How to Become a Photographer: Career Guide, Courses, Eligibility, Entrance Exams, After 12th, Jobs, Salary 2024

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Ahana Bhaduri

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Photographers are skilled professionals, who with their creativity and upscaled professional skills click images and photographs that narrate stories discussing events that unfold. Photography is not just restricted to any particular sector but has scope across various ambits such as Wildlife Photography, Fashion Photography, Wedding Photography, Advertising Photography and many more. Photographers can specialise in any field as per their niche and their expertise. There has been a tremendous boost in career opportunities as a photographer in the past few years. The Indian Stock Photography market is expected to cross INR 120 Crore by 2025. 

A Diploma in Photography is the most popular course that students can choose to pursue to become a photographer in India. There are several top Photography Colleges in India, that offer various Diploma or Certificate Photography Courses, for students who aspire to become a Photographer. Apart from this students can also choose to pursue Undergraduate or Postgraduate Photography Courses, which grant admissions on the basis of merit as well as entrance exams. Read More: Online Photography Courses

Students with exceptional skills can become a photographer without pursuing any formal degree. Students aspiring to become a Photographer, need a minimum of 10 years of experience in order to be eligible to work for top television channels such as National Geographic Channel, Discovery etc. Check: Types of Photographers

Some of the top recruiters of Photographers are National Geographic, Discovery Channel, Conde Nast, The Times of India, Flipkart, and Amazon where candidates can work as Advertising Photographers, Event, Wedding Photographers, Photo-Journalist, Wildlife, Fashion Photographer, etc. The average salary of a photographer is INR 3.90 LPA which increases with experience and areas of specialization one can work in. Check: Salary of a Photographer

Table of Contents

  1. How to Become a Photographer: Quick Facts

1.1 Eligibility Criteria

1.2 Entrance Exams

  1. What Does a Photographer Do
  2. Steps on How to Become a Photographer
  3. Types of Photographers

4.1 Wildlife Photographers

4.2 Travel Photographers

4.3 Sports Photographers

4.4 Scientific Photographers

4.5 Food Photographers

4.6 Fashion Photographers

  1. How to Become a Photographer in India

5.1 How to Become a Photographer after 10th

5.2 How to Become a Photographer after 12th

  1.  How to Become a Photographer Without a Degree
  2. Photography Courses

7.1 Diploma in Photography

7.2 BFA Photography

7.3 Professional Courses on Photography

  1. Career as a Photographer Abroad
  2. Benefits of a Career as a Photographer
  3. Top Recruiters for Photographers
  4. Salary of a Photographer in India

11.1 Experience Wise

11.2 Qualification Wise

  1. How to Become a Photographer: FAQs
 

How to Become a Photographer: Quick Facts 

Industry Media, Entertainment
Required Qualifications Certificate and Diploma Courses in Photography
Top Recruiters National Geographic Channel, Conde Nast, Discovery Channel, Fashion Houses, Media Houses
Starting Salary INR 2.8 LPA
Average Salary INR 4.33 LPA
Highest Salary INR 13 LPA

Eligibility to Become a Photographer 

The minimum eligibility required to become a Photographer is listed below for your reference,

  • Candidates who have cleared the 12th standard in any stream are eligible for diploma/certificate courses in photography.
  • Graduates in any stream are also eligible for a Photography course.
  • A work experience of 1-2 years in the media and journalism sector after graduation or a certificate course in photography is preferred.

Entrance Exams to Photography Courses

The list of Entrance Exams that are necessary to become a Photographer are listed below for your reference,

  • Entrance Exam is conducted for the Diploma in Photography by AAFT (Asian Academy of Film and Television) which conducts an online global entrance exam AAFT GEE followed by a personal interview.
  • Creative Hut Institute of Photography and Film Entrance Exam is an institute-level entrance exam conducted for admissions to Diploma in Photography and different courses/programs offered by the institute.
  • Candidates who have passed the 12th standard or graduated in any stream are eligible for the entrance exam.

What Does a Photographer Do

As a photographer, one can specialize in various areas such as wildlife, commercials, wedding, event, the digital world, and food. The basic duties and responsibilities of a photographer are:

  • A Photographer works with a client to determine the perfect vision and angle for his photoshoot.
  • Photographers are responsible for setting up a perfect location and setup as per the client’s needs.
  • Photographers assemble the required equipment, tools and cameras according to the subject, conditions, and location.
  • Photographers use traditional or digitally advanced cameras, along with tripods, filters, and flash attachments to take photographs.
  • Photographers adjust various parameters such as apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus based on lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
  • Photographers are also responsible for reviewing and enhancing photographs using digital photo-editing software like adobe.

