Self-employed photographers often do not have degrees.
The amount of schooling you need to become a photographer depends upon what type of work you want to do. If you plan to work in your own business, as do more than 50 percent of photographers, you can develop your talents in photography through practice, vocational school or college. You also need to learn sound business practices. However, most photojournalists and photographers for science and industry need a college degree.
Minimum Training
Photographers who want to work as freelancers or start a business need both technical and business skills. If experience and practice bring your work to a professional level, you may not need formal study of photography. If not, take classes toward a certificate or associate degree in a technical school, art school or community college. Take classes in photographic techniques and equipment, including computer editing software. Take business classes to prepare you for purchasing, billing and advertising when you open your business.
College Degree
Photographers working as employees usually need a four-year college or university degree in photography. Scientific photographers sometimes have a technical degree relevant to the particular industry. Classes for a bachelor's in photography usually include history and theory of photography, portrait photography, wedding photography, fine art photography or photojournalism.
Experience and Portfolio
Practical work experience is essential for you to compete in the job market. Develop your resume by working as a photographer's assistant while still in school or by joining the photography staff of the school yearbook, newspaper or magazine. Participate in a photography club, and take part in its exhibitions. Create an electronic portfolio or a website to showcase your work.
Other Qualifications
In addition to talent and training, photographers must have good coordination and vision. They need good people skills for dealing with clients and with other professionals in the publishing or advertising industries. They need special knowledge relevant to their field of photography, for example, fashion, journalism or science. To succeed as freelancers, they need a distinct and memorable style.
Outlook and Earnings
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for photographers will increase by an average rate of 12 percent from 2008 to 2018. However, a large number of photographers competing for available jobs will create a tight job market. Special skills or superior creative talent will give photographers an edge in finding employment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May 2010, the average photographer working as an employee earned $35,980 per year. The wages of photographers varied from $17,350 at the 10th percentile to $63,400 at the 90th percentile. The government surveyed 54,550 photographers working as employees for this study.
