Photographer - How to become a Photographer

Professional Photography - Shooting without a gun
Once used as a hobby only photography in its various “Avtars” has acquired the status of multimillion dollar industry now. The advent of mass media has open flood gates for the photography professionals and wings has been provided to it by the digitalization of the images and equipments used in it. Though one can say that originality of the work has lost some ground but still it is admired the most. A creative eye with visual imagination is the basic trait required in a photographer. However, getting a decent technical background helps complement the creative side. This involves camera and lighting skills, digital imaging skills and knowledge of the technical intricacies of the equipment. With the explosion of the communication network, the growth of advertising and media and the fashion boom, and digital photography, it has now become a profession with great commercial value. Photos are an essential part in both print and electronic media. So this is an area offering great scope for those who have an interest and attributes needed to be a professional
There are some diploma and certificate courses that you can pursue to add technical specialization. You can also pursue these courses along with your college or do part-time courses.

Process to be a Professional Photographer

Eligibility:
Photography is an acquired art. There are no specific academic requirements for full time courses in photography; however, candidates who have cleared the 10+2 exam are eligible for the diploma/certificate courses in photography

Courses available:

1. Certificate course in Photography
Duration of course
6 Months to 1 year

Fees and other Charges
2 to 5 Thousand Rs however this varies from institute to institute

2. Diploma in Photography
Duration of course
1 year 6months

Fees and other Charges
5 to 10 Thousand Rs. However this varies from institute to institute

3. B.A in photography
Duration of course
3 years degree course offered by arts colleges.
Fees and other Charges
10 to 30 Thousand Rs. However this varies from institute to institute

With above given qualifications and more then that his own aptitude and passion for the photography can help a prospective photographer to join any one or more of the following fields of photography.

Career options

Photojournalism
It's a part of journalism in which images are used to tell news stories. It requires promptness and instinct to generate ideas to make a news story from pictures. You can create a news story from pictures taken during a war or riots or any other spontaneous events where one gets no other chance to retake his position. For this kind of photography a Photojournalists should be prepared to take risks like going to war zones, disaster zones etc. You can work independently or work for a news agency.

Fashion and advertising photography
If glamour and tinsel world attracts you, then this is the option best suited for you. It involves working with models and fashion world personalities and is quite a lucrative and creative field. The work could be used for advertising agencies, fashion houses and fashion magazines.

Nature and wildlife photography
This is the most promoted option now a day’s even by the government. It is a common slogan that shoots without harming the precious wild life. If you're a nature freak and also have a passion to capture it, then go for it. You can work for travel and geographic magazines, calendars as you travel around capturing waterfalls, landscapes, wildlife and other interesting shades of nature.

Event photography
This is the commonest form of photography which general public is aware of ie. Work for weddings and other events like sports meets, family functions etc.

Still photography
This involves the capturing man-made objects. Portrait photography is one example of this, where you can capture pictures of children, pets etc. You can run your own studio

Travel photography
If you love adventure and travelling then travel photography could be good option for you. Travel photographers can work for the hospitality industry, travel magazines and websites. It requires being able to capture the right shot at the right moment.

With so many options there is a lot of scope for professional photographer. One can opt for any field of its liking and still can find enough work to make it as his potential learning profession.

Pay prospects and other remuneration
In spite of having so many options in this field it’s bit hard to make a living in this field initially because one has to really prove itself before getting any commercial value of his work but if you're extremely creative and prepared to put in the hard work along with getting equipped with good business skills, it could become a rewarding profession for you.

To start with as an assistant photographer you can earn something like 4000/- -6000/- per month but if continued with dedication for some time till you acquired the essential recognition for your work this can go up to 25,000 to 30,000 per month. Your salary varies based on the place you're working in and the creativity you bring to your work along with your experience in the field.

In your own business you can go anywhere near 10,000-50,000 per day which depends upon the assignment you are catching upon that depends upon your professional work as well as your business acumen. So once established as a renowned photographer then sky is the limit for your works monetary value.