How to Become a Photographer: A Career Path with Many Doors

What does a photographer really do? When you imagine the life of a photographer, is it filled with glitz and glamor? Extravagant parties and travel to exotic locations?

A photographer’s job is to freeze moments of time—of people, places, products, and events. They capture quick snapshots of reality in creative and informative ways with artistic vision and a command of their camera. Photos like these projects from Behance not only preserve important moments in our lives but can tell a story, influence change, and sell a vision.

Whether you dream of taking portraits of beautiful, famous individuals or want to be the one to capture decisive moments and communicate the news through imagery, photographers have the unique ability to intentionally stop time—and that’s really cool! While many think of photography as simply a hobby, it can and often is so much more than that. Using your perspective to effectively find ways to convey narratives and emotions with a single thought-provoking shot is incredibly rewarding.

Working as a photographer requires creativity and an understanding of the fundamentals of composition, focus, and framing. Let’s explore what it takes in this career guide.

IN THIS GUIDE:

What Does a Digital Photography Career Entail?

Photography Career Paths

Job Outlook and Salary

How To Become a Photographer

What Does a Digital Photography Career Entail?

Careers in digital photography can appeal to anyone looking to flex their creative muscles. The industry is made up of people from many different walks of life. The Federal Occupational Outlook Handbook found that 65% of photographers were self-employed in 2023. Because many photographers are self-employed, the field tends to attract self-starters with the ability to work independently and the desire for a flexible schedule. They also have a good head for business, as freelance photographers are frequently tasked with marketing, attracting new clients, and tracking payments and expenditures.

Photographers are often defined by their subjects—by what they take pictures of. Ansel Adams was known for landscapes, and Annie Leibovitz for portraits. Many choose an area of specialization, such as weddings, event photography, or product photography, and become known for that expertise. While many of these areas require the same skills in terms of composition, camera settings, and framing, some require more specialized expertise.

Take wedding photography, for example. In addition to the foundational skills mentioned above, a good wedding photographer must also be highly adept at using both natural and artificial lighting to create a sense of atmosphere and context. On the other hand, a photojournalist must not only be able to handle stressful, fast-paced situations, the leading photojournalists often also need to be great communicators and follow current events.

Photographers possess a good eye and a technical understanding of what makes a great photograph: from lighting to composition to camera settings. Many have formal training in fundamental photography principles and continually learn new techniques, skills, and technologies to stay current and advance their careers.

After the Shot: Post-Production and More

For most professional photographers, taking pictures is one small slice of the pie. Much of any professional’s time is taken up with editing and processing images in applications like Adobe Lightroom or Capture One, communicating with clients, advertising, networking, and other business tasks. There are also physical demands that come with the job, such as carrying heavy equipment to and from locations.

The daily work environment for a photographer will vary greatly depending on his or her area of specialization. Portrait photographers work in studios but may travel to take photos on location. Aerial photographers work in planes, in helicopters and now even with drones. News photographers or photojournalists can journey to other nations or regionally and should be ready to work in uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous locations. War zones, disaster areas and other risky areas can be work locations for news photographers.

For many photographers, the job involves a lot of back-and-forth travel between locations and a studio where images can be edited and produced. In this career, every day can be different depending on your current project and area of specialization.

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Digital Photography Career Paths

Now that you’re familiar with what a digital photographer does, let’s take a look at the types of people who may be interested in a career in digital photography. There are many ways to start a career in photography. If you want to be successful, increase your odds by taking the paths many others have taken before you.

Young people aspiring to enter the workforce as a photography professional. This group will benefit from learning fundamental skills to help them land their first job. Understanding photo composition, lighting, camera functions, and editing software capabilities is essential for anyone starting out in the profession. No matter your skill level, education can accelerate your development, so start taking courses as soon as you are able if you want to pursue a career in digital photography.

New photographers also need to build a portfolio of their work to show to potential clients. Photography degree programs provide students the opportunity to cultivate skills and build a portfolio.

Professional photographers looking to advance their careers. Maybe you’ve been a photographer for a number of years, but technology has changed since you got started. Learn new skill sets and get lessons from an expert photographer to propel your existing photography business to the next level. Mastery of new trends and advancements in photo editing technology gives you an edge with clients in the marketplace. There is no reason to ever stop developing your creativity or abilities.

