I just started taking pictures but I'm in love with the whole thing. Can I become a professional photographer without formal schooling, like a college degree or years at a trade school or that kind of thing? Expensive tuition would be a real problem for me.
Ladybug wrote: I just started taking pictures but I'm in love with the whole thing. Can I become a professional photographer without formal schooling, like a college degree or years at a trade school or that kind of thing? Expensive tuition would be a real problem for me.
Its 20 percent skill, and 1000 percent marketing.
When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.
Ladybug wrote: I just started taking pictures but I'm in love with the whole thing. Can I become a professional photographer without formal schooling, like a college degree or years at a trade school or that kind of thing? Expensive tuition would be a real problem for me.
Its 20 percent skill, and 1000 percent marketing.
QFT
Being a pro photographer isn't all it's cracked up to be. Trust me I tried it for a while and couldn't be bothered. It just sucks the fun out of photography.
Ladybug wrote: I just started taking pictures but I'm in love with the whole thing. Can I become a professional photographer without formal schooling, like a college degree or years at a trade school or that kind of thing? Expensive tuition would be a real problem for me.
Its 20 percent skill, and 1000 percent marketing.
QFT
Being a pro photographer isn't all it's cracked up to be. Trust me I tried it for a while and couldn't be bothered. It just sucks the fun out of photography.
I've heard the same out of a few pro photographers who stopped doing it for $$ and just made a hobby out of it.
Although I wouldn't recommend it, it is entirely possible to become a pro by self-study. Getting a job as an assistant with a pro is another way. but, now that jobs are so scarce, you may want to offer to help your local professional photographer for free in your spare time in return for him/her giving you some training. Some of the better camera stores offer free classes, too. Bottom line, if you have the talent and the will, you can make it happen.
Just a note, I've worked with a National Geographic Photographer. That guy was a marketing machine. Even while he was shooting he was organising his next shoot.
Being around other shooters helps but some times it just takes persistence and patience. It's my second job mostly and for 30 years I worked as a nurse to support my photography. I get a lot of enjoyment out of the photography work even when it sucks. Having skill at marketing your self and your skill takes time and energy but can really be worth it all in the end.
Rob pix4u2 wrote: Being around other shooters helps but some times it just takes persistence and patience. It's my second job mostly and for 30 years I worked as a nurse to support my photography. I get a lot of enjoyment out of the photography work even when it sucks. Having skill at marketing your self and your skill takes time and energy but can really be worth it all in the end.
Nursing is a really good field to be in, you like it?
When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.
Stealthy Ninja wrote: Just a note, I've worked with a National Geographic Photographer. That guy was a marketing machine. Even while he was shooting he was organising his next shoot.
Scotty - nursing was a great field for the time I spent but the wear and tear on me physically and mentally meant that I had to give it up. I worked long hours in intense situations . I loved my work and miss it but shooting pix is definitely a better deal anyday than dealing with what I went into every day as a nurse
Stealthy Ninja wrote: Just a note, I've worked with a National Geographic Photographer. That guy was a marketing machine. Even while he was shooting he was organising his next shoot.
"I want my photos sharp as possible *wipes lens with shirt*".
When the last candle has been blown out
and the last glass of champagne has been drunk
All that you are left with are the memories and the images-David Cooke.
Stealthy Ninja wrote: Just a note, I've worked with a National Geographic Photographer. That guy was a marketing machine. Even while he was shooting he was organising his next shoot.
"I want my photos sharp as possible *wipes lens with shirt*".
LOL remember I told you about the guy (picture below) who was cleaning the mirror in his camera with a tissue and his shirt. That was hilarious (BTW never do this, it's really, really dumb).
Moral: Having a DSLR a professional does NOT make.
Stealthy Ninja wrote: Just a note, I've worked with a National Geographic Photographer. That guy was a marketing machine. Even while he was shooting he was organising his next shoot.
"I want my photos sharp as possible *wipes lens with shirt*".
LOL remember I told you about the guy (picture below) who was cleaning the mirror in his camera with a tissue and his shirt. That was hilarious (BTW never do this, it's really, really dumb).
Moral: Having a DSLR a professional does NOT make.
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