What Is the Training for Becoming a Photographer?
- To become a proficient photographer, no matter what your eventual specialty, you must have a solid understanding of how an image is transferred to film or a digital image censor using the camera's basic functions. Combining aperture, shutter speed, ISO or film speed to create a correct exposure is the core technical element necessary to make any picture, no matter what type of camera is used. Learning these techniques can be done in a classroom, using quality photographic manuals and many hours of trial and error shooting. A photographer should reach a level of expertise where the technical settings on the camera come naturally and he should not have to think about the necessary settings when taking a photograph.
- Once a specialty is chosen, the type of camera and format necessary to build a body of work for your niche should be researched and purchased. For example, a fashion photographer might use a medium format camera that shoots large negatives for a clear crisp image, whereas a photojournalist may prefer a digital SLR or single lens reflex camera with multiple lenses for fast shooting in various news situations. Purchase the camera based on your desired photographic specialty and learn how to use the device through self-teaching, classroom or workshop settings, and more trial and error.
- After learning the technicalities of photography and choosing the proper tool for capturing your desired images, focus on developing your style. The main way to achieve this phase of your photographic education is studying professional images in your niche and shooting as much as possible. While classroom and workshop settings will help facilitate the developing of a style, most of this is achieved by continuous shooting combined with individual feedback from a professional or a mentor. Critiques by willing professionals should be done often and can be arranged by contacting a local professional whose work you admire or attending workshops in your specialty and signing up for portfolio reviews.
- Learning to process your images once they are taken is as much an art form as creating the image in your camera. If you are specializing in digital photography, learn the photo editing software program that is the industry standard for your specialty. This is usually found by reading books or online forums regarding your specialty. Understand the nuances of your program and how to professionally edit your images to the highest standard possible. Self-teaching, using books and manuals, and workshops or academic settings are the best way to achieve this level of expertise in your program. If working in a traditional wet darkroom with negatives is appealing and fits the goals of your specialty, particularly in the fine art photography niche, then find a local community college that offers classes for photographic printing. If there are no options in your area, find a workshop or artist retreat that offers week-long classes in wet darkroom techniques and take as many classes as you can afford.
- Continue your learning process through continuing education throughout your career. Workshops, seminars and academic classes in your specialty will help you stay abreast of new photographic trends and techniques and keep you connected with your peers. Build a strong network of colleagues as your career evolves, through professional organizations and gatherings for your specialty and by attending local gallery exhibits in your community. Working as a studio assistant is an excellent way to build your skills and education once you have the basics down. An artist never stops learning, particularly with photography where technology and trends are constantly fluctuating.
