Home Architecture Talk
How to become a professional photographer or photojournalist?
I'm digging around, looking into the field of photography as a potential future career. I've heard photography compared to painting and acting. It sounds like a hard field to break into, and once in tough to make a living, and unstable. If I were to do photography, I would have virtually no interest in the routine photos people take to pay the bills - weddings, models. I'm primarily interested in nature photography - landscapes and wild animals - architecture and documenting human and/or environmental controversy/plight. I'd be interested in sports if that meant documenting a rigorous man vs. nature expedition. I might be interested in the technical challenges of sports photography. I'd photograph the aftermath of natural disasters but probably not wars. How do you become a photographer? What kind of school would you go to? I already have a B.S. degree so it could be a school where you specialize - some kind of art school maybe. Other than Times magazine and National Geographic, who might I work for? How does one sell their photography if freelancing? This is one aspect I know I won't like. What is a day in the life of a photographer like? I am drawn to this field by the potential for adventure and world travel, although I do think I have some natural aptitude for photography, so if it becomes moving from one wedding to the next in my town, I won't enjoy it. What do you like most about being a photographer? What do you like least? What is the pay like? What drew you to the field? What do you think are the most important skills a photographer should have? Do you think as technology develops the field of photography will become outdated - that everyone will be able to capture a moment with their cell phone that there will no longer be a need for photographers?
Public Comments
- I started out as a Photo-journalist for a small newspaper that was owned by a larger corporation. First off, photography is hard, don't think for a second it's easy. A great deal of math for calculating light and settings. I also use a dark room so you have to learn chemistry. There are several schools, just do a search. There are many ways to start out, unless you are naturally gifted with loads of talent. The sooner you start the better. I have been writing since I was 13 and went to college at 16. Writing is very natural for me, but I needed to learn photography, which actually started as a hobby. You can make a good living as a photo-journalist as long as you want to be single. It's very difficult to have a serious relationship and travel the world. It truly is a 24-7 job. I started my own family photography when I got married. You have to ask your self what it is you want and go after it. Best of Luck. Needless to say, I loved it!
