How do I begin to pursue a career in photography?

Question

I have been working as an occupational therapist for 10 years but have a passion for photography.. I don't really know where to start when it comes to pursuing it as a career, and feel somewhat daunted by the idea of trying to work in what feels like an "exclusive" arena.
I don't necessarily even need to rely on photography as my sole source of income, but would love to find a way to earn some money doing what I love.
Any links to helpful websites or people who are willing to mentor would be most appreciated.

Answer 1

You do not need to go to formal school to become a photographer but you have to learn it from somewhere be it from a class room environment or from you reading and doing things on your own.


1. You should learn the technical aspects of photography and your camera (composition, shutter speed, rules of thirds, depth of field etc), once you understand these you will be able to create better images.

2. Shoot in "M" (manual mode) because you will have more control over your camera and not the other way around. When you are in one of the "Auto" modes the camera will just read the highlights and shadow areas and try to get you a picture. The camera is not smart enough to know what you are shooting.

3. You can start reading all kinds of books on this subject and get information from the internet. This includes web based classes, manufactures web sites to personal blogs.

4. Buy the best DSLR camera that you can afford this also includes good lenses. Take out your camera and manual sit down and go over all the buttons and knobs etc.. this is the best way for you to learn what your camera can do.

5. Start shooting with your camera to get practice and from what you are learning from reading and doing you will get better. Practice does make perfect. Take notes while shooting and then look at your photos on the computer find the best one from that set and see what you did to get the shot.

6. You can get yourself a job as a photographers assistant (be it payed or free) and learn from that person.

7. My suggestion is to find a part of photography that you would have an interest in and point in that direction.

Since you have access to the internet here is a start: Some you have to pay for and some are free.. start with the free stuff of course.

http://www.photonhead.com/beginners/......
http://www.betterphoto.com/home.asp......
http://www.shootsmarter.com/
http://www.webphotoschool.com/
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/pagequerier.j...

http://www.lexar.com/dp/index.html?cmp=e...

Studio Lighting info
http://www.photo-seminars.com/Portraiture/lesson1.htm
http://www.studiolighting.net/portrait-lighting-styles/

Photoshop classes
http://www.russellbrown.com/

Just incase you need info on a degree
http://www.photographyschools.com/

Hope this helps,
Kevin

Answer 2

I would suggest evening classes at your local college, learn the basics and decide what sort of photography interests you.
You may be able to sell some landscapes or other pictures through galleries, or you may be able to do some part time portraiture.
If you are in Dorset I will gladly help you with the basics and help you to get started.

Answer 3

exclusive? of course, just like other tradespeople.

anyone can buy a hammer can they build a house? - not without knowledge - making great images is the same it requires knowledge

like any trade its a combination of skill and tools,

dont quit your day job until you get a handle on how much you need to learn,

goto a night course if you want to learn while you are still earning

a

Answer 4

Enroll in a professional photography class at a University in your city.