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05th January 2023
Wondering how to become a photographer? It’s a highly creative, rewarding career that could see you working independently as a business or operating as part of a larger company. With an endless number of options of how to train, get qualified and begin working, it can sometimes be difficult to know where to start.
In this guide, we’ll explain whether you need a photography degree to work as a photographer, how a Master of Photography qualification could help you, and where to find the best photography university courses.
Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about how to become a professional photographer.
CONTENTS
Becoming a photographer can be a rewarding career path for a number of reasons. You might be drawn to the job because it allows you to be creative and express yourself through your work. Photography can also be a flexible career, as photographers can work independently or as part of a team, and may have the freedom to choose the types of projects they work on.
One reason the job may be highly sought-after is that it allows photographers to capture and document important events, people, and places in a way that is both artful and meaningful. Photography can be a way for you to tell stories, convey emotions, and capture moments that might otherwise be forgotten.
Photography can also be a well-paying job, depending on the type of work being done and the level of experience and expertise of the photographer. Specialising in certain areas, such as portrait, commercial, or event photography, can help you command higher rates for your services.
For many, working as a photographer is a calling—one which allows them to make a living through their eye for visuals, creative flair, and love of storytelling.
If you're looking to further your education as a photographer, there are a few different postgraduate options to consider. Though not necessary, having advanced qualifications in photography can help you stand out against others in the industry with specialist skills and expertise.
One option is to pursue a master's degree in photography. This type of programme typically requires a bachelor's degree in a related field and is taught through classes, laboratory work and practical working independently or as part of a group. It will usually be assessed via coursework and development of a photography portfolio. This is particularly useful as you’ll leave with a ready-made professional portfolio to show to potential employers. You could study specific areas such as fine art photography, photojournalism, and commercial photography.
Optional modules in areas like fashion, photojournalism or advertising will help you tailor your postgraduate studies to your particular career interests. It’s also possible to take on shorter postgraduate qualifications like the PGCert or PGDip to quickly build skills in a new area.
No matter which path you choose, it's important to do your research and find a program that fits your goals and interests as a photographer. Working constantly to learn new skills and gain as much experience is essential. Continually improving your portfolio of work will allow you to maximise your employability and keep up with new developments in the industry.
To get a place on a master of photography degree, you’ll usually need to have at least 2:2 grade at undergraduate level in a relevant subject. Some courses will ask for a 2:1. This could be in photography, or a related subject such as media studies or art.
It’s possible to apply successfully with alternative degrees if you can provide evidence of relevant learning and experience from professional or personal settings.
Completion of an interview or evaluation of your portfolio of work may be a component of the admissions process.
The exact entry requirements for a master’s degree in photography will differ from university to university, and will depend on the level of study you’re applying for.
If you're interested in becoming a photographer, there are a few skills that can come in handy. First and foremost, having a keen eye for composition is crucial. You want to be able to take visually appealing photos and manipulate the settings to get the shot you want.
Good communication skills are also important, especially if you'll be working with clients. They'll have their own vision for the shoot, and being able to understand and fulfill their needs is key.
Other skills that can be helpful for photographers include creativity, attention to detail, and adaptability. Being able to come up with unique ideas and paying attention to small details in your compositions can set you apart. Being able to adapt to different situations and environments is also valuable as a photographer.
While not necessarily essential, having photo editing skills can be a plus, as well as marketing skills if you're looking to promote your work and attract clients. If you're planning on going the freelance route, it's always helpful to have some business skills under your belt too, like invoicing and bookkeeping.
Overall, the skills you'll need as a photographer will depend on the specific type of photography you want to do, but having a strong foundation in technical and creative skills will always be key.
There are dozens of postgraduate degrees in photography to choose from, so it’s worth browsing all your options and making sure you pick the best one for your goals and circumstances. You can use our handy course search tool to check the details, entry requirements and costs of all the available master’s courses.
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