How to become a commercial photographer

Is becoming a commercial photographer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do commercial photographers do?

Still unsure if becoming a commercial photographer is the right career path? to find out if this career is right for you. Perhaps you are well-suited to become a commercial photographer or another similar career!

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How to become a Commercial Photographer

Commercial photography does not have strict educational requirements in terms of formal degrees or certifications. However, obtaining a solid foundation in photography through education and training can significantly enhance your skills and prospects in the field. Here are some steps you can take to become a commercial photographer:

High School Education or Equivalent
Begin with a high school diploma or equivalent. Courses in art, photography, visual arts, and computer skills can provide a solid foundation.

Acquire Photography Equipment
Purchase a high-quality camera, lenses, lighting equipment, and accessories.

Self-Study and Practice
Self-study is a crucial aspect of a photographer's education. Familiarize yourself with your gear. Experiment with your camera and lenses and with different lighting conditions, exposures, compositions, and settings to understand how they impact your photographs.

Study the work of experienced commercial photographers to understand their styles and techniques. Analyze what makes their photos exceptional.

Online Photography Courses and Tutorials
Take advantage of online platforms offering photography courses and tutorials. Websites like Coursera, Udemy, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses in commercial photography, lighting techniques, composition, and more.

College Courses in Photography or Fine Arts
Consider enrolling in a college or university offering photography programs or degrees. Pursuing a bachelor's degree in photography, fine arts, or a related field can provide comprehensive knowledge and skills.

Photography Workshops, Seminars, Immersive Experiences, and Online Communities
Attend workshops, seminars, or short-term courses, as well as immersive experiences like photography retreats, especially those focused on commercial photography. All of these provide hands-on learning, exposure to various techniques, and insights and mentorship from established professionals.

Join online photography forums, groups, and social media communities dedicated to commercial photography. Engage with other photographers and participate in discussions to expand your knowledge and network.

Specialization
Consider a specialization within commercial photography. Among the possibilities that may align with your interests and strengths are product photography, fashion, food, architecture, or another niche.

Portfolio Development and Online Presence
Develop a diverse portfolio showcasing your best commercial photographs. Showcase a variety of work to demonstrate your skills and versatility. Quality over quantity is key. Build a professional website or utilize social media platforms to share your portfolio, connect with a wider audience, gain exposure in the industry, and market your services.

Internships and Assistantships
Seek internships or assistant positions with professional commercial photographers. Learning from experienced photographers in real-world settings is invaluable in understanding the practical and business aspects of the job, including client communication, pricing, and contracts that clearly outline terms and deliverables. Time spent as an intern or assistant will also expose you to copyright laws and licensing to protect your work and establish guidelines for its use.

Continuing Education and Certifications
Stay updated with photography trends, new techniques, and industry advancements. Consider obtaining certifications to enhance your skills and credibility. The following are some of the voluntary certifications and professional organizations supporting commercial photographers:

  • Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) – To earn this certification, offered by the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), you need to pass a written exam that tests technical knowledge and artistic skills, submit a portfolio, and adhere to a code of ethics.
  • American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) – The ASMP offers professional memberships, resources, educational opportunities, and advocacy for photographers working in various commercial fields, including advertising, editorial, and media photography.
  • National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) – While primarily focused on photojournalism, NPPA can also be valuable for commercial photographers who work in editorial and documentary photography. It provides education, advocacy, and networking opportunities.
  • Advertising Photographers of America (APA) – APA is a specialized organization focused on advertising and commercial photographers. It provides networking opportunities, business tools, and advocacy for photographers in the advertising industry.
  • American Photographic Artists (APA) – APA is a photography organization that serves photographers in various fields, including commercial and advertising. It offers networking events, business support, and educational resources.
  • International Association of Architectural Photographers Association (IAAP) – Specializing in architectural photography, the IAAP offers resources and networking opportunities for photographers working in this niche.
  • Google Street View Trusted Photographer – Google offers a certification program for photographers interested in creating 360-degree virtual tours for businesses. This certification allows you to join Google's trusted photographer network.
  • Drone Pilot License (Part 107) – If you plan to incorporate drone photography into your commercial photography services, you'll need to obtain a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States.
  • Adobe Certified Expert (ACE) – While not specific to commercial photography, becoming an Adobe Certified Expert in Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom can enhance your post-processing skills, which are essential for commercial photographers.
  • National Association of Photoshop Professionals (NAPP) – For photographers who specialize in post-processing and image editing, NAPP offers memberships and resources related to Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom.
  • Association of Photographers (AOP) – Based in the United Kingdom, the AOP represents commercial photographers, offering legal support, networking, and resources for professional development.
  • Nikon School Certification – The Nikon School offers a certification program for photographers who want to enhance their technical and creative skills using Nikon cameras and equipment.
  • Canon Professional Services (CPS) – While not a certification, Canon Professional Services (CPS) is a service and support structure designed to provide working photo and video professionals with a wide range of benefits and services, including hotline support, loaner equipment during service episodes, rental equipment, free or subsidized shipping, service discounts, and online access to the CPS member service page.