How do I become a photographer?

Do you dream of capturing beautiful, interesting and memorable pictures? Professional photography can open many doors for individuals who are independent and love to explore.
Professional photographers can work in a range of areas but many choose to specialize in one field. As a photographer you can pursue a career in fashion, events, sports, science, wildlife, journalism, architecture, food or advertising. Perhaps one of the more exciting career prospects is travel photography.
Becoming a great photographer takes more than just a 'good eye'. To succeed in this competitive industry you will need qualities like creativity, passion and ambition.
A formal education is not required but training can help to hone your creative skills and teach you how to use technical equipment. Today photographers must also know how to use photo-editing software such as Photoshop, InDesign and Illustrator.
Generally there are no requirements to enter photography courses other than a matric certificate or equivalent, but some applicants may be required to earn a bachelor pass.
Once you have developed your skills through training and practice you can choose to work for a company or freelance. One of the main attractions to professional photography is the ability to be your own boss.
Freelance photography has its benefits and disadvantages. If you choose to work independently you will need to have good networking and marketing skills. You should be comfortable interacting with people and managing your own business. Freelancing can be stressful at times but also very rewarding and liberating as you set your own pace.
Building your portfolio is essential to furthering your career. You can do this by taking shots of different subject matter. Clients like to see a wide range of pictures to assess your ability so take photos everyday to develop your skills. Internships are a good way to build portfolios and gain experience.