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What is the best way to make photography your career?
I am only 18 years old and I would love to make photography my career one day. What are the right steps to take now? What do I need to achieve this? What path should I follow? THANKYOU.
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Briana’s Answer
I know many people who do visual art snd photography for a living, and it's a pretty even split between people who went to school for it and people who pursued it as a passion without formal schooling. So let's talk about those two tracks:
You can go to community college or a 4-year university and major in something directly related to photography. This can be Film and Media, graphic design, visual art, photogtaphy, etc. This gives you the very valuable gift of time to dedicate to that craft. It helps you build up your networks early with classmates, professors, and working professionals. It also provides you with support and infrastructure to break into the field via student fellowships, grants, and internships. Most people begin applying to schools in the summer before their senior year of high-school throughout that fall semester. It's a good idea to ask for recommendation letters from your teachers or other supervisors/mentors earlier than that so they have time to write you a good letter. Especially if you intend to go into an arts program, many colleges ask for sample(s) in addition to your standard college application. So it's good to have a nice portfolio of work.
If you can, try taking photography classes or workshops while in high school. There are also very many programs for high school age artists such as YoungArts, Sundance fellowship, etc. that help you build your portfolio, hone your craft, look good on your resume, and help you network with other writers. You should also research to see if there are any photography groups/clubs in your area that you can join.
Try seeing if there are any photography studios, wedding photographers, portrait photographers, or art photographers in your area that are willing to take you on as a volunteer or intern. This will give you very invaluable experience in what the work actually looks like.
Let's say you decide against majoring in a photography-centric job. I would still suggest all of the above in terms of preparing for applications and networking with fellow artists. Many people major in related fields such as marketing, communications, or graphic design. Another option is to minor in some type of photography while majoring in a separate field. Many people do this because it gives them a more financially secure place and broader reach in the job market. Here, it's still a good idea to hone your craft and build your portfolio of work. The difference is that it will be a bit tougher to carve out time to do it if it's not the core of your coursework.
Good luck!
You can go to community college or a 4-year university and major in something directly related to photography. This can be Film and Media, graphic design, visual art, photogtaphy, etc. This gives you the very valuable gift of time to dedicate to that craft. It helps you build up your networks early with classmates, professors, and working professionals. It also provides you with support and infrastructure to break into the field via student fellowships, grants, and internships. Most people begin applying to schools in the summer before their senior year of high-school throughout that fall semester. It's a good idea to ask for recommendation letters from your teachers or other supervisors/mentors earlier than that so they have time to write you a good letter. Especially if you intend to go into an arts program, many colleges ask for sample(s) in addition to your standard college application. So it's good to have a nice portfolio of work.
If you can, try taking photography classes or workshops while in high school. There are also very many programs for high school age artists such as YoungArts, Sundance fellowship, etc. that help you build your portfolio, hone your craft, look good on your resume, and help you network with other writers. You should also research to see if there are any photography groups/clubs in your area that you can join.
Try seeing if there are any photography studios, wedding photographers, portrait photographers, or art photographers in your area that are willing to take you on as a volunteer or intern. This will give you very invaluable experience in what the work actually looks like.
Let's say you decide against majoring in a photography-centric job. I would still suggest all of the above in terms of preparing for applications and networking with fellow artists. Many people major in related fields such as marketing, communications, or graphic design. Another option is to minor in some type of photography while majoring in a separate field. Many people do this because it gives them a more financially secure place and broader reach in the job market. Here, it's still a good idea to hone your craft and build your portfolio of work. The difference is that it will be a bit tougher to carve out time to do it if it's not the core of your coursework.
Good luck!
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
There is a hidden gem in the military that involves you taking pictures as your job. It is relatively unknown but could be a start to make photography your career. Good luck!
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Look up the definition of photography and cinema photography. You'll find that the definitions vary and so do the job skills. You first need a basic understanding of what is needed to capture an image. Look 5 years ahead to where you want to be. Where does that fit into your ideas. The easy answer is you can make a living in photography but you have to be flexible in your path to achieve your goals.
What draws you to want to be in photography? Find a photographer that you know and job shadow that person. Learn the basic and put your vision to work in creating your goals. You will always be learning in photography because it’s a flowing vision that constantly moves forward.
