5 answers
Madelyn
Student
River Falls, Wisconsin
1
Question
Updated
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What knowledge is needed for a successful photography career?
I'm a Senior in high school who currently does not own a "professional camera," but I have done some artwork for my father's business using a phone camera. I'm mainly interested in landscape photography. I understand that pursuing a post-secondary education is important, but which option is best? Is it smarter in the long run to work with a high school graduate degree, an associates degree, or even a bachelor's?
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5 answers
Joseph Spirtos
Enter art contests
22
Answers
Poland, Ohio
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
Hey there!
Those are some good questions. I suggest going for at least an associate degree while you practice photography on the side. There are many great ways you can gain experience in school. For example, there are some DVD courses you can watch at home; I'm sure Youtube has videos as well. You could even buy a good but cheap camera to practice with. Try entering some photo contests and or entering some pictures to magazines. You will find that local places such as county fairs have photo contests which is a great way to gain experience and confidence even if you don't always win. You mentioned landscape, try looking into Nature magazines, again you will find that some are looking for pictures every month for their magazine and the entry is free.
I hope this helps and good luck!
(p.s. A nature magazine that will take and publish non-professional pictures by email is "Nature Friend")
Those are some good questions. I suggest going for at least an associate degree while you practice photography on the side. There are many great ways you can gain experience in school. For example, there are some DVD courses you can watch at home; I'm sure Youtube has videos as well. You could even buy a good but cheap camera to practice with. Try entering some photo contests and or entering some pictures to magazines. You will find that local places such as county fairs have photo contests which is a great way to gain experience and confidence even if you don't always win. You mentioned landscape, try looking into Nature magazines, again you will find that some are looking for pictures every month for their magazine and the entry is free.
I hope this helps and good luck!
(p.s. A nature magazine that will take and publish non-professional pictures by email is "Nature Friend")
David Wuerth
Freelance Photojournalist/ Sports Photographer
127
Answers
Nampa, Idaho
Updated
David’s Answer
Hello Madelyn,
At this stage, I would not be concerned with a "professional camera." But, you will need to own a interchangeable lens camera. I would suggest you start with a used camera and lens. I buy from several used retailers: B&H Photo, KEH Camera and Roberts Camera. They all have websites and good customer support.
You do not mention what genre of photography interests you. You can get by with a high school diploma, but I recommend a bachelors degree in art or another liberal arts program. College can expand your horizons and show you opportunities. Plus, depending on which genre of phtography you pursue, a degree can provide a living as you get started.
Back to a camera, you must learn about cameras, their features and how to use them. Possibly, your town library can help.(I'm not a big fan of Youtube videos) There are a lot of books on digital photography that can help you learn. One of my favorite authors is Micheal Freeman.
I will warn you, a career in the arts is tough, but if it's your passion...go do it!
At this stage, I would not be concerned with a "professional camera." But, you will need to own a interchangeable lens camera. I would suggest you start with a used camera and lens. I buy from several used retailers: B&H Photo, KEH Camera and Roberts Camera. They all have websites and good customer support.
You do not mention what genre of photography interests you. You can get by with a high school diploma, but I recommend a bachelors degree in art or another liberal arts program. College can expand your horizons and show you opportunities. Plus, depending on which genre of phtography you pursue, a degree can provide a living as you get started.
Back to a camera, you must learn about cameras, their features and how to use them. Possibly, your town library can help.(I'm not a big fan of Youtube videos) There are a lot of books on digital photography that can help you learn. One of my favorite authors is Micheal Freeman.
I will warn you, a career in the arts is tough, but if it's your passion...go do it!
Kelvin Kelly Otu
Filmmaker and a creative director
7
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Kelvin Kelly’s Answer
To succeed in photography, you need to blend technical skills, creativity, business sense, and good people skills. You must understand how to handle exposure, lighting, and composition and use editing tools like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop to produce high-quality images. Creativity sets you apart by helping you develop a unique style and tell stories through your photos. Business skills are also important, as you'll need to handle contracts, pricing, and client relationships, build a strong brand, and market yourself on social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest. Good communication helps you work well with others, direct subjects confidently, and keep clients happy. Being adaptable and resilient is key, as you'll often face challenges like bad weather, technical issues, or changing client needs. Balancing professionalism, artistry, and continuous learning is the path to success.
Mike Dunn
Photography
1
Answer
Everett, Washington
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Madlyn,
Don't worry about not having a professional camera. You can start with any camera, even your phone, which is great. I began with a simple box camera. As you get more serious, consider getting a used camera with interchangeable lenses and manual settings. While auto settings are convenient, learning to use your camera manually is important.
Degrees can be helpful, but in photography, your portfolio is what really matters. Focus on building that. Living in Wisconsin is a plus because you're near Milwaukee Technical College, where I graduated with an Associate Degree in Photography. It's a fantastic two-year program. I also gained a lot from attending the Navy Photography School while in the Coast Guard.
Going to seminars and taking classes can also boost your skills. Keep reading, studying, and talking about photography with others to learn more. Good luck! The field is competitive but rewarding. Also, consider studying business, accounting, and marketing to help you succeed.
Don't worry about not having a professional camera. You can start with any camera, even your phone, which is great. I began with a simple box camera. As you get more serious, consider getting a used camera with interchangeable lenses and manual settings. While auto settings are convenient, learning to use your camera manually is important.
Degrees can be helpful, but in photography, your portfolio is what really matters. Focus on building that. Living in Wisconsin is a plus because you're near Milwaukee Technical College, where I graduated with an Associate Degree in Photography. It's a fantastic two-year program. I also gained a lot from attending the Navy Photography School while in the Coast Guard.
Going to seminars and taking classes can also boost your skills. Keep reading, studying, and talking about photography with others to learn more. Good luck! The field is competitive but rewarding. Also, consider studying business, accounting, and marketing to help you succeed.
Michael Brochstein
Photojournalist
3
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Michael’s Answer
While it is possible to be successful with no degree, there are a multiple of advantages to having a degree. They include the education itself which will help you in your work as well as networking and possible internship and job opportunities. If you ever want to teach in a formal environment then a degree (and maybe a MFA) might be necessary. Good luck!