It isn't hard to become a photographer. While it's not always mandatory for photographers to have post-secondary education, many choose to go this route because it often nets them a better job than if they didn't.
This is because employers are looking for people with creativity, a technical understanding of photography, and a "good eye". Photojournalists and industrial and scientific photographers often need a bachelor's degree.
To be a photographer, you can buy a camera and some equipment, learn photography from a multitude of free online photography courses, practice your photography skills, find a niche that you can focus on, and start a business.
Becoming a professional photographer is a lot harder and more competitive. You need skills, talent, marketing strategy, and tenacity to set yourself apart from other aspiring photographers. To be a successful photographer you also need applicable business knowledge.
Formal training can also help with being successful in the long term, although this is not the only way to succeed. If you're a budding photographer, find a mentor, or try to gain internship experience. You might also search for a job as an assistant to gain hands-on experience.
Go to photography talks and exhibitions as they are a great way to connect with other professionals and learn, firsthand, what is possible. There are also plenty of online photography communities that you can join.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly wage for photographers was $38,000 in 2021.
Becoming a photographer could be a unique creative outlet for people with an eye for beautiful shots. Not only does it seem fun and interesting, but being able to express yourself creatively on such a large scale would be a fulfilling life choice.
