Photography has recently become popular over the years.

More and more youth in India are pursuing photography as a career.

Before photography was just seen as a pastime in India but now it is considered a career with a world full of opportunities. 

If you want a career as a photographer you should start asking the right questions and explore the profession.

so today in this article, I’ll answer some of the most common questions asked by many newbie photographers regarding choosing photography as a career.

questions like can I earn money from photography? if yes then how can I earn money from photography? etc etc…

now without talking more about the questions, let me share some easy ways to become a successful photographer in India…

Steps to Become A Photographer In India

To become a photographer you will need to follow a few steps. These steps are mentioned below. 

• Learn the basics of photography
• Do what you Love
• Get Ready with Your Gears
• Learning is the key To Everything
• Photography Internship with a Professional Photographer
• Build your Photography Portfolio
• Time To Find A Job

now let’s understand each and every step in detail, to get more ideas…

Learn the basics of photography

The first step to becoming a photographer is learning all the basics of photography. You should know about cameras, various modes, filters, and many other things. 

You should know which camera lens in the market is good for which type of photography and also about their features such as shutter speed, exposure, and others.

Editing Software are also something you should have knowledge about and know how to use it. Some of the famous post-production software among professional photographers are Lightroom and Photoshop. 

Do what you Love

There are a lot of choices in the field of photography. To pursue photography as a career you need to choose one of the fields and focus on it. 

Photo by Millo Lin on Unsplash

The best thing about being a beginner and aspiring photographer is that you are free to explore virtually all types of photography.

there are Fashion, photojournalism, sports, and events—armed with a camera, you can try it all out and improve your skill at the same time.

Instead of being the Jack of all trades, you can specialize in one photography niche (or sub-niche) and slowly work your way up to success.

You are free to explore all types of photography and then choose the niche that interests you the most. 

make sure you read about a niche or two and that may sound fascinating to you. It’s pretty easy to try and explore some niches and try to find one you are good at and enjoy doing it.  

Get Ready with Your Gears

To capture high-quality photographs you will need the proper equipment. There are a lot of options for cameras and lenses in the market. 

You don’t need to go all the way and buy all the fancy and high-priced equipment. To start with you can try second-hand or rental equipment. 

This way you can get your required equipment in working condition and at discount. Some photographers feel using an SLR camera is a more authentic way of learning photography.

• DSLR camera vs Mirrorless Camera

You will also have to make sure that you have the right set of equipment for the type of photography you are focusing on.

Lenses are one of the most expensive pieces of equipment. Hence when you go lens shopping make sure you buy a lens that can fulfill most of your photography needs with it. 

A properly calibrated monitor and the right editing software would be must-haves for your professional photography needs.

Correct software and hardware are both important in professional photography. 

Learning is the key To Everything

Learning is the key to everything. The same goes for photography. To get jobs as a photographer you need to acquire the skills ad know the techniques. 

You can learn every trick, technique, and skill by enrolling in a photography course.

Today there are photography courses available in almost all colleges and universities. 

There are three types of courses available for photography which are 

1. Degree courses 
2. Certificate course
3. Diploma courses

Some of these courses include B.A. in Photography, Bsc in Photography and Cinematography, a BFA in Photography, a Diploma in Professional Journalism, a Diploma in Photography and Cinematography, a Certificate in camera and photography, and a Certificate in Professional Photography. 

There are more courses out there for learning photography. There are some online courses as well. 

you can go to YouTube and follow some great photographers to learn online without paying any money.

Photography Internship with a Professional Photographer

An internship can help you get a true idea of what is it like to be a photographer. After completing your studies you should try getting an internship with a professional photographer. 

Photo by Jason Goodman on Unsplash

While interning you can see the whole process. You can also learn how to deal with customers. 

It is very important to develop your people skills. Good communication and flexibility are as important as developing your technical skills as a professional photographer. 

An internship will also help you get a clear idea of your photography style and the genre or the photography style you enjoy. 

Doing an internship will also help you in the future to get jobs. The hands-on experience is always a bonus in photography. 

