5 answers
Angelina
Student
1
Question
Asked
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How do I become a photographer? What degrees do I need to be a photographer??
I really love taking photos of people once when I took a photo of my uncle and my mom it looked so awesome it inspired me so much to be a photographer I’ve been thinking long enough to figure that I wanted to be a photographer it makes me happy saying the photos that I took of them.
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5 answers
Tara Zimmerman
Photographer + Social Media Manager
3
Answers
Riegelsville, Pennsylvania
Updated
Tara’s Answer
Hey Angelina!
You don't need any formal qualifications to become a photographer, but studying photography in college could provide a solid foundation, especially if you're a novice with camera settings. Growing up, I found YouTube to be an excellent resource for creating videos and taking photos. There's a wealth of useful tutorials out there, but I also gained a lot of knowledge simply by experimenting with my camera. Remember, any person who loves taking photos can be a photographer, but becoming a professional requires a different level of commitment.
I would strongly suggest investing in a beginner-friendly camera (I've always trusted Canon and it's never disappointed me). You can usually find a beginner-friendly camera within the $200-$600 range. This will help you get acquainted with the various camera modes and eventually manual shooting as you learn to adjust the settings. After that, it's all about practice! Experiment with different subjects, landscapes and so on. Try capturing both fast and slow motion. I wish you lots of joy as you pursue learning more about photography! (:
Watch YouTube tutorials that walk through different camera settings
Learn about different styles of photography
Invest in a beginner-friendly camera (typically between $200-600)
Practice, practice, practice!
You don't need any formal qualifications to become a photographer, but studying photography in college could provide a solid foundation, especially if you're a novice with camera settings. Growing up, I found YouTube to be an excellent resource for creating videos and taking photos. There's a wealth of useful tutorials out there, but I also gained a lot of knowledge simply by experimenting with my camera. Remember, any person who loves taking photos can be a photographer, but becoming a professional requires a different level of commitment.
I would strongly suggest investing in a beginner-friendly camera (I've always trusted Canon and it's never disappointed me). You can usually find a beginner-friendly camera within the $200-$600 range. This will help you get acquainted with the various camera modes and eventually manual shooting as you learn to adjust the settings. After that, it's all about practice! Experiment with different subjects, landscapes and so on. Try capturing both fast and slow motion. I wish you lots of joy as you pursue learning more about photography! (:
Tara recommends the following next steps:
Gregory Andracke
Cinematographer
18
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Gregory’s Answer
Hi Angelina, the answers given to you here, especially about acquiring a camera with interchangeable lenses is an excellent suggestion. BUT IF that is out of your budget and you have a cell phone that can take pictures, start with that.
Many photographers do not have a degree but having one is important if you decide to change careers later in life. My suggestion is to get a solid education, so you are a "well rounded" person and can engage with your subjects with conversation on multiple levels. For example, you are assigned to photograph the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, if you can engage with that person on a topic germane to his company or discussion of her/his hobbies, you might put that person at ease and ultimately get better and more intimate photos. I have found important people sometimes treat the photographer as the hired help and it's up to you to demonstrate that you're much more than that.
Holly says to always have a camera at your side, I couldn't agree more and again, the cell phone is a wonderful tool. Pictures are ultimately about telling a story and the way you take them is less important than the camera used to take the picture. Good luck.
Many photographers do not have a degree but having one is important if you decide to change careers later in life. My suggestion is to get a solid education, so you are a "well rounded" person and can engage with your subjects with conversation on multiple levels. For example, you are assigned to photograph the CEO of a Fortune 500 company, if you can engage with that person on a topic germane to his company or discussion of her/his hobbies, you might put that person at ease and ultimately get better and more intimate photos. I have found important people sometimes treat the photographer as the hired help and it's up to you to demonstrate that you're much more than that.
Holly says to always have a camera at your side, I couldn't agree more and again, the cell phone is a wonderful tool. Pictures are ultimately about telling a story and the way you take them is less important than the camera used to take the picture. Good luck.
