Qualifications to Get Into Photography Business?

V

VVxFan

New member
Recently I've been looking into photography as a career after I was put off Animation. After trying to seek advice from my dad (no help at all!), he claimed it would be a good idea to look up what qualifications are needed to get into Photography.

I want to go into Fashion Photography or maybe taking photos of bands and solo artists for CD covers etc. So what qualifications would I need? I'm currently doing a National Diploma in Interactive Media, which lightly covers Photography.

Please help!!

XX
 
qualifications for professional photographers....

1. remember that most pro photogs are self employed. the ones who aren't mostly work at studios in the mall and are lucky to earn minimum wage.

2. knowledge of the following (in no particular order)
advertising
marketing
business law
contracts
copyright law
negotiation
finance
taxes
commercial real estate
travel
fashion
art
hair and makeup
computers
general technology
image editing software
set design and construction

did you notice that anything having to do with a camera or lens or flash or the talent and ability to take fantastic photos did not even make the list?

good luck
 
You do not need any qualifications whatsoever to have a business in photography. I make a side living from photography and I hold no degree, not even a GCSE, I am completely self taught. Photography is more about the results you get than the qualifications you hold.

There is a slight problem though.. Fashion photography is so competitive that you will be better off with a good qualification and training in lighting etc under a tutor. The type of photography you mentioned (fashion, photo's of bands for album covers) is so competitive that you are more likely to be struck by lightning 17 times than get a job in that particular field.

The best thing for you to do is to get an SLR or entry level DSLR and practice photography as a hobby for a while. Maybe do an evening or weekend course and see how you get on. The more you understand photography and the business, the more you will understand just how difficult it is to make any serious money. Some get lucky and do reasonably well, the vast majority don't.

Something for you to think about..

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