• Photography internship available in India

Build your Photography Portfolio

checkout more at manthangajjar.in

A portfolio shows a lot about you and your work. It is a collection of photos created to show people your best work. Its purpose is usually to get a photography gig. 

A portfolio helps potential clients to see your work. It can also show your clientele that you have confidence in your work. 

Add your best pictures to the portfolio. As potential clients will judge your skills and talents based on the pictures included in your portfolio.

In this way, your portfolio shows the world through your eyes – which is what potential clients want to see before hiring you. Your photography shows your unique angle on the world around you. 

Nobody else can bring the same creativity to the table, because no one else has had the same experiences as you.

Keep a variety of pictures in your portfolio. Different clients may be looking for different things in your portfolio. 

you can follow this tutorial to start making your personal portfolio in 2 hours.

later you can even attach a blogging section to your portfolio to increase reach & you can even make money by doing blogging.

so make sure you try this step as well.

other ways to earn money as a photographer…

• Start a youtube channel and be a content creator.
• Sell your photos online

or…

It’s Time To Find A Job

The last and final step is to get a job. You can start by applying to companies with vacancies for a photographer by sending in your resume and portfolio. 

A job with a photography company or a professional photographer can make your career as a professional photographer. 

This is your make-it-or-break-it point in your career.  Be professional, set the right expectations, and always strive to deliver your best work on time.

It is not a compulsion to get a job you can even start your own photography business. 

to find a job as a photographer you can search some online sites like LinkedIn or naukri.com and many more…

Types available in photography

if you’re struggling to find “What type of photography you like”, then here’s a list of some of the most famous genres of photography, which you can choose.

There are so many types of photography today. It is a vast field. Some of the most popular types are listed below…

• Portrait Photography
• Still Life Photography 
• Landscape Photography 
• Abstract Photography
• Travel Photography
• Pet Photography 
• Food Photography
• Astrophotography
• Sports Photography
• Wildlife Photography
• Macro Photography
• Event Photography 
• Wedding Photography
• Commercial Photography
• Fashion Photography
• Drone Photography
• Fine Art Photography 
• New Born Photography
• Family Photography 
• Street Photography
• Photojournalism 
• Headshot Photography 
• Documentary Photography 
• Stock Photography 
• Weather Photography 
• Architectural Photography 
• Long exposure Photography 
• Mobile Photography 
• Scientific Photography 
• Lifestyle Photography 

These are just some of the most popular types of photography. More types of photography are not included above ( you can expore it here with examples). 

now let’s dive deep and let me share some easy ways to find a job as a photographer in India…

How to find jobs as a photographer?

To find jobs as a photographer as mentioned earlier you can create your photography portfolio or even create your website or start a new youtube channel and become a content creator. 

Having an impressive photography portfolio will pave the way for success as all potential clients will judge your skills and talent based on your portfolio.

Select your best images that show the full range of your work – make sure that your portfolio wins over new clients for you.

You can also make a website for yourself and add your photographer there with your work. Post your works often on social media to get a following and a steady clientele. 

now you know every single step to becoming a successful photographer and a way to find a job as a photographer in india.

here’s the most awaited question, which is the true motivation behind photography for so many ‘so-called’ professional photographers ( I hope you’re not one of them) Money.

Photographer’s salaries in India

yeah here are some stats that tell you how much money photographers make in India.

Generally, a photographer’s salary ranges from Rs.1,03,500 ₹ per annum to Rs. 12,00,000 ₹ per annum. However, the average salary of a photographer is Rs. 3,93,600 per annum. 

A wedding photographer’s salary starts from Rs.10,000 ₹ to Rs.1,00,000 ₹ per day in India.

Newspaper and magazine photographers get Rs. 15,000 ₹ to 20,000 ₹ per month. Fashion photographers make Rs. 25,000 ₹ per month.

These are the salaries of a few types of photographers. In Photography, there is no junior or senior photographer here everything is based on the skills and the vision of the photographer. 

honestly, keep your expectations low, it’s not that easy to earn such money overnight.

you need to master some types of photography where others can see the image and then recognize your style and you need that type of confidence in yourself like no one can do it better than me.

