lessons, take good pictures and sell them.
Good luck.

Answer 5

Invest in a decent camera
Take some classes, read some photography books
Take TONS of pictures
I recomment using a disposable camera before investing in a good one, to see if you like it.
After you do that, invest in the decent camera
Keep a portfolio or album of all pictures you took.
Practice lighting and angles, etc.
If you like it, go to college for it

That is what I plan to do

Answer 6

buy the best camera you can afford and start shooting! You want to have a camera that has as much manual control as possible for price, so you have room to grow, and experiment. But really, its not about having the best camera, its about being creative, trying different things, and more importantly, having fun!

Answer 7

take snaps?