What are the requirements for a professional photographer?

Answer 1

You do not need a license to take pictures, but you do need a license to own a business (to make money from your Photography). In most areas, a licensed photographer simply has a business license. Go down to city hall and fill out a form, pay the fee (usually $25- $100) and your business will be licensed. You will be expected to use a recognized accounting system and pay taxes on all earnings.

In order to take pictures in certain places, you need special permission, such as a press pass, or a contract with the property owner of the property where you are photographing.

To cross yellow police lines to take a photograph, you need a press pass (journalist's pass) in some jurisdictions. Many unconventional journalists, such as "Joe Anybody" in Portland, have faced police persecution because they do not have mainstream press passes.

To take a photograph of a courthouse or federal building is risky, because different people have different interpretations of the law, some saying that it is illegal while others saying it is clearly legal. Photographers have been arrested taking photos of buildings on the suspicion that they are terrorists, or that they are violating some strange law against photographing certain buildings (which no-one, when you hold their feet to the fire, can really cite).

To take a photograph of a public performance, such as at a concert or sports stadium, or to take pictures at a retail establishment, such as at a shopping mall, may require specific permission from the property owner. Most performance outlets have vague polices against "professional" cameras (i.e. SLR cameras), while allowing "amateur" cameras (i.e. pocket cameras), without precisely defining the terms. What these policies really intend to do, is to prevent anyone from profiting from taking pictures that the property owners feel that they own. If you're able to capture the best play of the game with a good enough camera, then you're stealing from our profits!!!

Answer 2

A professional is someone who professes (teaches) a trade, such as a professor (of course), doctor, lawyer, etc. A photographer may make his living taking pictures, but is not a professional in the truest sense of the word.

There may be no formal requirement to earn a living as a photographer, however many gigs will ask to see a portfolio and list of gear before consideration.

Answer 3

I would suggest that you get a four-year education at a school like R.I.T. with a major in some aspect of photography. I'm not saying that you "must" get a four year education. I'm saying that I would suggest it. I have a two year degree from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. There are four main reasons why I suggest getting a four year degree.

Answer 4

It's A BusinessIn most jurisdictions the only license required to work as a professional photographer is a simple business license. Very few areas require a photographer to hold a specific license for photography. There are some notable exceptions, including the city of Milwaukee, which charges a fee of $75 for a two year license for anyone who is

engaged in the business of taking, soliciting, coloring, finishing, processing, enlarging or selling finished still, motion picture or electronically recorded photographs for profit

Note that we're talking about the business of photography here. There is no license required -- or available for that matter -- to take pictures as an amateur.

Private PropertyThough you probably don't need a license to be a photographer, the issue doesn't end there. Where you take your pictures, and what you take them of, may require you to obtain advance permission, a permit or special credentials. Generally speaking, if you are standing on private property when you take your photographs, you should assume you need the property owner's permission to be there. Where the private property is a public place like a theater, concert venue or amusement park, the operator will usually have a formal policy regarding photography. Since you're on their property with their permission, you're required to abide by their policies. This may be as simple as obtaining a press pass; it may mean paying for a permit; or it may simply not be allowed.

Public PlacesPhotography in and of public places is usually controlled by the local municipality. The deciding factor here often depends on the intent. Photography for personal use seldom requires a permit, though as the photographer should follow the same rules as the general public. Some sites in some cities do restrict the use of certain equipment such as tripods or artificial lighting, or certain activities, but these restrictions are usually clearly stated.

Commercial photography in or of sites within a city is usually controlled by the city and often requires a permit. If the commercial photography is "low impact", that is it doesn't involve props, sets, professional models or commercial products, it generally can be done without a permit. For example, a permit isn't required to take a picture of a sunset on the beach or Christmas lights decorating City Hall, no matter what the intended use of the photograph.

Commercial photography that isn't considered "low impact" does require a permit in most municipalities. If you're shooting a model on the beach posing with a new soft drink, you'll no doubt need a permit. A formal city permit usually means two things: a fee; and insurance. The City of Los Angeles currently requires evidence of $500,000 in liability coverage before issuing a permit for commercial still photography. The requirement is $1000,000 for a motion picture or video permit. You should inquire with your municipality to obtain their permit requirements.

Photographic coverage of breaking news is considered protected by the First Amendment and accordingly doesn't require a permit. Some public agencies require that news photography be done under supervision of agency staff to ensure protection of site resources. Most municipalities require credentials from an "official" new agency (a "Press Pass") for access beyond the public barricades of most crime scenes and news events. With the explosion of widespread internet-based new coverage, this requirement has begun to face some legal challenges.

DHS Permit?Unfortunately, in this post-9/11 world, operating as a photographer on public property has become quite a bit more complicated. Law enforcement agencies have become quite aggressive in their attempts to prevent photography of public buildings that may be perceived as terrorism targets. While cities such as New York have published law enforcement guidelines that make it clear that such photography is perfectly legal, taking pictures of public buildings remains risky in many cities. Law enforcement officers have been known to demand a permit from the Department of Homeland Security for such pictures, even though no such permit exists.

Further information on the issue of licenses and permits for commercial photography can be found one the web site of the Professional Photographers of America. (http:/www.ppa.com)

An ongoing discussion on the subject of public photography and the First Amendment can be found at the web site of photojournalist Carlos Miller. (http:/carlosmiller.com)

Answer 5

You do not necessarily have to be very educated to become a professional photographer. You just have to do good work.

Answer 6

If you're not doing it as a business, then no. If you are doing it as a business, then maybe, it depends on what your local law says.

Answer 7

No, but to get a career in photography you do

Answer 8

Ask at your city hall licensing department.

Answer 9

yes