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How To Be A Professional photographer?

To be a professional photographer 📸 requires a lot of learning from professional leaders in the skills 👌

career art photography professional creativity
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Rob’s Answer

With 17 years of experience as an internationally published professional photographer and about 2 years of part-time work due to my business, of receiving my MFA in Photography, I understand the debate about the necessity of a degree in photography. Many photographers improve through practice alone; it took me 14 years to earn my BA in Digital Photography. While I once believed that skill alone was sufficient, I've learned that in some cultures, a degree is essential for credibility and business. An Associate's degree can be a starting point. Pursuing an MFA aligns with my interest in teaching at the collegiate level and has expanded my understanding of the language of photography, artistic engagement, and the finer aspects of photography as an art form—knowledge unlikely to be gained without formal education in Fine Arts. My BA, not a BFA, didn't delve as deeply into Fine Arts as my MFA, which has enhanced my work, made me a better photographer, and improved the storytelling of my images. There are many excellent free resources for Photoshop and Lightroom. Still, they cannot replace the guidance of an instructor who can reveal unknown features, and their application in business, and provide immediate, tailored feedback—something YouTube tutorials cannot offer. Direct access to a professor for specific questions about your work is invaluable. My Associate's degree in business, acquired before my deep dive into photography, has also been beneficial. Good luck to all pursuing this path. The most important thing is SHOOT SHOOT SHOOT and shoot everything until you find your zen and get better
Thank you comment icon I had some photography training. It was something more along the lines of trade courses but for photography. Even though we learned Arts History and arts in general, it was not as intense as it is in college education (my professional background is in the IT industry). That said, I strongly support this advice. The only risk I see about a photography degree is how this profession is going to be impacted by AI. IMO, this is the most important aspect to consider as one seeks a college education in photography (and for many of us, this means acquiring debt for such education). Marcos Franco
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William’s Answer

Professional photography is an aspect of fine art that requires time for field works.

Motion photography requires much trips to various scenes.

You may study any of the following to become a professional photographer:
- Fine Arts.
- Visual Arts.
- Photography.
- Creative Arts.
- Journalism.
- Media Arts.
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David’s Answer

Hello Amelia,
Passion! Photography, or any of the arts, requires passion because a profession in the arts is difficult.
I recommend getting a college degree for several reasons. Establishing a career in the arts takes time and a degree allows you to have an income while you do that. I think an art degree can be helpful. The college experience can show you other career options and expand your mind.
Obviously, you have to be proficient with an interchangeable lens camera and how exposure works. I suggest you research the various genres of photography and pick one that really interests you. Look at the work of successful photographers. Your images have to be, at the least, as good as theirs.
You will need a solid digital portfolio with a website.(not social media)
Most professional photographers do not use the manual setting.
There are numerous books on photography. I believe one of the best is "The Art of Photography" by Bruce Barnbaum.
Best of luck!
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Angel’s Answer

Becoming a professional photographer involves mastering both technical and creative aspects of photography. Start by learning how to use a camera’s manual settings, understanding composition, lighting, and exposure. Take photography courses to deepen your knowledge. Practice regularly in different environments and genres. Build a portfolio showcasing your best work, and consider specializing in areas like portrait, landscape, or event photography. Networking, marketing, and gaining clients are essential for turning your passion into a career.
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manush’s Answer

Keep practicing. Step out into the world, capture moments, snap pictures, and refine them. Experiment to discover which aspect of photography resonates with you the most. If you're contemplating pursuing photography or videography studies, feel free to do so at your own pace. There's no rush.

There will come a time when your skills will have developed to a professional level. As you continue to grow and improve, you'll gradually attract more and more clients. Remember, becoming a professional in your field requires consistent practice. So keep at it, and watch how your efforts transform into success.
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Thomas Robert’s Answer

While I agree completely with Angel's answer I will add that the camera, and your other gear, are like musical instruments in that the more you practice the better you get. Take your camera of choice (even the phone!) everywhere and just start taking pictures and experiment with the settings. In time the settings and where to find them will become second nature.

I have over 25 years working as a professional photographer and can tell you I was taking pictures for a long time before that... with that said the most important advice I can give you is to go to school to study BUSINESS, not photography specifically. Study accounting, marketing, finance, and all the behind the scenes aspects of keeping a business running and that will allow you to be a professional for as long as you'd like. There are a million resources for learning photography, most of them free! Take advantage of the internet to learn specifics about the craft, network with local professionals and see if you can assist them to learn hands-on the day to day... just don't pay for an art school! Honestly you don't really even need to go to a big college to study business either. A local community college will teach these course, and of course you can probably find small business courses online too!

In short:
- Practice
- Focus your formal education on business
- Assist local professionals and seek mentorship


Good luck!
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