Photographer

How to Become a Photographer

Most photographers are self employed. Freelance photographers may run their own studios, work for other companies on a contract basis, or submit their work to stock-photo agencies. Education requirements will generally depend on the types of photos the photographer takes and the areas in which they find work.

  • Portrait photographers specialize in taking pictures of individuals or groups of individuals. Portrait photographers often take pictures at weddings, religious ceremonies, graduations and other events. Portrait photographers need to advertise their services, schedule appointments, purchase supplies, keep records, and bill customers for their work. Courses in business management and photography are very beneficial to portrait photographers.
  • Commercial and industrial photographers take pictures of buildings, merchandise, artifacts, landscapes and other items to be used in books, reports, advertisements and catalogs. Photographs can be used for a variety of purposes, such as publicity, analysis or records.
  • Scientific photographers record scientific or medical data and must have knowledge of scientific procedure. It is often useful for scientific photographers to have had some training in the area of which they seek employment.
  • News photographers, also known as photojournalists, photograph people, places, sporting events, and political and community events. Photojournalist positions often require applicants to have earned a bachelor’s degree.
  • Fine arts photographers sell their photographs as pieces of art. While there are no specific education requirements for photographers of this type, training can often open doors to new opportunities within the field.

All photographers need to develop a strong portfolio to showcase their work and to market themselves to employers. A degree program will help photographers develop a professional and outstanding portfolio.

Job Outlook for Photographers

Photographers will see keen competition for job opportunities, but employment is expected to grow by 10 percent through 2016.  This growth could be a result of:

  • Population growth
  • Growth of internet versions of magazines, journals, and newspapers and their needs for digital images.
  • Increased availability and lower costs of photography equipment.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, median annual earnings for photographers in 2006 were $26,170. Earnings of freelance photographers will vary with the type of work they seek and the amount of work they are able to get.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition