What's the best way to become a successful photographer?

Question

I'm 35, stuck in a rut. I've always been interested in Photography, but just don't have the technical ability to make it my career. I need a career change and I'm thinking of going back to University to study. Which is the best University to study Photography in the UK? Am I doing the right thing? What are the prospects like once I graduate? Does my age hinder me?

Answer 1

take photographs you either have it or you don't.

Answer 2

Buy a camera and point it at stuff, then press the little button on top

Answer 3

Always give the best short ;)

Answer 4

take lots of pictures and buy a good slr camera. if you take good photos age wont be a problem. you have to have an eye for photography. im 15. check mine out

Answer 5

I'd say the best way is to take photographs!

Answer 6

Sell  your   BEST   Photos!!!!

   taadaaa.....   your  a   pro   kid!!!!  

........or   listen  to  the  guy  above  my  answer..

Answer 7

"What's the best way to become a successful photographer?"

Start off as a VERY successful photographer... :)  

Some facts:

There are more people studying degree level photography in the UK than there are working photographers.  I get about 10 emails a week from people looking for assisting jobs.  Most graduated with photography degrees never go on to have a career - its as tough as breaking into any high-profile profession. You need to assist to learn the photography business and lighting, digital medium format backs etc are very different from DSLRs.

To start up on your own you're looking at £10-20k easy in equipment and then there's leasing studios etc.  

Or you could do it the DP Review way and just buy the cheapest DSLR and start shooting weddings with it on full-auto... ;)

Age won't hinder you - the state of the industry will.  The fees for editorial work have not changed for years.  The top 5% of photographers earn 75% of the good money - the rest scrabble to undercut each other for the scraps.

Glamorous its not.  you'll be in debt by £20k with Uni fees and then you need to fund yourself to start up and you can't buy clients - it takes years.  Best way is to assist but assistant's pay for a 35 year old is going to be pretty dire.

Best Uni is Blackpool & Fylde in the UK.

I have a photo business site here which may offer some help re copyright, licencing and business practice:

http://www.thephotographybiz.com

Good luck because anyone entering the profession today is going to need it in spades.  That sounded like a rant but its reality and best you hear that before you dive in the pool.

PP

Answer 8

Take lots of photos. Learn from your mistakes.

Answer 9

have a good camera and practice practice practice..