what does it take to be a photographer????

Question

i've loved photoraphy since i was a little kid. when i was 5, i stole my aunt's camera and shot objects and used up the whole roll of film. now in high school as a senior, im taking photography classes and i want to know what i can do to become a professional photographer. what college courses i should take when in college, if i should go to photography school or not-- if so, what school, and what are my chances of being a pro, etc.

if i couldnt make it into the photography industry as a pro, i would at least become a photojournalist. i love traveling, writing, and taking pictures. what are my chances of making a good living out of this? what are my chances of being hired by a big magazine such as TIMES? how much do photojournalists make?

i heard that most photographers arent recognized until they have a pretty big portfolio, and by then they're in their 40s-50s already. is this really true?? =/

have positive and encouraging answers, please!!

Answer 1

I believe that a true photographer must have a passion for his own life and the world around him/her.

The inspiration of this person must be strong and they have to be independent and be a very outgoing person.

I have gone to Hallmark Institute of Photography and have had my own business. I do photography full-time.

It always varies, weddings, portraits, commercial work, architecture and editoral work.

I would say that you must always always always shoot and always learn more. Talk to people who you like their work and try to be patient with success.

Don't expect to work for the Times, National Geographic, etc.

Chances are, you will make more money NOT working for either of them. They don't pay well and neither do many other agencies that hire photographers. They are in it for the money and it doesn't matter if your the best or not. You have to make yourself the best, meet lots of people and work hard.

But the stuff you only really need and pay it off with more photography work.

www.OneBloom.com if you want to check out some of my work.

Answer 2

Not to be to negative, I was a photojournalist and that led to law school. I am still taking pictures. The best advice I was ever given by my photog prof was once you think you are close enough, get closer. The key is to take pictures. Lots and lots of pictures. Learn the little things. Don't always center the subject. It is an art. Learn the art. In the world of digital cameras, you will never have to run out of film. Take a shot, and then three more. Try and intern with a newspaper. It is not a profession that most people get rich but it can be satisfying. I have a friend who started out shooting bands, and now makes a great living shooting ads for Sunday inserts. Not art, but money. It is a balance.

Answer 3

I'm in my 50's and a part-time photo-journalist. I'm also a full-time school teacher, because that pays the bills regularly.

It's like being a writer or an actor - you can be involved in some degree, but making a living from it can be tough.

As for photo courses, I'll let you know when I take some. I learned from taking pictures, developing my own film, printing my own prints, and making a ton of mistakes.

I also learned as much as possible from my errors and the errors of others. That knowledge, I've passed on in training others.

To be a successful photographer, you need to find your niche. What types of photos are you interested in, or been the most recognized in? I started off in portraits, and moved onto to photojournalism for various groups and small publications. My reputation and willingness to take risks opened doors into the sports world, where I ended up being recognized for NBA & WNBA images. Recently, I've begun to take NCAA photos for SPMSportspage.com, a website devoted to sports around the U.S.

Could I make a living from it? I guess I could. But having it on the side satisfies my creative side while allowing me to continue teaching, my first love.

Find your 'eye' and let the world see what your vision truly is.

Answer 4

Years and years of work and learning and being artistic and in the right place at the right time for NO MONEY.
OR GO TO PHOTO SCHOOL FOR A FASTER START.
Then very little money.
If you then work for a REAL pro that has a big name, (Not JOe Snow photo down the street) And get to learn all the little stuff. Then You might be able to sell a few to make ends meet while you are attempting to explain why you have to charge people money to do what you love. Then attemp to collect the money is another story. Oh yes....people like to take your free proofs and copy them for nothhing.....Ah Ha...I use to do that.

Good luck.

Answer 5

One of the best ways to learn what it takes to be a pro is by working with one. Find a local pro who needs an assistant (gofer) and offer to work for free. Listen and watch and only ask questions when your mentor isn't working. Tell him/her what your goals are. Learn the dull, boring side of pricing, billing, collecting.

Check the course catalogs of colleges you are interested in attending. They may offer courses in photojournalism or portraiture or commercial/industrial photography. Their degree program may cover all those aspects while allowing you to major in one field. You can always earn a double major and have a minor one also.

Subscribe to a couple of photography magazines. Go to the libray and look at Annual Reports from various companies. Look at the photography in them. Note the names of the photographers and research their work. Read all the books you can find about photography. Study the works and books of the late Monte Zucker. Jerry Uelsmann is a Master Teacher. Study his books and works. Read biographies of famous photographers: Margaret Bourke-White, Minor White (no relation), Edward Weston, Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, W. Eugene Smith (his book Minamata will bring tears to yoour eyes), Robert Capa, Gordon Parks, David Muench.

Good luck!

Answer 6

OMG!!! I can't believe you think photojournalists are not professionals. It is not something to settle for.

There are all kinds of pro photogs. Depending on your level of skill, talent, and creativity for shooting pics will determine of your good or not. I love shooting weddings and models. I have a friend who love photojournalism(telling a story with pics). Have you seen a newspaper?? Those photographers are told to tell a story with one shot without any words.

Your pics will determine how good you are.