A natural, demonstrated aptitude for visual-spatial application is one of the first indicators to a career in photography. Darkroom skills do not have the great relevance and focii of university courses that they once did have, which is a reflection of the needs of industry and not the desires of photographers in private.
Next is the education: a degree in the arts with majors in photography and electives in subjects like psychology and business. After the degree comes mentorship with an established professional (achieved through word of mouth or personally advertising), usually lasting for anything from 2 to 4 years as an Assistant in studio or location. After that comes registration of a business name, funding, setting of suppliers and accounts and advertising and (often feverishly) putting all your skills into producing work for sale to clients. Now here's the big point: your professional status will be recognised from the quality of the work you produced, not by the camera(s) hanging on your neck. Society has gone troppo judging "professionals" by the latest digital kit in his Domke. It doesn't work that way.
Next is the education: a degree in the arts with majors in photography and electives in subjects like psychology and business. After the degree comes mentorship with an established professional (achieved through word of mouth or personally advertising), usually lasting for anything from 2 to 4 years as an Assistant in studio or location. After that comes registration of a business name, funding, setting of suppliers and accounts and advertising and (often feverishly) putting all your skills into producing work for sale to clients. Now here's the big point: your professional status will be recognised from the quality of the work you produced, not by the camera(s) hanging on your neck. Society has gone troppo judging "professionals" by the latest digital kit in his Domke. It doesn't work that way.