Go to galleries and art shows and talk to photographers. Dive into the rich history of famous photographers and see what you can learn or apply today. There is an endless supply of resources for you to absorb.

When you are ready to embrace your growth, joining an organization like the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) can help you connect with other photographers and access resources such as education, certification, and business tools. Aspiring professionals can access online courses, workshops, and the opportunity to become certified, enhancing their credibility and skills in the competitive photography industry.

Adults considering a change of career. Trying to change your career can feel like a daunting task, but rest assured, it isn’t as difficult as it seems. Many others have decided to look to photography later and there are plenty of resources to help you do it. Perhaps you’re looking to transition to more creative pursuits in your next career.

Colleges and schools are well-versed in educating those seeking to switch their careers to digital photography. You can find an educational track personalized for you. Advisors in admissions departments are used to helping people from diverse backgrounds find their way through to their goals.

Certificate programs are actually designed with adult learners in mind! These programs can be completed in weeks or months. If you’re considering a certificate program, take a look at our Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Photography program.

Further Reading: Hear from someone who’s done it. Here’s a case study of a photographer who transitioned from freelance food blogger to commercial photographer.

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Digital Photographer Job Outlook and Salary

People become photographers for all sorts of reasons. Some may be seeking professional success, while others may just want to be creative. In the digital age, many industries require the skills of photographers for a wide variety of reasons from advertising to internal documentation.

Many photographers are self-employed, and jobs listed on career sites are mostly short-term in nature. Freelance photographers tend to cultivate business through networking, advertising, and customer referrals in their local communities. A degree or certificate in photography can open the door to all sorts of career opportunities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following job outlook and average median salary for photographers in the United States:

• There were 151,100 photography jobs in the United States in 2023.
• The median pay for a photographer was $40,760.
• The occupation is expected to grow by 4%, increasing by 13,700 jobs each year over the next decade.

Types of Photography Jobs: Portrait, Commercial, Fine Arts

What are some specialized career paths within the photography field? There are many different types of photography jobs out there, each requiring special skills. Let’s explore some niches that photographers aspire to master.

Portrait Photographers

Portrait photographers may work in a studio or shoot photos on location, capturing images of babies, children, families, and seniors. They typically work in a studio or on location and are often self-employed. Portrait photographers may specialize in certain types of portraiture, such as weddings, special events, senior portraits or family portraits.

Some responsibilities of a typical portrait photographer may include:

• Promoting the business, especially if self-employed
• Editing and reviewing photographs
• Meeting with clients and portrait subjects
• Choosing locations and creating optimal settings for photos

Commercial Photographer

Commercial photographers photograph products or create images to sell a service. They may work on a freelance basis or for an organization. This can take the form of fashion photography, lifestyle photography, product photography or other types of photography, depending on the service or product.

Some responsibilities of commercial photographers are:

• Create and maintain a portfolio
• Manage equipment
• Take and edit photos
• Find and pitch clients if self-employed

Fine Art Photographer

Fine arts photography seeks to create images used as art in people’s homes, art galleries, or businesses. These photographers make money by selling prints of landscapes, animals, objects, and individuals. They need more than technical knowledge about their craft. They also need creativity and artistic talent.

Here are some tasks a fine arts photographer may have to do:

• Promote, market and sell art
• Edit photographs, often in unique ways
• Choose locations and settings for creative vision
• Cultivate artistic talent

News Photographer/Photojournalist

Photojournalists capture photos to convey a story and disseminate the news to the public. Their photos are printed in newspapers and magazines or broadcast on television. Modern photojournalists will often work with digital video, especially as social media proliferates.

Make no mistake, this is a form of journalism. Like a writer, a photojournalist is a reporter who must make decisions as situations arise on location, all while carrying photography equipment!

Some of the typical duties of a news photographer may be:

• Follow current events to anticipate scoops or newsworthy events
• Manage and care for equipment suitable for locations
• Edit digital images
• Travel to locations to capture events

Industrial Photographer

Industrial photographers take photos in industrial settings for a number of reasons. They may be employed by companies to take photos to be used in advertisements, newsletters, catalogs, websites or just within the company. These photographers may be self employed or employed by a company.

