A Brief Introduction
Gone are the days when career options were limited. There are many unconventional fields now that one can explore for professional growth.
One such exciting career is that of a Photographer. So, let’s understand how you can turn your hobby into a successful career.
Who is a Photographer?
Photographers can specialize in many different areas, each with its own focus and style. Each type of Photographer uses unique skills and techniques.
The various types of Photographers are Wildlife photographers, Sports photographers, Aerial photographers, Marriage photographers, Food Photographers, Street photographers, Fashion photographers, Event photographers, Still photographers, Travel photographers, Portrait photographers, etc.
Apart from traditional photography, many other unique styles such as Macro Photography, HDR Photography, Retro Style Photography, 360 Panorama, Point and point-and-shoot size DSLRs, Drones, and Selfies have now become more popular.
Types of Photographer
Photographers can specialize in many different areas, each with its own focus and style. Each type of Photographer uses unique skills and techniques.
The various types of Photographers are Wildlife photographers, Sports photographers, Aerial photographers, Marriage photographers, Food Photographers, Street photographers, Fashion photographers, Event photographers, Still photographers, Travel photographers, Portrait photographers, etc.
Apart from traditional photography, many other unique styles such as Macro Photography, HDR Photography, Retro Style Photography, 360 Panorama, Point and point-and-shoot size DSLRs, Drones, and Selfies have now become more popular.
Career Scope in Photography
Photography offers many different styles for people to specialise in, such as weddings, travel, wildlife, documentary, fashion, editorial, food, and landscape photography.With the rise of advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has become an exciting and profitable career choice for many young people in India.Not long ago, photography was mostly seen as a hobby, but it has now grown into a popular career path. Nowadays, people of all ages are choosing photography as a profession.
Photography careers are essential in many industries and often require skills in both modern imaging technology and traditional photography techniques.
Role & Responsibilities of a Photographer
The primary responsibility of a Photographer is to capture high-quality images that meet the client’s needs or fulfill the intended purpose.
Some of the other responsibilities include:
- Working with clients to understand what they want for their photo shoots.
- Setting up the location and equipment.
- Gathering the right tools and cameras for the job.
- Taking photos using either traditional or digital cameras, along with other accessories like tripods and flash attachments.
- Adjusting camera settings like aperture, shutter speed, and focus based on the lighting and subject.
Employment Scope Career Options for Photographers
Photographers have a wide employment scope in India and the global market. They can work in media outlets, or as freelancers, offering their services to a wide range of clients.Some of the top companies that hire Photographers are Click India, Getty Images, India Times, Classic Photographers, National Geographic, Freelance India, Photogenic, CNN, New York Times, Amazon, Sinclair Broadcast Group, Food Panda, Imageskart.com, Netflix, Zomato, Malabar Golds, etc.
Salary Range
The earning of a Photographer varies depending upon the type of photography they specialise in, their level of experience, geographical location, market demand, client base, and the scope and complexity of the projects they undertake.
The average salary of a Photographer in India at the starting level is around 3 lacs to 5 lacs per annum. The package can increase as one gains the necessary experience and learns new skills in photography.
Also, freelance Photographers can charge different rates based on their skills, experience, the type of work, and the duration of the project.
Top Photographers in India
Several photographers in India have gained popularity in the global market. Some of the top photographers are:
- Atul Kasbekar
- Prabuddha Dasgupta
- Raghu Rai
- Sudhir Shivaram
- Rathika Ramasamy
- Dabboo Ratnani, etc.
Eligibility Criteria for Photography Course
The minimum criteria for admission to an undergraduate photography course in India are to pass grade 12 from any stream and a recognised board.
To be eligible for postgraduate photography programs, you need to have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject with at least 50% marks.Admissions are mostly given to the candidates based on the institute’s merit base and marks obtained in the entrance exams if conducted by the college.While, some institutes allow admission by paying the admission or course fee directly and meeting the eligibility criteria according to the institute’s guidelines, based on a first-come, first-served basis.
Steps to Become a Photographer
In today’s world with smartphones and advanced cameras, we all take photos. If you wish to become a professional photographer, formal photography training is essential.Candidates can either enroll for a degree course from an institute or pursue a diploma or certification course.
