Where do I start to get on the right path towards a successful career?

Question

I am currently an upcoming Junior (3rd year) in high school, and I think that I have made my decision to pursue a career in photography. Next year I will be taking film and digital photography classes offered at my high school. Ultimately, I just want to know what should I do after that? What classes should I be taking? And what steps do I need to take in order to become successful in what I want to do?

Honestly, I do not want to become a "big shot" photographer. My dream--I guess you could say--is to work in lifestyle portraiture (weddings, engagements, new borns, families, etc.) I want to capture life as it is, not posed.

There is a local photographer here (working around the Emerald Coast) where Iive that has inspired me, and his shots are just breath taking. Like him and his wife, I want to be able to connect with my clients from their engagements to their newborns and to their family portraits. I was wondering if it would be a good idea to talk to him and find out his experience?

I have also heard of the low annual income that this job would bring. Is this true?

Please share your thoughts and experiences!

Paul Johnson:

http://www.pauljohnsonphoto.com/portraits/index2.php

My Typical Amatuer Teenage Digital Photography: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nessuhhh/

P.S. I was not sure whether to include this in the career section of the business category or here.

Answer 1

after HS, head off to a good Photography school because knowing how to handle a camera is only 1/4 of the talent needed, you need to understand lighting, colors and their relation to each other and youll need to study the different types of photography and also prolly take a good Art history or art theory course.. then most importantly a good business class, preferably one that focuses on the business of photography!

good luck, really hope you make it!!

Answer 2

Vanessa,

Definitely talk to that local photographer you mentioned. It's a tough field in which to be successful, so you need to arm yourself with as much information and insight as possible. As as matter of fact, talk with every photographer you can. Bug everyone, spare no one.

As for education, many, if not most, working photographers have a college degree or technical school degree/certificate (though not necessarily in photography). When working in the arts, talent is crucial, but it's nothing without a complete understanding of the technical aspects.

All that said, THE most important trait you need to have at the beginning stage is commitment. I've seen many, many young photographers who don't have the drive or ambition to practice their craft on a regular basis, thus are not able to grow as artists and ending up having to find another line of work. One particular aspiring photographer is a dog catcher....seriously. So, practice, practice, practice!

Good luck!