How did YOU get started as a professional photographer?

[Lulu]

Yes but thinking and having are 2 different things..

Oh yeah, totally agree - but how do you know? I think the biggest problem I have with untrained snappers is the obvious lack of technical knowledge - and I'm not trained either

[suse]

It depends on what area of photography you want to get into.

If you want to get into commercial photography employed in a studio, you will need industry standard training and / or on the job training (ie: starting as an assistant. Some studios will take on un-trained assistants, the larger ones generally don't). You can start up your own commercial studio with the right equipment and not much else, but it is difficult to get clients unless you are also offering graphic design services or on-sell to designers. Generally you will also need high level photoshop skills to work commercially as many clients require their shots to be retouched, colour corrected for print and deepetched.

Photojournalism generally requires degree level qualifications, although it is possible to get into niche market and regional publications without qualifications if one has the appropriate technical skills.

Art photography requires no training, but like any form of art, a broad or formalised skill set will help attract a wider market. With the advent of digital photography and online gallery communities such as red bubble a huge number of hobbyist photographers have the capacity to sell their work - making money is extremely difficult and the quality of amateur work extremely high.

Portraiture & personal photography (including wedding photography) is where a lot of people aim to enter the market. True, you can enter it and be successful without formal qualifications, if you can shoot at the standard of a professional and have the portfolio to prove it. This means having a professional level understanding of lighting, composition and photographic theory, as this is what you will need to be able to walk into any location and take professional shots. You will also need professional equipment beyond hobbyist standards if you are charging full rates, if you charge discounted rates and target the market wanting good quality shots at a cheaper price you can get away with a good digital SLR body, a minimum of good lenses, and minimal flash/lighting equipment. If, for example, you are relying on natural lighting (which can be sold as an artistic quality and often is) then it is important to know the limitations of your set-up and the chosen locations and to ensure that this is well communicated to your client.

HTH!

[maddison]

My husband is a professional photographer and it amazes me how much goes into getting excellent quality photos. He mainly does weddings and the detail is awesome. From how people are holding their sholders to how far apart their fingers are on the bouquet. Lighting is always an issue... Fore ground lighting, background lighting.... Knowing how to pose a tall thin groom with an overweight short bride.... The list goes on.
I personally would do the course. To get the really good pics you need to know more than just standing people next to each other and snapping away. Especially if you are wanting to get paid for it.

As for your question about getting started, my dh's parents are both professional photographers so he started by working with them from his teenage years. Now he has an assistant that he is teaching. So if you could work with an already qualified photographer that is possibly another great way to get into it.

[~Raven~]

I would say first off to do a short course to learn how to use your camera manually if you don't know already. A whole new world of creative possibilities opens up for you once you know that. You don't need to spend a lot. I did a short course at my local community centre for less that $100 and spent the next 4 years practicing...practicing...practicing before biting the bullet and doing more specialist courses.

You haven't said what type camera you have either. If you don't have an SLR/DSLR already then maybe aim for a good mid range one. The entry level ones are fine but you may outgrow them quickly or find the lack of functions frustrating.

Also find out if you have a local camera club and join it!

Then there is photoshop, which is something else entirely