How do you start a photography career at an early age?

Question

I'm not a wealthy person. I dont even have my own camera. But, this doesn't stop me from pursuing my dream of becoming a photographer someday. I love taking pictures and editing them. But most of the time i borrow cameras from other people because i dont have my own. How do i start a career at this age if i dont even have one?

Answer 1

well, this is such an open ended question it becomes rather difficult to answer.

You could become an assistant (editing, printing and lighting for the rest of you life), but that's not too fun unless you work with the best of photographers (ie gregory crewdson).

Or, you can go out and buy or make a camera. Pinhole cameras are a cheap way to get going, as is a Hola medium-format. Both of these cameras will give you a really unique look, and are cheap/easy to acquire. Also, 35mm film cameras are dirt cheap these days, so simply going to camera shop and shelling out $100 will get you started. On the other hand, you can buy an acceptable digicam these days for around $200. For info on digicams, www.dpreview.com is the hot spot for good info, and they also have a good forum system which is heavily used. There are thousands of people there that would be happy to guide you in a good digital direction.

Answer 2

You can legally be paid at 16, but you need to fill out a work permit form and get a permit for working. It may differ depending on the state you live in, but in my state kids have certian times they can and can't work and there is a limit to how many hours a week a kid can work. It's really easy to get a permit. Also depending on the state, you have to have a certain amount of years of college to be a teacher. In my state, it's 4 years or more of college to get a teaching degree. I'm not sure about teaching preschool, though. You seem like you are well educated, so it may be easier for you. It took me forever to figure out what I want to do, finally. By 9th grade, I had about seven differnt things I really wanted to do all at once, even after narrowing down my choices. I'm at the end of my 10th grade year and I have narrowed it down to atleast three things, so maybe for you it will just take time to realize what you truly want to do. You seem to have a pretty good plan though. To be a photographer it just takes time and practice, and getting used to things. It would be a good idea to go to an art college to find out more about photography if you're that serious about it. You're still really young so worrying about it too much isn't necessary. If I were you, I'd find a local photographer's shop and ask them questions about the whole buisness. Maybe go get some books on it and read. I've done that before for something different and learned a lot from it. Good luck! :D

Answer 3

You can alway try and work at a photo studio in order to get some money for a camera

Answer 4

try looking at thrift stores or goodwill. you may run across an old manual 35mm camera which would be the best for you to learn on anyway.