So make sure you practice enough every single day to earn such a good (or huge) amount of income as a photographer.

here’s a list of the most frequently asked questions on choosing photography as a full-time career in India…

Q1. Why do you need to choose photography as a career?

Normally people choose photography as a career because they like it and have an interest in it. 

But there are many other reasons to choose photography as a career. One of the (honest) reasons is you get to capture a moment that can last forever.

You can capture a moment in your photographs and it will last forever. 

Another reason is you can tell a story with your photographs. You can use your photographs to show people something from a different point of view. 

Your images are the documentation of important moments in someone’s life or an adventure you’ve been on. It’s with these images people get to relive the moments that truly matter.

Photography will take you places. Whether you are a destination photographer or a landscape photographer, photography will take you places you’ve never been to. 

No two days are alike in photography. You get to be at different places, see different faces, and experience something different every time.

Q2. How to become a photographer after the 10th or 12th?

If you want to become a photographer after the 10th or 12th you can opt for various certificate photography programs. 

The Certificate Photography programs can be completed in a few months.

They help students learn essential skills and knowledge in photography. These programs cover the basics of:

• Fundamentals of photography.
• Principles of Digital photography, how to use Photography software, and image manipulation techniques.
• History of photography and foundation of film photography

This type of program is for a short duration but if want to apply for it ( you can visit shiksha.com on regular basis to get the latest update on this).

there are many other websites available but for now, I prefer using this one because it’s a cool and very user-friendly UI and filters.

comment below and let me know any other better resources which you know…

Q3. What to study to become a photographer In India?

There is a vast range of photography courses ranging from  Photography Certificate programs to Masters’s level courses. 

The Associate Degree in Photography is offered in various Art Schools, Colleges, and Universities. The Associate Degree course typically lasts for two years. 

This course is technical and prepares students to learn about the different types of photography and use various techniques – from transparency and negative films to working in a natural setting.

Students also acquire skills for making photographs in a studio.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography is typically a four-year course available at almost every university or College. 

This course includes an in-depth curriculum and supporting coursework.

It includes a study of the fundamentals of photography, digital and film photography, its narratives, history, and techniques. 

This course also teaches the understanding of imagery in Editorial, Advertising, and Fine art photography.

And, this course will help you acquire some of the most fruit-producing tips and tricks of editorial photography.

The Master’s Degree in Photography or Master of Fine Arts prepares students to explore theory and gain essential practical experience. 

This Master’s Course is available for students who have completed the Bachelor’s Program. 

There are also various online courses for learning professional photography. 

Q4. How do I become a photographer without a degree In India?

You can become a photographer without a degree as well.

Many self-taught photographers can inspire you. 

There are a lot of photography books available nowadays. You can also use the Internet or YouTube to learn about various techniques, skills, and tricks. 

The best teacher you can have is practice. Take time to observe the scene you want to photograph and imagine how it will look. Then, practice until you achieve the image in your head. 

Compare your photographs as often as possible and see what you can do differently next time.

Change the shooting angle, camera-subject distance, and camera settings until you are happy with the result.

Your education might not matter to your employers after seeing your work, however, in some situations, employers will require a certificate or a bachelor’s degree.

Q5. What Qualifications Are Needed To Become A Professional Photographer?

Generally, the qualifications required for becoming a photographer in India are…

1. The candidate must have cleared class 12th in any stream 
2. Graduation, Diploma, or Certificate in Photography courses is an added advantage. 
3. Skills are preferred more than academic qualifications. 

Some skills that are required for a basic photography job in India includes… 

1. Eye for details
2. A unique point of view
3. Aesthetic taste 
4. Communication skills
5. Knowledge of Photography 
6. Team Working Skills 

The cheery on the cake would be 1-2 years of hands-on training by top recruiters. 

Conclusion

Photography is a booming career in India.

It offers a lot of opportunities for the youth. Photography is a creative field and hence requires a creative eye and a unique point of view. 

The above article mentions steps to become a photographer, with a few general questions asked before choosing photography as a career. 

if you liked this article then make sure you share it with your other friends and family member who wants to pursue photography as a career.

best of luck, and have a good day 🙂