Industrial companies need pictures of their processes, machines, staff, and other types of things related to operations for everything from internal training to public awareness. Here are some tasks an industrial photographer may need to do:

• Take and edit photographs
• Capture processes, people and industrial landscapes in photos
• Manage and maintain industrial camera equipment
• Create lighting concepts for settings

Related Fields

Some careers are very similar or adjacent to digital photography but are not considered a part of the field, necessarily. Still, you would benefit from having training or skills in photography or image editing if you were in one of these related fields.

Here are some careers that are related:

• Drone Photographer
• Desktop Publishers
• Film and Video Editors
• Graphic Designer
• Cinematographer
• Camera Operator

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How To Become a Professional Photographer: Step-by-Step

Now that you’re familiar with the careers and aspects related to digital photography, let’s take a look at how one might go about starting a career in the field. You aren’t just going to stumble into a successful photography career. It takes some work.

The first step to a career in photography is to develop your skills through formal training or a course of study. Once you have the know-how, you will need examples of your work to attract clients, as well as an effective marketing strategy.

Your work doesn’t end once the photos are shot. Photographers spend a significant amount of time reviewing and editing their work to produce a professional final product.

Let’s dive into each step.

1. Get Formal Training

There are so many types of photography training available, you may wonder: Is a photography degree worth it? More than a piece of paper, a degree can help kickstart your photography career. Employers and potential clients will likely want to see some type of evidence demonstrating your skills, experience, and abilities. A degree from an accredited college is indisputable proof to others that you have been mentored and tested by experts.

A degree is generally not required to become a photographer, though many photographers benefit from formal art/design or photography training, and certain specializations, like photojournalism, industrial photography, and scientific photography, may require a degree. The bottom line is that you need to gain practical experience and concurrently acquire whatever knowledge will make you a better photographer.

2. Build a Portfolio

As with many jobs in art and design, photographers need a strong portfolio to show potential clients and employers what they’re capable of. Collect a portfolio of work to demonstrate your knowledge and mastery of digital photography. Choose images that showcase skills in composition, lighting, and photo editing.

Include different types of photography, such as portrait, landscape, and commercial photography, depending on the jobs you plan to pursue. Building a portfolio also provides opportunities to practice and hone your skills as a digital photographer.

You should probably have both online and print portfolios that contain overlapping work. Have unique items in each portfolio so you can continue to keep the attention of the viewer.

Keep it simple and also make your work the focus. Don’t let things get too complicated. Make sure you don’t get caught up on complex site design when creating an online portfolio. Let the content speak for itself. This applies to print portfolios as well. Select a theme and remain consistent regarding size and shape. Having trouble simplifying? Focus on your specialized skills and showcase them.

3. Market Yourself

To have a successful portfolio, you need to show your work off. Self-promotion is essential to career success for creatives. When you have your work all together and are confident in your layout, promote it far and wide!

Advertise your availability as a photographer to potential clients and employers. Social media campaigns, print advertising, networking, and word of mouth are all effective methods for attracting customers. If you prefer to work for an organization or in-house at a company, apply to photography jobs within your fields of specialty. The best way to find full-time jobs is by networking with professionals in and adjacent to your industry.

Regardless of the media or platform, project confidence. You know your work intimately and may consider some negative aspects within the pieces. Don’t slip into negative thought patterns, and take time to practice describing your work positively.

4. Evolve

Professional photography portfolios are never finished. It is necessary to constantly add and improve your portfolios in order to make them look fresh and feel current. Use feedback to your advantage and solicit it where you can.

You will continue to improve your skills and knowledge indefinitely. Let your portfolio reflect that. This is how the best photographers stay relevant and increase their value. Be aware of trends, especially in the digital space, where things change quickly.

Leveraging New AI Tools in Photography

While the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) in the photography space can be scary, we must remember that it can never replace the human creativity and intention behind the camera. In fact, AI is a useful tool for photographers if used correctly. In fact, experience working with AI-powered editing software can give any photographer a competitive edge. Knowing how to use new AI tools such as Adobe’s Lightroom and Photoshop AI features can increase efficiency, giving you more time to drive your business and attract new clients.

The use of artificial intelligence is changing the entire face of image creation, and general photography knowledge is advantageous for using GenAI tools. For example, being able to reference specific techniques, styles, and lenses is a secret weapon for GenAI prompting.