What draws you to want to be in photography? Find a photographer that you know and job shadow that person. Learn the basic and put your vision to work in creating your goals. You will always be learning in photography because it’s a flowing vision that constantly moves forward.
Updated
Dexter’s Answer
Hi Michael,
I think Briana gave a pretty complete answer, but I'd like to just chime in and add one thing.
I think once you have gained a bit of experience taking photos with your friends and family, you can gain experience by volunteering at local nonprofit organizations. Even though it has slowed down since the pandemic, these organizations still have gatherings and events, where they need event photographers to document them. It's a great way to gain experience as you'll learn what it's like when you're not taking pictures for yourself, but for the needs of others. If you happen to like this type of photography, you might want to look into doing weddings and events in the future. If you don't, then you might want to focus on street photography, landscapes, etc.
I hope that was helpful and I wish you the best, Michael!
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Dexter
I think Briana gave a pretty complete answer, but I'd like to just chime in and add one thing.
I think once you have gained a bit of experience taking photos with your friends and family, you can gain experience by volunteering at local nonprofit organizations. Even though it has slowed down since the pandemic, these organizations still have gatherings and events, where they need event photographers to document them. It's a great way to gain experience as you'll learn what it's like when you're not taking pictures for yourself, but for the needs of others. If you happen to like this type of photography, you might want to look into doing weddings and events in the future. If you don't, then you might want to focus on street photography, landscapes, etc.
I hope that was helpful and I wish you the best, Michael!
--
Dexter
Updated
Mike’s Answer
* Join trade organizations like ASMP and participate in your local chapter. ASMP has great resources on pricing, contracts, insurance etc.
* Meet other photographers so you can assist and learn from them. In time, you could swap jobs.
* Go to school but not necessarily for photography. You can learn photography without going to school. But, being an expert in something that isn't photography makes the best photographers.
* Keep shooting and sharing. You'll be learning your style and interests and others will as well.
* Find projects you can do locally whether personal or paid and build from there.
* Learn photo history and look, look, look at photo books / online. Find photographers you want to emulate whether you are lucky enough to meet them in person or simply through history.
* Take seriously all the things that come with a freelance career. You're lucky to be photographing 10% off the time. Keeping your accounting straight, marketing well, and paying attention to contracts / rights is most likely not what you want to be doing; but by doing them well, you will be able to do more photography.
* Take classes online or in person. Lynday Adler and Creative Live are two good places to start.
* Be a professional. Show up on time, respond to emails, dress well, be courteous, do what you'll say, help clients understand their own jobs better etc. When you're a professional, you're no longer competing on cost alone. Competing on cost = short career.
* Work for another company to learn both photographically and business wise. I shot for a school portrait company for years and learned lots.
* Get an EIN for taxes. Separating your personal and professional income and costs is very important.
* Find a good accountant and insurance agent who preferably understand photographers. ASMP can help with this.
* Meet other photographers so you can assist and learn from them. In time, you could swap jobs.
* Go to school but not necessarily for photography. You can learn photography without going to school. But, being an expert in something that isn't photography makes the best photographers.
* Keep shooting and sharing. You'll be learning your style and interests and others will as well.
* Find projects you can do locally whether personal or paid and build from there.
* Learn photo history and look, look, look at photo books / online. Find photographers you want to emulate whether you are lucky enough to meet them in person or simply through history.
* Take seriously all the things that come with a freelance career. You're lucky to be photographing 10% off the time. Keeping your accounting straight, marketing well, and paying attention to contracts / rights is most likely not what you want to be doing; but by doing them well, you will be able to do more photography.
* Take classes online or in person. Lynday Adler and Creative Live are two good places to start.
* Be a professional. Show up on time, respond to emails, dress well, be courteous, do what you'll say, help clients understand their own jobs better etc. When you're a professional, you're no longer competing on cost alone. Competing on cost = short career.
* Work for another company to learn both photographically and business wise. I shot for a school portrait company for years and learned lots.
* Get an EIN for taxes. Separating your personal and professional income and costs is very important.
* Find a good accountant and insurance agent who preferably understand photographers. ASMP can help with this.
