What kind of education is needed to be a photographer?

Answer 1

It's all about perception. If you can create good photos you are a photographer. Composition and technique are all that REALLY matters, and if you don't have a good eye for composition, no school can give it to you. Lighting, focus, exposure, developing and touch-up are actually quite simple to learn if you've already picked up the basics. If you can't grasp the concept of "thirds", or basic group posing, you'll never make it. It doesn't really require school. You'd be better off by finding a photographer who needs an assistant and learning the craft from a master.

Answer 2

There are probably hundreds of variations on this question. Regardless of which one you clicked on that was merged into this question, your answer should lie within it's long answer. It briefly addresses income as well.

As for required professional degrees, there in no clear-cut answer yet. Many successful professional photographers, whether freelancers, self-employed specialists or company employees in a photo/photo-journalistic capacity have no "Photography" degree per se. While some employers may require a related degree or other accreditation, it really depends on the nature of the position and/or preference of the employer. One can acquire a degree in photography from a prestigious university and may target their passion in a particular field. However, it's not likely there are widely recognized degrees specific to many of those fields that people are asking about (read "Underwater Photography Degree, Wildlife Photography Degree, etc.). What you can be sure of is, that degree or not, a portfolio that demonstrates talent related to the field is a must.

The realm of photography is a vast one of equipment and techniques, and the work variety is enormous. A photographer may produce images of people, places, events, objects, concepts, etc. for studios, newspapers, magazines, stores, individuals, and so on. While there are many sources of information, many successful professional photographers had little formal education in photography. Like any other pioneer, the early famous photographers had no such formal education in the art; there likely was none to be had. So how did they become successful? There are several main keys to success, and which ones or how many you need depend on how far you want to go. Here they are in no particular order of importance, assuming you don't know a lot already:

1) Primary learning: read as much as you can. Borrow many books from your library, starting with beginner books. Now is not the time to research the Zone system or large format cameras if you are a newbie. Join a camera club or find other ways to talk to other photographers. Research the internet to learn more. Remember that sometimes you are reading or hearing opinion. At the high school level, join the yearbook team and learn about taking photographs; take art classes.

2) Practice what you learn. Today's digital cameras afford you the freedom to experiment and compare as you learn techniques. Sometimes the "rules" are made to be broken, which can lead to discovery, but save that for when you know how to follow the rule and get the desired results.

3) Secondary Learning: Take continuing education (night-school) courses at a community college/school to strengthen your knowledge. This will likely enable you to experience darkroom work as well. Keep practicing and invite critique from

photographers you consider better than you (your friends and family are not usually honest enough), but don't get angry or discouraged if you don't like what you hear. You are seeking experienced input, not flattery. Hone and improve your skills. A good arts program will offer photography as well as design and other art principles that are important.

4) Passion: if you don't have any for something that can be related to photography, better find some. Whether it's people, places, travel, a sport, a medical field, crafts, woodworking or whatever, you must be connected with something or no matter how far you go, it will only turn into a job. Those who achieve this at a high level usually go on to be extremely successful. However, be open minded...you may discover your interest lies more with the equipment than the photograph. That is, you may discover it is the camera that fascinates you more than how to use it. You might be better at teaching it than doing it (you won't be the first who is a better teacher than practician)!

5) Experience: can be obtained through assisting established photographers. If seeking to be mentored by a professional, develop a portfolio that you can present that (preferably) is related to the type of photography you are interested in (see "passion"). No one will consider you if you don't have a good foundation and something to demonstrate your level of skill. Don't expect the pro to turn any of the business over to you in a hurry, and expect to work for free. Knowledge and experience will be your payment.

6) Tertiary Learning: Stay current with the advances in technique and technology. Read more advanced books, subscribe to one or more photography periodicals. Take higher levels of continuing education courses such as portraiture or large format photography.

7) Higher Learning: If you wish to be highly successful as a professional, a liberal arts degree would be a minimum. If you wish to be a photojournalist, you will need a degree or diploma in that line of education. To work in a technical field, a science degree or diploma will likely be a must. Some universities offer degree programs specifically in photography, and these likely include the business aspects. Regardless of where your interest lies, a consultation with an education guidance counselor should be a priority.

