Getting Started in Professional Photography

With the rise of popularity in digital cameras, everyone is their own amateur photographer. But to be a professional takes hard work, dedication and a significant investment in time, effort and money.

Traditionally, the only two ways to become a professional photographer are to get a degree or certification in it or study under an already established photographer as a PA, or Photographer’s Assistant. Being a PA is the preferred method as you get on the job training to see if photography is right for you. Look online for a studio that specializes in school photography, on-location shoots such as weddings or commercial interests, or catalog photography. These are some of the easiest places to find work as a PA.

PAs do all the grunt work, including arranging group shots, combing hair and holding shades behind the subject off camera to help avoid any glare when in a natural setting. It usually involves a lot of heavy lifting and being on your feet, so you must be physically able to handle the job, as photographers will have to work in the same conditions. You may gradually work your way up to being a photographer after a couple of years as a PA. The pay is generally very low so you really need to have a passion for taking pictures.

The advantage of entering a degree program is that you have plenty of time to build a strong portfolio, which is essential for any photography job. Unlike a PA, you will learn all the technical aspects of photography while building a body of work to land you your first job, which you may be able to get without being a PA at all. You will usually learn from current or former working photographers who know what it takes to succeed in the business. You will have better access to internships at well-known studios and more opportunities to enter competitions. It will be easier to find work as a freelance photographer with a degree. Look for a BFA (Bachelor’s of Fine Arts) as these degrees are more studio intensive.

The third option is to go out on your own as a freelance photographer without a degree or relevant experience. While this is much more difficult, its not impossible. A degree and/or experience in a related field will be your easiest way in. You need to take as many pictures at as many events as possible, with or without compensation. Develop a strong portfolio and have an impressive website. Put ads everywhere you can for free, as you need to keep your overhead costs low in the beginning. Buy some good business cards and give them out everywhere you go. Participate in as many business networking events as you can, especially at your local Chamber of Commerce. Do everything you can to build your reputation, and make sure you have invested in professional equipment including at least one digital SLR camera body with additional lenses and flashes and some lighting.

Now that you know what it takes to start a professional photography career, make sure you are sure that it is right for you. It would be a shame to invest all that money into good equipment and have no use for it.

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