Best route to photography as a profession

<p>As a self taught amateur I feel the need to get further education in the field. My goal is to be a professional photographer. Honestly my dream job would be working for something like Transworld, Snowboarding Mag, etc.<br>

I fancy myself an action photographer. But I am not immune to other aspects, exp. weddings, portraits, etc.<br>

So my question to those who are experienced paid photographers is. Should I go to school for photography or should I try and be an apprentice.<br>

If i choose the school route where do I go?<br>

There is a local art school here with a fast track 1 year photography program.<br>

Pros: Only 1 year, less expensive, only photography curriculum.<br>

Cons: Earns you a certificate</p>

<p>3 year program:<br>

Pros: Earns a BA, slightly more photography curriculum, web design.<br>

Cons: 3 years, much more expensive, a lot of non-photography related curriculum.<br>

Both gain one self experience and education and a fancy piece of paper to go along with it.<br>

Or the other option find a local experienced photographer to learn from(school of hard knocks)<br>

gain education and experience and use all that would be tuition for some nice new lenses.</p>

<p>Please help I am very serious about this. I really enjoy photography and I have to put food on the table for the rest of my life some how so I might as well do what I love.<br>

Thanks for reading and hopefully replying.</p>

 

<p>Do a search on this topic here on PN...it has received a lot of attention with really excellent advice. Although not a pro myself, the most significant advice I've seen offered is for budding photographers to get a firm grounding in the business aspect of the profession...how to run a small business. Sounds boring to many artistic wannabes but it can definitely help put bread on the table knowing what to do in startup situations, during expansionary phases, and during hard times. Good luck in your endeavors....I'm sure you'll get plenty of other sound answers.</p>

 

<p>If you decide to go for the fine arts degree, pick up a second major in business -- preferably with an entrepreneurial focus. Every graduate is going to have the same knowledge about how to use the camera. It will be the ones who can buy that knowledge with the ability to run a business well who will be the most successful -- generally speaking.</p>

<p>Have you ever considered being a military photographer? The Air Force will send you to a great photography school (after basic training), and credit for the courses will transfer to a two-year degree in photography from the Community College of the Air Force. I know it's not for everyone, but it's a great opportunity for some folks.</p>

<p><img src="http://www.willdaniel.com/stuff/3341_0907_677.jpg" alt="" width="700" height="467" /></p>

<p>Depends on what type of photographer you want to be. Beleive it or not some top magazines still hire photographers straight out of school. To land a job like that usually requires a degree from one of tha most pretigious schools unless you are very talented. If you want to become a wedding, portrait or freelance photographer, and education might help, but workshops, self education and real world experiences are just and even more valuable.<br>

In my opinion, Business courses can be very helpful, no matter what type of photographer you want to be, but they are not absolutely essential. You can pick up a good business book for photographers such as this one: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Photography-Focus-Profit-Tom-Zimberoff/dp/1581150598">http://www.amazon.com/Photography-Focus-Profit-Tom-Zimberoff/dp/1581150598</a> and take it from there.</p>

<p>Working for yourself is not that much different, or difficult than working for somebody else. I mean you still have to do your taxes, although you might need the services of a lawyer, insurance agent, or a tax accountant. If you decide to hire people to work for you, then it might get more complicated. <br>

What I think is really essential is working on your people skills. Photography is not a business for the shy and retiring, or the arrogant. You have to be a good salesman, have good marketing skills and very good people skills to make it in this busineses, especially when first starting out.</p>

<p>I would intern with someone you really appreciate and admire. There is absolutlely no substitute for getting your hands dirty and getting out in the field and learning by doing. Being on set is the best education there is.</p>