High School

While in high school, take as many art classes and photography classes that are available. Chemistry is useful for understanding developing and printing processes. You can learn about photo editing software and digital photography in computer and art classes, and business classes will help if you are considering a freelance career.

Postsecondary Training

A college education is not required to become a photographer, although college training probably offers the most promising assurance of success if you decide to pursue a career in fields such as industrial, news, or scientific photography. There are degree programs at the associates, bachelors, and masters levels. Many, however, become photographers with no formal education beyond high school.

Professional Photographers of America offers a merit degree program in which photographers can earn the following designations: master of photography, photographic craftsman, and master artist.

To become a photographer, you should have a broad technical understanding of photography plus as much practical experience with cameras as possible. Take many different kinds of photographs with a variety of cameras and subjects. Learn how to develop photographs and use photo-editing software. 

Other Education or Training

Continuing education events, seminars, classes, and other activities are offered by many professional associations, including American Photographic Artists, American Society of Media Photographers, American Society of Picture Professionals, and the Professional Photographers of America. Contact these organizations for more information.

Certification or Licensing

The Professional Photographic Certification Commission, which is affiliated with Professional Photographers of America, offers certification to general photographers. Visit https://www.ppa.com/benefits/certification/cpp?utm_source=ppmag&utm_medium=ad&utm_campaign=cpp for more information. 

The best way to obtain experience in the field is to work as an assistant to a publicity photographer. Contact photographers in your area to inquire about opportunities.

You should possess manual dexterity, good eyesight and color vision, and artistic ability to succeed in this line of work. You need an eye for form and line, an appreciation of light and shadow, and the ability to use imaginative and creative approaches to photographs or film, especially in commercial work. In addition, you should be patient and accurate and enjoy working with detail.

Self-employed (or freelance) photographers need good business skills. They must be able to manage their own studios, including hiring and managing assistants and other employees, keeping records, and maintaining photographic and business files. Marketing and sales skills are also important to a successful freelance photography business.