Photographer : Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to all graduates and diplomates, a qualification in the following subjects may increase your chances:

• photography;
• art and design;
• fine art;
• digital imaging;
• graphics;
• media studies.

There is considerable variation in what is covered by photography courses. Some have a strong emphasis on fine art and the study of photography as an artistic endeavour, whereas others have a more commercial focus and cover managing a business, professional ethics and marketing. Digital imaging and other technological developments now form a significant part of many courses.

It is possible to get into this profession without a degree, but in many instances a degree or an equivalent professional qualification is an advantage. Courses that offer work placements and promote contact with industry are especially useful for new entrants.

A postgraduate qualification is not necessary, although entry to the more competitive specialist areas, such as fashion, advertising and photo-journalism, can be a lot more challenging, so a higher degree may be helpful.

It is virtually essential that you have significant work experience when applying for work.

Personality, perseverance and patience are all essential, and dedication is needed to get a foot in the door. Although freelance work may be solitary at times, photographers also need the ability to blend quickly into work teams and to build rapport with different people, for example when working on shoots.

The impact of digital technology has revolutionised the industry in the past few years. In most areas, such as editorial and sports photography, digital technology has become dominant, whereas film is still sometimes used in fine art and some studio-based photography. It is now the norm for images to be supplied in digital format, usually on CD-ROM or via the internet, which is likely to involve image manipulation using software packages like Adobe Photoshop or Aperture after the photographic shoot.

As well as a strong CV, a professional and impressive portfolio is essential. This should contain no more than 12 to 15 of your very best pictures and may be presented in various formats - a traditional 'book', a website (for tips, see Digital Photography Website ) or a CD. Whatever format you choose, your portfolio must be:

• relevant to the chosen area;
• well presented;
• constantly updated.

It is useful to join photographic societies, visit exhibitions and galleries, look at photographs in books and magazines and find out as much as possible about any specific fields of interest. Volunteering, workshadowing, work experience and project work are also great ways of gaining experience and skills, as well as making contacts. Any opportunity to have work published should be taken, even if it pays little or nothing.

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.