Photographers

Education

Postsecondary education is not always required for photographers. However, many photographers take classes or earn a certificate or degree to improve their skills.

Many universities, community colleges, vocational–technical institutes, and private trade and technical schools offer classes in photography. The subject matter in basic photography courses includes how to use various photography equipment, processes, and techniques. Art school training in photographic design and composition also may be useful.

Some employers may require or prefer that candidates have a bachelor’s degree in photography, photojournalism, or a related fine arts field.

Business, marketing, and accounting classes may be helpful for self-employed photographers.

Training

Photographers’ skill or ability for taking good photos is typically cultivated over years of practice. Photographers often start working as an assistant to a professional photographer, learning on the job. This work provides an opportunity to gain experience, build the photographers’ portfolios, and gain exposure to prospective clients. In addition, photographers must learn to use photo-editing software.

For many artists, including photographers, developing a portfolio—a collection of their work that demonstrates their styles and abilities—is essential. Art directors, clients, and others may review portfolios when deciding whether to hire a particular photographer.

Licenses, certifications & registrations

Photographers who commercially operate drones, commonly known as unmanned aerial vehicles, must obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). For specific guidelines and information, visit the FAA website’s section on unmanned aircraft systems.

Important qualities

Artistic ability. Photographers capture their subjects in images, and they must evaluate the artistic quality of a photograph. Photographers need the ability to use colors, shadows, shades, light, and distance to compose aesthetically pleasing photographs.

Business skills. Photographers must plan marketing or advertising strategies, reach out to prospective clients, and anticipate seasonal employment.

Computer skills. Most photographers do their own postproduction work and must be adept at using photo-editing software. They also use computers to maintain a digital portfolio.

Customer-service skills. Photographers must understand the types of shots their clients want and agree on suitable alternatives for ideas that may be unworkable.

Detail-oriented skills. Photographers must focus on details, especially in postproduction. In addition, photographers accumulate many photographs and must maintain them in an orderly fashion.

Interpersonal skills. Photographers must communicate and be flexible when working with clients in order to achieve the desired composition in a photograph.