With the advent of cell phones that had built-in cameras, it became easy for anyone to take photographs whenever they wanted. But having access to a camera does not automatically make someone a professional photographer. The following article uses quotes and information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ website to discuss how to enter the field of photography.
Or to put it another way, what level of education is required to become a photographer?
According to the website, “Postsecondary education is not required for most photographers. However, many photographers take classes or earn a bachelor’s degree to improve their skills and employment prospects.”
The website goes onto explain that, “Basic photography courses cover equipment, processes, and techniques. Art school training in photographic design and composition also may be useful.”
Like many careers that can be broken down into different special fields or focuses, different types of photographers have different types of education requirements and preferences. For example, what education do you need to become a portrait photographer?
According to the website, “Although portrait photographers are not required to have postsecondary education, many take classes because employers usually seek applicants with creativity and a ‘good eye,’ as well as a good technical understanding of photography.”
In addition, the website says, “Photojournalists and industrial and scientific photographers often need a bachelor’s degree.”
In many ways, the answer to this question depends on the individual. For example, if an aspiring photographer just earns a bachelor’s degree and takes no further courses, then the time of study could average a minimum of 4 years. However, different types of photography may require additional courses (or at the very least additional courses are recommended).
According to the website:
“Entry-level positions in photojournalism or in industrial or scientific photography generally require a college degree in photography or in a field related to the industry in which the photographer seeks employment. For example, classes in biology, medicine, or chemistry may be important for scientific photographers.
Business, marketing, and accounting classes may be helpful for self-employed photographers.”
According to the website, “important qualities” a photographer should have are:
Artistic ability
Business skills
Computer skills
Customer-service skills
Detail oriented
Interpersonal skills
Now, let’s break everything down.
An aspiring photographer must choose what type of photography they are interested in pursuing.
Next, the aspiring photographer, must take courses/classes to learn about photography, as well as specific classes connected to the specific type of photography they are interested in pursuing.
Finally, the aspiring photographer should develop their skills and build their portfolio. According to the website, this can be accomplished by becoming an assistant to a professional photographer.
Yes, it takes more than access to a camera to become a photographer. What training is needed to become a photographer? With the right education, which can mean earning a bachelor’s degree, and experience such as the type from working with a professional photographer, it is an achievable goal.
To learn more visit https://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/photographers.htm#tab-4
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