Do you want to become a Photographer? If yes, this article will be of help to you. This step-by-step career guide has been crafted keeping the needs of professional photography aspirants in mind. This article focuses on the topic – how to become a professional photographer in India.
Photography can be described as the art and science of taking photographs and processing it. It involves equipment such as cameras, lenses, computer software (for image processing and editing) etc. Also check – Photography courses in India.
Photography is a very vast field. It is made up of individual domains such as –
- Fashion Photography
- Fashion and People Photography
- Product Photography
- Business & Industrial Photography
- Nature and Landscape Photography
- Wildlife Photography
- Sports Photography
- Event Photography
- Fine Art Photography
- Automobile Photography
Photography is not just about clicking pictures. It involves other aspects such as developing photographs, assembling photography gear (stand, lenses, camera etc), adjusting lighting and exposure, using image editing software, printing technology etc. Also check – Web design courses in India.
Here are some of the important tasks carried out by photographers –
- Assembling photography gear
- Selecting the right set of lenses (depending upon the situation)
- Setting up artificial lighting (if necessary)
- Clicking photographs
- Editing images using software
- Developing photographs
- Printing and framing photographs
Photographers are knowledgeable about cameras, lenses, other photography equipment, lightning and exposure, image editing software, photo developing techniques etc.
There’s a notion that it only takes creativity to make it big in this field. Yes, creativity is required to thrive in this field. Along with that, it is also necessary to pursue a professional course related to photography!
Here are some of the qualities required to thrive in this field –
- Passion for photography
- Creativity
- Will to travel and work at odd timings
- Patience
- Concentration
- Technical expertise
- Computer and software skills
- Communication skills
Some may say that it is possible to become a photographer without undergoing any professional course. But formal training will definitely help one gain insights into this field. Formal training will also help one build a rewarding career! Also check – Creative courses in India.
In India, photography courses are available in three main formats. There are Degree, Diploma and ITI courses available in India.
I’d suggest my readers to pursue a good Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma course. Such courses would help one get decent jobs. Further, after pursuing these courses, it is relatively easier to go for higher education (advanced courses).
Table of Contents
Steps to become a professional photographer in India
1 Choose a relevant photography course
The first step is to choose a relevant photography course. Here are some of the best Degree, Diploma and ITI photography courses in India –
- BA Photography
- BA Visual Arts and Photography
- BFA Photography
- B.Sc. Photography and Video Visual Production
- B.Sc. in Photography and Cinematography
- Diploma in Digital Photography
- PG Diploma in Photography
- Diploma in Fashion Photography
- Diploma in Professional Photojournalism
- Diploma in Photography and Cinematography
- Diploma in Advertising and Commercial Photography
- Diploma in Photography and Digital Imaging
- Diploma in Digital Cinematography
- ITI Photography course
2 Satisfy the eligibility criteria
Each course has its own eligibility criteria. To secure admission, you must be academically eligible to pursue that particular course. 10+2 passed is the eligibility criteria in cases of some of the courses mentioned above. In case of ITI course, 10th passed is the eligibility criteria. Eligibility criteria may vary from one course to another.
3 Secure admission
Reputed institutes rely on merit based admission process. Deserving candidates are allotted seats based on the marks scored by them in relevant entrance test / board exam / a combination of both.
4 Complete the academic program
Photography courses boast a holistic mixture of classroom lectures and practical sessions.
Career prospects
A professional photographer may work independently or under supervision of others. Based on specialization, a photographer could don any of the many roles, like-
- Fashion Photographer
- Product & Commercial Photographer
- Business & Industrial Photographer
- Wildlife Photographer
- Sports Photographer
- Event Photographer (Wedding, Party, Concerts etc)
- Fine Art Photographer
- Automobile Photographer
- Photojournalist
- Forensic Photographer
Entrepreneurship is also an excellent opportunity available in front of photographers. They may work as an independent photographer or market photography equipment independently.
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Hello my name is avinash sudhir and currently I’m doing diploma in journalism and mass. Communication and after this diploma I want to pursue my career in photography degree. So is it possible for me that on my diploma basis I can take admission in photography degree course
Sir,
I am a student of class 10 and would b giving my boards soon. I want to pursue my career in photography. Precisely, wildlife and landscape photography. I want to uptake a reputed photography cource after my 10th because I have no desire to study any further. Can you please guide me on how should I move forward and what courses should I take?
Thanks in Advance.
You may pursue courses such as – BA in Photography, B.Sc. Photography etc after completing 12th.