Is it extremely difficult to become a professional photographer? What types of qualifications would I need?

Hi, Emily-

If photography is your passion and you're determined to pursue it, you can forge a path to becoming a professional.

Usually, a multi-tiered approach works well:
You can begin by photographing something or someone you love, then find ways to show your work.
Sometimes, libraries will allow their patrons to put framed photos up in exhibitions. We're coming into outdoor portrait season- is there a professional photographer in your area that you could assist? This is a wonderful way to watch a pro in action, learn on the job and get some payment or experience to boot.
Local newspapers, magazines and websites are often looking for "stringers" or freelance photogs willing to work on assignment. I found this to be a good training ground for learning to take pix quickly and efficiently while improving my ability to compose beautifully with a nice range of tones and contrast.

Print some business cards offering your photography services with a phone number and email.
Keep these and your camera on you at all times. If you're out taking pictures, you can pass your card out. You never know who'll contact you later to hire you. I once met someone on a airplane who ended up hiring me to photograph her 2 year old a few months later.

Here's the most important advice I can give: Visualize yourself as a professional photographer. Write it down, put it in your wallet and carry that vision. If you're seeing yourself in the role, you'll find ways to make it happen. Enlist the help of others who can make it happen.
There will be some who will tell you it's extremely difficult (that's what a few people were saying to me 30 years ago). Take it in stride and move on to the people who will support you.

There are lots of paths to a successful career in photography, and yours will be uniquely your own. Good luck and congratulations on the desire to pursue a career which is always exciting and offers countless rewards to those willing to pursue it!

Warm Regards,
Rebecca

Actually it is very easy to call yourself a professional photographer since there are no licenses or even any training or education required. However, anyone who claims to be a professional better be able to produce quality professional work. Otherwise, your "career" will end very quickly as a poor reputation in this business will spread widely by word of mouth.

Starting part-time while having a "real" job that pays the bills is a very good idea. This will allow you to take workshops or photography classes to improve your skills.

When I began doing some photo assignments for magazines while doing social work in the 1970s, it was not unusual for it to take up to ten years to earn an established reputation and an income to match. I suspect it is even more difficult now as there are fewer magazines and newspapers in print and the ones online pay much less or nothing at all. Also, stock photography for textbooks, magazines, calendars, etc., was quite lucrative until the late 90s/early 2000s when micro agencies began licensing royalty free images for as low 25 cents that decimated the rights managed market where a typical image once might average $150 to $200 for a one-time usage in a magazine.

I am not familiar with the business of portrait, weddings, and school photography that can be done on a local or regional basis. But I suspect it may be more competitive now the ever. While there will always be big stars in advertising photography earning very nice livings, at any level of the photography biz it is very important to promote yourself with examples of your work that you can consistently produce and deliver in a timely manner with excellent service. And remember that business skills, especially marketing, are as much or more important than photo skills in building a successful career.

Hi Emily!

Photography is a passion of mine as well and if you vocalize your passion and what you want to do you will be amazed at the opportunities that open up to you. Like Rebecca said start by practicing on the ones you love. Practice, practice and then practice some more. Use social media to follow other photographers, join online communities and attend online training or tweet chats. Build your own social media presence to reflect your love of photography and share your work. Wordpress is a great starting point and then when you are ready to advance consider a platform like Zenfolio.

I see that you are in Houston. Check out Houston Camera Exchange if you haven't already and try to attend some of their events. http://hcehouston.com/events/ Get to know your community of photographers and see if there are any local organizations. You might find opportunities to be a photo assistant or second photographer based on the contacts you make.

One of the most important pieces is figuring out your own brand. What type of photographer do you want to be? I decided after lots of practice I want to focus solely on portraits. I also found this easily integrates in with my full time job. This answer might not come to you right away but it will after practice. Once you know this its easier to market yourself as a photographer of that specialty.

Also, a piece of advice. Don't feel like you have to acquire every piece of equipment to be a good photographer. The equipment doesn't make you talented. Get creative and find tutorials on YouTube from how other photographers have worked around challenges of not having a certain flash or light etc.

I wish you the very best!
Gretchen

Hey Emily. I don't believe being a "professional photographer" is any more difficult that being any other professional. Photography is a craft and requires learning and developing skills that apply to the craft. I'd say that's the easy part. As with any of the arts, making a living is the tough part. I'd suggest doing research on the internet and checking on books at your library would be helpful. This way you can develop an understanding of the different areas, or specialties within the photo world. Such as sports, photojournalism, fine art, documentary, weddings, portraits and advertising.
I recommend a liberal arts degree with a well rounded selection of classes.
Do you have a passion for photography? Are you a curious person? What are you interested in?
If you're in high school, shoot for the yearbook. That's great experience. Develop a portfolio of your work. Contact your local paper. Ask if they would look at your images.
Like any profession, photography requires skill, determination and ability.