Increase your understanding of AI and your business prospects by earning a degree or certificate in photography, and take your career to the next level. An Associate Degree in Digital Photography from Sessions College can set you on a new career path or enhance the skills you already have.

Educational Pathways for Photographers

Explore different photography programs and photography schools to choose the best fit for you. Some photography programs are available in person, while others are virtual. Online learning is a great option for aspiring photographers without a program close by, and can be especially useful for those who already have a full time job or other responsibilities that don’t allow them to be traditional students.

Like we said previously, formal training is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success as a photographer and open the door to opportunity. While you may think that your photographs speak for themselves, a degree from an accredited photography program is demonstrable proof that you have studied under experts, have access to professional networks, have technical expertise, and know more than just basic photography skills. These are all things potential employers want to see.

In addition to secondary education, training and mentoring with other professional photographers is a great way to hone your skills. Ask local photographers if you can join them on shoots, or volunteer your time with an organization who needs photography. Internships are also great tools in forging your own path forward.

You can research how to earn an Associate or Bachelor’s degree in photography online. Sessions College offers flexible online classes to accommodate distance learners looking to advance their careers.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I become a photographer?

There are many ways to start your journey of becoming a digital photographer. While education isn’t necessarily required, having an Associate Degree or Undergraduate Certificate from an accredited school is something prospective employers often favor when considering applicants. Those seeking employment at a higher level may want to earn a Bachelor’s Degree.

Q: What qualifications do you need to be a photographer?

You don’t typically need a degree to become a photographer, but many photographers find that formal training in art, design, or photography helps. Some areas, like photojournalism, industrial, or scientific photography, may require a degree. Ultimately, the key is to build practical experience and continue learning whatever will enhance your skills as a photographer.

Q: Which degree is best for photography?

Those interested in pursuing a photography career have a number of options. There are several types of certificate and degree programs available. A Bachelor’s Degree will provide a solid foundation for aspiring digital photographers, allowing you to expand basic skills, network with professionals, and learn additional transferable skills that are valuable to employers.

Alternatives to a Bachelor’s Degree include Associate Degrees and Undergraduate Certificates. For those looking for a shorter, focused program that still provides you with all of the foundational skills you need, an Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Photography is a great option.

Q: How long do you go to school to be a photographer?

Most photography jobs do not require a degree. Many photographers have only a high school diploma, but having more education will help you stand out among your peers. Some of the most renowned photographers have advanced degrees. Every photographer takes a different path. Formal training will help any potential photographer in their career, and is a smart way to start building your portfolio!

Q: Can I become a photographer without a degree?

Yes. As long as you have a strong understanding of photography concepts, know how to effectively use your gear, and can demonstrate your skills, you can be a photographer.

While it’s possible to become a photographer without a degree, earning one can provide significant advantages. A degree program offers structured learning that covers technical skills, such as lighting, composition, and editing, which can accelerate your mastery of the craft. It also provides access to professional equipment, expert mentorship, and networking opportunities with peers and industry professionals. Furthermore, having a degree can enhance your credibility and open doors to higher-paying jobs, such as in commercial photography or working with prestigious clients, giving you a competitive edge in the industry.

Q: How do I start my own photography business?

Taking some business and photography courses is a great place to start your journey toward owning a digital photography business. Try to hone your skills and learn the landscape before taking on clients. When you’re certain you know what you’re getting into and are confident in your abilities, start at a level you’re comfortable with.

Q: What resources are available to help me start a photography business?

American Society of Media Photographers: Also known as the ASMP, the American Society of Media Photographers is a professional association of photographers and imaging professionals. This includes underwater, architectural, culinary and advertising photographers. ASMP also serves video and filmmakers as well as other specialists.

ASMP advocates for the rights of photographers, provides technical and business information and helps support information sharing among its members. Fortunately much of the material they create and share is open to the public. You can find web tutorials on property releases, model releases and registering copyrights.

Professional Photographers of America: Most commonly known as the PPA, this organization is the world’s largest nonprofit trade association for professional photographers. In-depth manuals, guided mentorship, coaching, and several other online business resources focused on financials, operations, and planning are provided to members of PPA.