How difficult is it to become a professional photographer?

Q. What's the defitition of "professional photographer?" A. A guy with five cameras and a wife who works. Photography is a difficult way to earn a living. Everyone has a digital camera these days, and they all shoot pretty good pictures, right out of the box. If they're going to pay you to take pictures, you have to offer something far better than what they, or their photography-enthusiast friends can do, and that means training, equipment, creativity, photoshop skills -- and most important, nonstop marketing. Education only provides the first thing -- training. But even if you have and do all those things, nothing is guaranteed. But if you're determined, go to a professional school like Brooks in CA or become a photographer's assistant in NY, MIlan or similar place.

Q. What's the defitition of "professional photographer?" A. A guy with five cameras and a wife who works. Photography is a difficult way to earn a living. Everyone has a digital camera these days, and they all shoot pretty good pictures, right out of the box. If they're going to pay you to take pictures, you have to offer something far better than what they, or their photography-enthusiast friends can do, and that means training, equipment, creativity, photoshop skills -- and most important, nonstop marketing. Education only provides the first thing -- training. But even if you have and do all those things, nothing is guaranteed. But if you're determined, go to a professional school like Brooks in CA or become a photographer's assistant in NY, MIlan or similar place.

It's a flooded industry so you need to be REALLY good and offer something that 450 people in your town aren't already. Practice, get educated, get experience and if you are truly good open a business with a business plan. Good luck!!! =)

It's a flooded industry so you need to be REALLY good and offer something that 450 people in your town aren't already. Practice, get educated, get experience and if you are truly good open a business with a business plan. Good luck!!! =)

I'm not going to lie to you, it's difficult to become a successful photographer. The question is, why should someone else succeed and not you? If you have the determination, talent and intelligence you can do it. Do not listen to the people that have never succeeded nor even tried. Here's what you need to do: Learn photography technically. You want to know exactly how things work. You do not need a college degree though if you have the means it is not a bad way to go. With or without a college degree, expect to be an assistant first. This is a great way to learn more about photography and also about the business. It's a path you need to get on and find your way. Don't worry about how you are going to make money yet, those answers will come to you in time. I have been a photographer for quite a long time and I have worked at a very high level. I know what I am talking about here. If you want to make it, aim high, work hard and don't look back. I would say that 90 % of the people I knew when I was starting out failed. Those of us that made it are enjoying a great life.

It's easy. If you get someone to pay you for your photos, then you are a professional. However, it is extremely difficult to become a successful professional photographer. ~What kind of schooling after high school will I need, or should I get? You don't need any formal education, but you do need to know how to take pictures and run a business. Formal education is one way to get it, but there are plenty of other. ~Do I need to get an "Apprenticeship" before starting my own business Just like a formal education, you don't need one, but it helps. I never had a formal apprenticeship, but I had a lot of friends in the photography business that mentored me when I was starting out. ~How do I spread the word to get my business out there and so people will come to me? You need to have a solid understanding of marketing and advertising. ~I want to take both pictures of people and nature type things, but what could I do with the nature ones? Like selling wise, how could I make money off of them? You can sell them to magazines, through stock agencies, and to galleries. Nature photography is a very saturated field, and it is very difficult to succeed in. ~Any tips and such to becoming a pro and/or running my own business? Worry about being a good photographer first, then worry about making money at it.

It's easy. If you get someone to pay you for your photos, then you are a professional. However, it is extremely difficult to become a successful professional photographer. ~What kind of schooling after high school will I need, or should I get? You don't need any formal education, but you do need to know how to take pictures and run a business. Formal education is one way to get it, but there are plenty of other. ~Do I need to get an "Apprenticeship" before starting my own business Just like a formal education, you don't need one, but it helps. I never had a formal apprenticeship, but I had a lot of friends in the photography business that mentored me when I was starting out. ~How do I spread the word to get my business out there and so people will come to me? You need to have a solid understanding of marketing and advertising. ~I want to take both pictures of people and nature type things, but what could I do with the nature ones? Like selling wise, how could I make money off of them? You can sell them to magazines, through stock agencies, and to galleries. Nature photography is a very saturated field, and it is very difficult to succeed in. ~Any tips and such to becoming a pro and/or running my own business? Worry about being a good photographer first, then worry about making money at it.

As difficult as anything else - it takes determination and hard work (if you want to make a living at it). I believe there are books on the subject - you could start your research there.

how difficult is it? very