Teaching Your Self How to Become a Stock Photographer

2009-03-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

My last post talked about how to become a photographer, ways to get the education that you will need. If you recall you have several options.

Get a degree in photography

Take a few classes

Get an apprenticeship

Self educate

Many of us don’t have the option of doing any of the first three because of financial and time restrictions. It would be wonderful if you could go back to school or had the time to work with a professional. If you can do these things than by all means do them. This post is for those out there that cannot.

I Want to Teach Myself How to Become a Professional Photographer, Where do I Start?

That is the exact same question I asked myself not to long ago. I spent hours upon hours scouring the internet, local library, and book stores trying to find the answer. I am one of the lucky ones that got to take numerous photography classes in both high school and collage. It was over 10 years ago, and I don’t remember much because I think I slept through those classes. I’m pretty sure they didn’t mention any sure ways of becoming professional photographers. I just remember chemicals and f-stops. Now we can work with digital cameras and use photo editing software, so you don’t absolutely need to know about the chemicals.

The point I am trying to make is that you don’t have to know a lot about photography to teach your self how to become a photographer. You can learn everything you need to know from books and other information.

If you are interested in making money with your pictures than I would recommend studying how to become a stock photographer. I have compiled an e-book on the subject called “How To Make Money From Your Photos: Microstock Photography Tutorial” It will get you headed in the right direction. I normally sell this book for $27, but you can get it for free. I want to get you to the point that my other service “Ahead of the Curve” can really help you. Just visit the link below.

Ahead of the Curve is a membership that allows you to get my recorded interviews with people that will give you great advice as to how to become a photographer and make money at it.

How to Become a Photographer-What are my Options

2009-03-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

Did you know that there is a simple way of becoming a photographer? If you want to know how to become a photographer then this is the post for you.

There are several ways to become a professional photographer. Some of these ways will appeal to you, but most will not.

1 Go to school to get a degree in photography. This one is the most expensive way to become a photographer. If you have the means to do it then you should. You would learn so much from the professors and get to try things that would be harder if you didn’t go to school to do it. Such as using the dark room. Setting up your own dark room at home is expensive and would not be worth it if you haven’t previously used one. Many of the modern photography schools also include classes in photo editing. You might get to use soft wear that you wouldn’t normally use because of cost. If this option isn’t for you than don’t worry, you can still be a professional photographer with out a degree in it.

2 Take photography classes. Classes are a less expensive alternative to getting a degree in photography. You will learn from an expert and depending on the types of classes you take could also get dark room and photo editing experience. If you can take a class or two than it would really help. Again as with getting a degree, taking classes are not a prerequisite to becoming a photographer.

3 Get an apprenticeship with a local photographer. Find out who your local photographers are and ask them if you can help out for free for some experience. It’s recommended that you apprentice for 2 to 3 years before starting out on your own. This is a very affordable alternative to a getting formal education, but unless you are still living with your parents or have another means of income and most of your days free you might want to keep reading.

4 Self educating how to become a photographer. If you are anything like me, the first three options are to expensive or take to long without a paycheck. All of these options can give you the flexibility to start your own photography business, freelance, or work for a large firm. So, if you don’t have the time and money you can teach yourself the photography skills that you will need to become a professional photographer. If you decide to do this “teach thy self” rout and you want to make money than I would strongly recommend looking into stock photography. It is fun and with enough practice and the accumulation of stock portfolios you can make a real living at it.