Updated
kevin’s Answer
Hey! I guess it would all depend on what you want to do with photography. There is family portraiture, real estate photography, modeling, wedding/events etc.
I come from a background in Family Portraiture. I personally didn't want to make it a long-term career, so heres a few thoughts to help.
Work in a retail setting (I worked for the largest retail photography company in the country (Contracts in schools, sports, church, in-stores))
- They will train you and this setting will teach you how to work with people of all ages giving you the freedom to learn while being able to fall back on the policy of a major business. This is invaluable experience in my opinion.
While you're working in a retail setting, take a class to learn the finer points of manual camera settings and other techniques.
Determine how you would like to set up your business, in studio or on location or a fusion of the two.
Create an inspiration folder.
Every session you do needs to sign a use of image release so you can use it to advertise your business.
Above all else, value your product. If you underprice your services customers will not see the value in your product.
Of course formal college class for business or photography will always be a benefit.
I come from a background in Family Portraiture. I personally didn't want to make it a long-term career, so heres a few thoughts to help.
Work in a retail setting (I worked for the largest retail photography company in the country (Contracts in schools, sports, church, in-stores))
- They will train you and this setting will teach you how to work with people of all ages giving you the freedom to learn while being able to fall back on the policy of a major business. This is invaluable experience in my opinion.
While you're working in a retail setting, take a class to learn the finer points of manual camera settings and other techniques.
Determine how you would like to set up your business, in studio or on location or a fusion of the two.
Create an inspiration folder.
Every session you do needs to sign a use of image release so you can use it to advertise your business.
Above all else, value your product. If you underprice your services customers will not see the value in your product.
Of course formal college class for business or photography will always be a benefit.
Updated
David’s Answer
Hey Michael,
I'm going to assume you are a high school senior. Are you thinking of college? If not, I would recommend you do. Whether you major in photography, or not, it can open your eyes to all kinds of opportunities, ideas and people. Plus. it takes a while to establish yourself as a photographer and an education will allow you to earn a living as you build your business. In California, Art Center college is a great education for photographers and the arts.
You are going to have to learn how a camera works and how to use it to capture the images you see and the images that are going to motivate people to hire you. Oh, you'll need an interchangeable lens camera. To begin, you do not need to spend a lot of money on gear, used will do. There's a Mike's Camera in Menlo Park. Check their website.
I am reader, so I recommend using books to understand cameras and photography. Maybe you can shoot for the school yearbook? You'll want to explore the different genres of photography. Weddings, photojournalism, editorial, sports and so on. This will give you an idea as to what you might want to pursue.
Eventually, you'll need a website to showcase your work. You want your website to show the kind of images you want someone to pay you to shoot. Only show your very best images. Look at the work of professionals who shoot the kind of work you're going to look for. This will give you an idea of the quality of images you need to produce.
Well, this will give you an idea of what you need to do and the order you need to follow.
One other thing; do not give your work away for free. Once you start doing that, it's really tough to get those people to start paying you.
Good luck!
I'm going to assume you are a high school senior. Are you thinking of college? If not, I would recommend you do. Whether you major in photography, or not, it can open your eyes to all kinds of opportunities, ideas and people. Plus. it takes a while to establish yourself as a photographer and an education will allow you to earn a living as you build your business. In California, Art Center college is a great education for photographers and the arts.
You are going to have to learn how a camera works and how to use it to capture the images you see and the images that are going to motivate people to hire you. Oh, you'll need an interchangeable lens camera. To begin, you do not need to spend a lot of money on gear, used will do. There's a Mike's Camera in Menlo Park. Check their website.
I am reader, so I recommend using books to understand cameras and photography. Maybe you can shoot for the school yearbook? You'll want to explore the different genres of photography. Weddings, photojournalism, editorial, sports and so on. This will give you an idea as to what you might want to pursue.
Eventually, you'll need a website to showcase your work. You want your website to show the kind of images you want someone to pay you to shoot. Only show your very best images. Look at the work of professionals who shoot the kind of work you're going to look for. This will give you an idea of the quality of images you need to produce.
Well, this will give you an idea of what you need to do and the order you need to follow.
One other thing; do not give your work away for free. Once you start doing that, it's really tough to get those people to start paying you.
Good luck!