Post by Snappersforum on Jun 24, 2013 16:37:56 GMT
What qualifications do I need to be a Photographer?
Being a photographer is great fun and very creative. There are lots of different kinds of photographer and you could work in any number of fields:
• Magazine / publishing
• Online / website
• Photojournalist / newspapers
• Editorial
• Weddings and families or school photos
• High street / fashion
• Corporate / Company brochures / artwork
• Advertising
• Fine Art
• Stock photographer
In theory you don't need any qualifications to be a photographer, but in practice it is a really good idea to study (and keep studying) to understand the various aspects of photography and to keep up with developments in technology. There are literally hundreds of courses on offer, so make sure you do your homework before starting out.
Pros
• Varied - every day is different
• You don't need to be academic although it is a technical job
• Photography - - - keeping abreast of technology
• You can work for a company or work for yourself freelance
Cons
• Pressure to meet client expectations
• Can be weather and light dependent
• Technical knowledge is required
GCSEs required
It would be a good idea to get some good art based GCSES. There are even some schools who now offer a GCSE in photography.
A-levels required
Many schools and colleges now offer A-level photography and it is considered a good introduction if you want to study the field further although it is not essential.
There are many types of photography courses on offer, for example:
• City & Guilds or EDEXEL BTEC courses in Photography (QCF level 1)
• City & Guilds or EDEXEL BTEC courses in Photography (QCF level 2)
• City & Guilds or EDEXEL BTEC courses in Photography (QCF level 3)
• EDEXCEL BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Photography (QCF level 4)
• EDEXCEL BTEC Level 5 HNC Diploma in Photography (QCF level 5)
Alternatively an Art Foundation courses may be good to start with as it will give you a good a broad base. You can also establish if photography or some other art avenue suits you best.
Other courses
There are many courses you can do as you are training or working to keep yourself up-to-date with developments. You need to do your homework before signing up to anything and made sure the course either well regarded or is accredited by one of the professional bodies.
You may consider a course that covers more than just photography such as the ABC Diploma in Photography at the London College of Communication. This is an all round courses and teaches you the various aspects of the media industry which gives you a valuable insight into the areas that you will be dealing with.
Alternatively you may consider a degree or BA in Photography. If you wish to become a fine art photographer, this higher level of course may suit you.
Professional Body
There are a number of different professional bodies who deal in the photography industry:
The Royal Photographic Society www.rps.org
The Master Photographers Association www.thempa.com
The Association of Photographers www.the-aop.org
The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers www.swpp.co.uk
The British Institute of Professional Photographers www.bipp.com/
How long will it take to get qualified?
It really depends on the type of course you take. You may choose to take a course with modules spread over time even,
Typical salary - this can vary enormously depending on the type and quality of your work, but a good guide would be £15,000.
Click here to read the typical 'Day in the Life of a Photographer! (Family Lifestyle)'
Useful websites
The British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies www.bapla.org/
Editorial Photographers United Kingdom & Ireland www.epuk.org/
Being a photographer is great fun and very creative. There are lots of different kinds of photographer and you could work in any number of fields:
• Magazine / publishing
• Online / website
• Photojournalist / newspapers
• Editorial
• Weddings and families or school photos
• High street / fashion
• Corporate / Company brochures / artwork
• Advertising
• Fine Art
• Stock photographer
In theory you don't need any qualifications to be a photographer, but in practice it is a really good idea to study (and keep studying) to understand the various aspects of photography and to keep up with developments in technology. There are literally hundreds of courses on offer, so make sure you do your homework before starting out.
Pros
• Varied - every day is different
• You don't need to be academic although it is a technical job
• Photography - - - keeping abreast of technology
• You can work for a company or work for yourself freelance
Cons
• Pressure to meet client expectations
• Can be weather and light dependent
• Technical knowledge is required
GCSEs required
It would be a good idea to get some good art based GCSES. There are even some schools who now offer a GCSE in photography.
A-levels required
Many schools and colleges now offer A-level photography and it is considered a good introduction if you want to study the field further although it is not essential.
There are many types of photography courses on offer, for example:
• City & Guilds or EDEXEL BTEC courses in Photography (QCF level 1)
• City & Guilds or EDEXEL BTEC courses in Photography (QCF level 2)
• City & Guilds or EDEXEL BTEC courses in Photography (QCF level 3)
• EDEXCEL BTEC Level 4 HNC Diploma in Photography (QCF level 4)
• EDEXCEL BTEC Level 5 HNC Diploma in Photography (QCF level 5)
Alternatively an Art Foundation courses may be good to start with as it will give you a good a broad base. You can also establish if photography or some other art avenue suits you best.
Other courses
There are many courses you can do as you are training or working to keep yourself up-to-date with developments. You need to do your homework before signing up to anything and made sure the course either well regarded or is accredited by one of the professional bodies.
You may consider a course that covers more than just photography such as the ABC Diploma in Photography at the London College of Communication. This is an all round courses and teaches you the various aspects of the media industry which gives you a valuable insight into the areas that you will be dealing with.
Alternatively you may consider a degree or BA in Photography. If you wish to become a fine art photographer, this higher level of course may suit you.
Professional Body
There are a number of different professional bodies who deal in the photography industry:
The Royal Photographic Society www.rps.org
The Master Photographers Association www.thempa.com
The Association of Photographers www.the-aop.org
The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers www.swpp.co.uk
The British Institute of Professional Photographers www.bipp.com/
How long will it take to get qualified?
It really depends on the type of course you take. You may choose to take a course with modules spread over time even,
Typical salary - this can vary enormously depending on the type and quality of your work, but a good guide would be £15,000.
Click here to read the typical 'Day in the Life of a Photographer! (Family Lifestyle)'
Useful websites
The British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies www.bapla.org/
Editorial Photographers United Kingdom & Ireland www.epuk.org/