Caleb Hernandez
Real estate photography
2
Answers
Macon, Georgia
Updated
Caleb’s Answer
Hello Angelina! It's truly inspiring to see you discovering your passion at such a young age. The beauty of photography is that it's an art form with endless possibilities. Whether you're captivated by capturing people's joyous moments like weddings, graduations, anniversaries, or other special occasions, you might find fulfillment in becoming a special events photographer. If urban scenes and candid moments excite you, street photography could be your calling. Or perhaps, if you're drawn to the tranquility of nature, landscape or wildlife photography might be your forte.
You might wonder if you need a degree to pursue this passion. In my opinion, it's not a necessity, but it can certainly enrich your knowledge. It can help you understand the full potential of professional cameras, beyond just phone photography. Studying the work of renowned photographers like Jane Goodall, Annie Leibovitz, Ansel Adams, and Man Ray can also be enlightening.
Another approach could be to pursue a degree in business management. This could equip you with the skills to effectively manage your own photography business in the future. While studying, you can continue to refine your photography style and build a compelling portfolio to impress your future clients.
I hope these suggestions guide you in your journey. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!
You might wonder if you need a degree to pursue this passion. In my opinion, it's not a necessity, but it can certainly enrich your knowledge. It can help you understand the full potential of professional cameras, beyond just phone photography. Studying the work of renowned photographers like Jane Goodall, Annie Leibovitz, Ansel Adams, and Man Ray can also be enlightening.
Another approach could be to pursue a degree in business management. This could equip you with the skills to effectively manage your own photography business in the future. While studying, you can continue to refine your photography style and build a compelling portfolio to impress your future clients.
I hope these suggestions guide you in your journey. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!
Holly Sutor
Photography and Graphic Designer
2
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Holly’s Answer
As a seasoned photographer, I too discovered my passion for photography during my youthful days, just like you. It wasn't until my 30's that I turned this passion into a profession, but I always had a camera by my side. Typically, photography falls under a Bachelor of Arts or Fine Arts degree. I attended art school but didn't specifically study photography. I learned to use my camera on my own. The key point here is that your camera is your tool. Mastering manual settings and lighting is crucial, and the best education you can get is hands-on experience, taking photos of friends and family. Grasping the concepts of composition, lighting, and editing is essential. As your journey to college approaches, consider self-education as a viable option.
I'm not suggesting that college isn't beneficial for photography, but there's a wealth of knowledge you can acquire independently. Watch tutorials and practice regularly. College can guide you towards the specific photography genre you might be interested in, such as weddings, fashion, editorial, or portraits.
However, it's important to note that as a photographer, learning to communicate, direct, and pose subjects is vital. Even those with degrees might struggle to progress in their photography career if they're not equipped to handle the interpersonal aspects of the job.
Keep having fun taking those photos!
I'm not suggesting that college isn't beneficial for photography, but there's a wealth of knowledge you can acquire independently. Watch tutorials and practice regularly. College can guide you towards the specific photography genre you might be interested in, such as weddings, fashion, editorial, or portraits.
However, it's important to note that as a photographer, learning to communicate, direct, and pose subjects is vital. Even those with degrees might struggle to progress in their photography career if they're not equipped to handle the interpersonal aspects of the job.
Keep having fun taking those photos!
David Wuerth
Freelance Photojournalist/ Sports Photographer
115
Answers
Nampa, Idaho
Updated
David’s Answer
Hi Angelina,
If photography is your passion, above all else, then I have a few suggestions. You will have to acquire a camera with interchangeable lenses. Used is a good idea to begin. There are a lot of books on photography to help you understand how a camera works and you have to become proficient with your gear. Look at the work of successful photographers to learn what is considered professional photography. This will acquaint you with various genres of photography.
I would suggest getting a college degree, possibly in art, which will allow you to make a living as you build your business. I will warn you that building a business in the arts is tough. It takes persistence and determination.
I believe theses suggestions will get you started towards your goal.
Best of luck.
If photography is your passion, above all else, then I have a few suggestions. You will have to acquire a camera with interchangeable lenses. Used is a good idea to begin. There are a lot of books on photography to help you understand how a camera works and you have to become proficient with your gear. Look at the work of successful photographers to learn what is considered professional photography. This will acquaint you with various genres of photography.
I would suggest getting a college degree, possibly in art, which will allow you to make a living as you build your business. I will warn you that building a business in the arts is tough. It takes persistence and determination.
I believe theses suggestions will get you started towards your goal.
Best of luck.