Would you consider photograhy a "real" profession?

Question

Just curious. This is what I have always been intrested in and I want to go to college to be a photo - journalist but my parents think that this isnt a profession that you can rely on as far as a steady job or income. I am really good and actually won two or my scholarships thanks to my photos. They would rather I put the money to use to become a doctor or lawyer...but I am not intrested in that.

Answer 1

Photography is an art form.  Have you heard the saying "starving artist"?   Well... it can be very true even if you taking pictures for a living.  However, if this is YOUR dream then go for it.  If you have the talent and education maybe you'll go far.  

Answer 2

Yes... although very competative, and with very few openings, and there's a high chance you'd end up doing something related, similar but not quite the same, as happens in many competative areas.

I'm curious - did you mean to put this in psychology?

Answer 3

It is a "real profession" for you if you can earn a living at it.

It is difficult to earn a living that way.

But if you are good, and really want to go in that career direction, go for it.

Best to find a way to earn a living at something else, probably unrelated, while you are working at "making it" as a photographer.

Another option is to keep it a hobby and earn your living at something else.  This is workable financially.  

One thing, though, try to get in a line of work you enjoy.  Too many of us have had careers that we hated or found less than inspiring.

If the "money" you have available is for college, I suggest a middle of the road approach:  Major in academics, required courses, first to give yourself more time to decide on a major.  If you wind up going for the photography profession, a business minor is a good idea--because business, earning a living, is the major challange.