Another popular question is, "How much can you earn?". It should be obvious by now that this can be from 0 to hundreds of thousands of dollars per year, and would depend on many things. A mediocre commercial or portrait photographer will make a mediocre salary, whereas one whose imagination captures the spirit of the subject in unique and compelling ways will be in great demand. Ever hear of Karsh or Geddes? It is not a matter of whether a wedding photographer makes more than a wildlife photographer. It's about the skills, passion, niches, opportunity, connections and circumstances, to name but a few.

NOTE: due to the great length and effort to construct this answer, I've locked out the question from editing by others. If you wish, you can suggest edits via my message board or use the discussion page for this question. Thanks.

Micron

Answer 3

You do not need any to become a photographer. There are many self taught photographers out there. Photographers are usually not judged on their education as much as on their portfolio and experience. An education and background in art or design is helpful and degree is preferred from the major studios, but if your plan is to freelance then a good portfolio and reviews from past clients is a good way to go.

Answer 4

None is specifically needed if you have the creativity already.

Some short courses may be beneficial in regards to lighting, composition, using the camera etc.

No photographer has been turned down because of a lack of education. If you can produce fine work, then go for it!

Answer 5

The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for photographers.

Employers usually seek applicants with a "good eye," imagination, and creativity, as well as a good technical understanding of photography. Photojournalists or industrial or scientific photographers generally need a college degree. Freelance and portrait photographers need technical proficiency, gained through a degree, training program, or experience.

Education and training. 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. Entry-level freelance or portrait photographers need technical proficiency. Some complete a college degree or vocational training programs.

Photography courses are offered by many universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, and private trade and technical schools. Basic courses in photography cover equipment, processes, and techniques. Learning good business skills is important and some bachelor's degree programs offer courses focusing on them. Art schools offer useful training in photographic design and composition.

Photographers may start out as assistants to experienced photographers. Assistants acquire the technical knowledge needed to be a successful photographer and also learn other skills necessary to run a portrait or commercial photography business.

Some photographers enter the field by submitting unsolicited a portfolio of photographs to magazines and to art directors at advertising agencies; for freelance photographers, a good portfolio is essential.

Individuals interested in a career in photography should try to develop contacts in the field by subscribing to photographic newsletters and magazines, joining camera clubs, and seeking summer or part-time employment in camera stores, newspapers, or photo studios.

Other qualifications. Photographers need good eyesight, artistic ability, and good hand-eye coordination. They should be patient, accurate, and detail-oriented and should be able to work well with others, as they frequently deal with clients, graphic designers, and advertising and publishing specialists. Photographers need to know how to use computer software programs and applications that allow them to prepare and edit images, and those who market directly to clients should know how to use the Internet to display their work.

Portrait photographers need the ability to help people relax in front of the camera. Commercial and fine arts photographers must be imaginative and original. News photographers must not only be good with a camera, but also understand the story behind an event so that their pictures match the story. They must be decisive in recognizing a potentially good photograph and act quickly to capture it.

Photographers who operate their own business, or freelance, need business skills as well as talent. These individuals must know how to prepare a business plan; submit bids; write contracts; keep financial records; market their work; hire models, if needed; get permission to shoot on locations that normally are not open to the public; obtain releases to use photographs of people; license and price photographs; and secure copyright protection for their work. To protect their rights and their work, self-employed photographers require basic knowledge of licensing and copyright laws, as well as knowledge of contracts and negotiation procedures.

Freelance photographers also should develop an individual style of photography to differentiate themselves from the competition.

Advancement. After several years of experience, magazine and news photographers may advance to photography or picture editor positions. Some photographers teach at technical schools, film schools, or universities.

For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.

Answer 6

There are associate and bachelor degrees available although there is no degree requirement for this field.

Answer 7

you would need a degree in buisness.

Answer 8

maths science and english