- Degree Course — 3 to 4 years
- PG Course — 2 years
- Diploma Course — 6 months to 1 year
- Certified Courses — 3 to 6 months (depending on course structure)
Also, candidates need to follow the below steps to become a professional Photographer in India and start their career:
- Select your field of study: The first step towards becoming a Photographer is to select your domain based on your choice and expertise. There are various types of photography such as Wildlife, Sports, Food, Fashion Photography, etc. in which one can excel.
- Enroll in the course and complete it: The next step is to decide on the training process. Candidates can either enroll for a full-time degree or diploma course from an institute or else complete the certification courses. There are several institutes and certified courses available all over India.
- Internship: After completing the course, candidates can do an internship to gain practical experience and hands-on training. Internships also allow you to do research for business projects, suggest ideas and solutions, update social media, and make images for social media posts and other purposes.
- Create a portfolio: Creating a strong portfolio is the most important thing in the photography profession. A portfolio helps in showcasing your skills and attracting potential clients or employers.
- Networking: Networking is another way of creating potential clients and enhancing your skills. It involves connecting with other photographers, directors, videographers, or creative directors to build relationships, share information, and create opportunities for collaboration or career advancement.
Photography Courses
Photography courses in India offer training in camera operation, composition, lighting, editing, and career options.There are several options available at undergraduate and post-graduate levels in a photography course.
Degree courses after 12th
- BSc in Photography
- BA in Photography
- Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) in Photography, etc
PG courses after graduation
- MSc in Photography
- MA in Photography
- Masters in Fine Arts (MFA) in Photography, etc
There are also short-term diploma and certificate courses available in photography. Candidates can choose these programs based on their schedule, interests, and career goals.
Skills Required to Become a Photographer
The most important thing about becoming a Photographer is that you need to be passionate about photography and should know the technicalities of operating a high-end camera and editing skills.
Also, becoming a successful Photographer requires combining technical skills, creative abilities, and business acumen.
A Photographer requires a creative mind, an eye for detail, good communication and interpersonal skills, patience, observational skills, and software skills.
Entrance Exam for Photography Course
The entrance exam for the photography course mainly depends upon the institute. For example, The Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film conducts an institute-level entrance exam for admission to their Diploma in Photography and other courses.
Similarly, AAFT (Asian Academy of Film and Television) conducts an online global entrance exam, AAFT GEE, for their Diploma in Photography. The entrance exam is followed by a personal interview.
Syllabus for Photography Course
The syllabus of a Photography course covers a wide range of topics from camera basics and composition techniques to advanced editing, lighting methods, and business skills.
Some of the main topics covered in the course include:
- Photography, its origin, and history
- Basics of Digital Photography
- Applications of Portrait Photography
- Glamour and Fashion Photography
- Applications of Digital Photography
- Sports Photography
- Social documentary and Photojournalism
- Photographing Fine-art
- Automobile Photography
- Photography of Architecture and Interiors
- Factory and Corporate Photography
- On-location photography, etc.
Top Colleges for Photography Courses
Several colleges all over India offer photography courses at undergraduate and post-graduate levels.
Some of the top Colleges in Photography are MIT – WPULovely Professional University, National Institute of Design, Creative Hut Institute of Photography, Light and Life Academy, Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication (SACAC), Asian Academy of Film and Television, Sir JJ Institute of Applied Arts, National Institute of Photography, Osmania University, The Indian Institute of Digital Art and Animation, etc.
Fees for Photography Course
The fee structure for a Photography course in India depends on the institute, location, specialisation, and infrastructure.
Below listed is the fee structure depending on the course selected:
- Degree program — approximately 10k to 7 lacs
- Post-graduation programs — approximately 50k to 6 lacs
- Diploma courses — approximately 40k to 4 lacs
- Certification courses — approximately 3k to 1 lac
Final Thoughts
Photography can be an exciting career for those who wish to turn their passion into a career. Photographers are always in high demand not only in the Indian market but globally as well. However, this profession requires lots of dedication and learning.