How To Become a Photographer Without Paying For School

You can become a photographer without a degree in photography. Don't believe me? Many of the greatest photographers today and yesterday didn't study photography. They don't hold photography degrees, other than the occasional honorary degrees.

In fact, You can quite simply become a photographer just by calling yourself one. Unlike medicine or law there is not exam. Too, there are no licenses. That is, other than state business permits. Therefore, if you want to be a photographer, congratulations, you are a photographer. Obviously, if you want to earn money with or without a photography degree you've got to market yourself.

Not convinced? I understand. Clearly, just calling yourself a photographer may not feel like it's enough. That said, if you're a good photographer it most certainly is. This is more true if people are paying you already. If so then you are a professional photographer. Therefore you can begin to call yourself a photographer. If it's what you want to be - be it. You don't need to have a photography degree to be a photographer.

Calling yourself a Photographer

All that being said, here are a few things to consider. If you're calling yourself a photographer then you want to act like one.

First, figure out the type(s) of photography you're doing. Are you a commercial photographer or an editorial photographer?

Next, think about how you're marketing yourself. Word of mouth is great. However, a good portfolio website and doing outreach is better.

Finally, create a business plan. You can learn all of this and more here: 10 things to know before starting a photography business. You're a photographer. That said, it's your choice if you're going to be a good at business.

Studying photography can be very expensive. Therefore consider alternative degrees. Most of the top photography schools cost a ton of money. Avoid being in debt for the next 50 years. Do so by studying somewhere less expensive.

Consider a business degree. Why? It will help with 90% of what you do as a photographer. Want to photograph ad campaigns for clothing brands? Study fashion or marketing.

Do you you want to be an editorial photographer? Then study journalism. Of course you should be aware that journalism is dying. Photojournalism jobs are too. That said, if you can write and take photos you may find success.

Still Want To Go To Photography School?

You want to become a photographer. If you're set on going to school for photography there are still alternatives. For example state schools or community college.

No client is going to judge you based on where you studied. They're looking at your work. Create amazing work. They'll never ask where you learned how to do it. Plus if you're embarrassed just say you're self-taught. Also, don't be, a lot of amazing photographer never studied photography.

Are you still considering a prestigious photography school? Here is a list of the top photography schools. Take a look. Do you see one or two you like? Look at their prices. Now, look at the money their average graduate earns after graduation. There's nothing wrong with going to school for photography. However, you should know the truth before doing so.

Here comes the best advice I can offer. Go work for other photographers. Commercial photography is the most lucrative. This is because they hire the most assistants. That means that even if you don't want to do commercial photography you can still learn. In fact you'll learn a great deal. I promise, the education in how to light subjects alone is worth it.

How do you find other photographers to work for? One way is to simply google local photographers. You can search for photographers who do the type of work you want to do. For example, if you want to be a food photographer, search for food photographers. If, on the other hand, you want to do portraits, look for portrait photographers.

Consider Portrait Studios

This might sound silly. Don't be afraid to work at Walmart's portrait studio. Are these jobs good? Of course not. Will they teach you things? Absolutely. After a while you can find other photography jobs to apply to.

For example, there are contract jobs for school photos and sports team photographers. These don't pay well either. That said they'll help you learn. Too, you'll become faster, learn how to work with subjects, and how to problem solve. Of course these places may require you to have your own camera.

If they require you to have a camera consider buying a slightly older model. For example the Z6II from Nikon, the Sony A7III, or the Canon R. All three cameras are slightly older models but they're still really great cameras.

It's your choice. That said, no matter what you choose you can become a photographer without going to school for photography. The question is how much it will cost you. Because you can choose to be paid while learning. Alternatively you pay to learn. How much you pay depends on your choice.

I truly believe that everyone has a story to tell. That's why I encourage everyone to tell their stories. Too, we hear about celebrities and the ultra-wealthy constantly. That's another reason for you to become a photographer. Even if you never do it for money, you've still got stories to tell. I can't wait to see them. Become a photographer, tell your stories, share your photos, you can become a photographer without a degree, I promise!