Steps to become a Photographer 

There are multiple niches in photography in which anybody can specialize based on their interest and skill sets they have. Some of the basic skills that are essential to becoming a Photographer are listed below, 

  • Step 1: First step to become a photographer is to choose a relevant photography course like a diploma in photography, or a degree/certificate program. India is home to a number of Photography institutes that offer various Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Diploma courses in Photography.
  • Step 2: Fulfil the Eligibility Criteria like most of the diploma courses want 12th pass qualification and other certificates or courses want graduation. Eligibility may vary according to the type of course they prefer.
  • Step 3: Secure admission to a top photography institute. Some top institutes provide admission on the basis of merit in entrance exam or board exams.
  • Step 4: Complete the course program, learn not just to complete the course but also learn the strategies and technicalities provided in the course.
  • Step 5: After completion of the course or during the course land for the Internships to implement their knowledge and gain industry experience as how industries work, equipment works etc.
  • Step 6: Create a niche for as in which industry/niche one looks forward to work for
  • Step 7: Create a portfolio/Website/Blog or a Social media page to showcase their work.

Types of Photographers

There are various types and segments in Photography. Listed below are the major types of photographers for your reference,

Wildlife Photographer

Wildlife photographers take photographs of animals in the wild. Wildlife Photographers have an extensive travelling schedule since they need to be present where the action is. It can be in Africa taking pictures of lions to Sundarabans taking pictures of Tigers or even in the North Pole taking pictures of Polar Bears. The majority of Wildlife Photographers are freelancers. They spend most of their time travelling and taking pictures and selling their pictures to the highest bidder. There are no bidding centres, the highest money depends on the contacts that they sign. The average salary of a wildlife photographer in India ranges from INR 7 LPA – 12 LPA 

Travel Photographer

This goes without saying that travel photographers do travel a lot as per their assignments. Travel Photographers will have to really understand the essence of the place in order to understand its beauty. Remote locations tend to provide the best photographs. As a trainee travel photographer, the average pay is between INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 but with experience and knowledge the average pay can go up to as much as INR 14 LPAIt is advisable to sell pictures regularly in order to gain trust which will lead to dependency and then a hike in pay. Candidates can even have their own blog or website. It is better to write as well since writing with proper pictures will provide a complete package. 

Sports Photographer

Taking fast-paced action moments of athletes and sports personnel is described as sports photography. Sports photographers work for newspapers, magazines, websites and photo stock agencies. They analyze and plan the composition of photographs that includes placements, lighting, equipment etc. They use photo-enhancing software, such as photoshop to touch up photographs. Sports are largely associated with cricket in India. With IPL and National teams playing, there is good scope for professional Sports photography. The average salary of sports photographers is around INR 2.44 LPA –  3.60 LPA in India. 

Scientific Photographer

The role of a Scientific Photographer includes capturing medical or scientific data using instruments or equipment without any use of image-manipulating software. Pictures of science are important to show the outer world what it is all about. Without a picture of bacteria in our textbook, we could never have understood how they looked. Animated objects always fall behind a well-illuminated picture of the real thing. 

Food Photographer

Food photographers are hired for taking photographs of food prepared in restaurants and advertising agencies or work for magazines that publish the recipes of food. The main focus of Food photographers is not just to make them look delicious but also appealing to the eye. The colours, the texture, the lighting and the angles all count. Restaurants hire food photographers who are basically freelance photographers. Most of the food photographers are customers who go there. They take pictures of the food and share them on social media which attracts more customers. The average salary of a Food Photographer in India usually ranges between INR 3.45 LPA – 4.23 LPA.

Fashion Photographer

Fashion Photography is very popular because of social media. It involves both indoor and outdoor shoots, that are shot on high-quality cameras. Fashion photography is booming and since the industry focuses only on talent it has been able to bring up some good photographers. Having a photography qualification is an added point but what matters the most are the skills to click spellbinding pictures. Apart from fashion photography for magazines and calendars, celebrities hire photographers to stay relevant in the minds of the audience. Regular photos on their social media handles make them relevant to their followers. The average salary of a Fashion Photographer can range from INR 2.5 L – 4 L for 3 months or money according to the number of pictures selected.  

How to Become a Photographer in India

There are several courses that are available in India, that can help students become Photographers. Some of the key steps that can be followed to become a Photographer are listed below for your reference.

How to Become a Photographer after 10th

  • Students who wish to become a photographer after class 10th should start practising from this point. It will be very difficult to become a photographer outright at this tender age.
  • Thus this is the time to get one’s knowledge of angles, and light and know different types of photography. 
  • There are various online courses that don't require any eligibility criteria. These courses will help in understanding the basics of photography.
  • Candidates will surely become better with practice. 

How to Become a Photographer after 12th

  • Students can join various photography courses available in India. Students must prepare in order to take admission to top Photography colleges in India.
  • Some of the top photography colleges in India include Delhi College of Photography, Light and Life Academy, and Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University.
  • The average fees range from INR 20,000 to INR 2,00,000. 
  • Majority of the courses are one-year diploma courses.
  • Students must find the eligibility and admission process of top photography colleges in India.
  • Students may try to become a photographer without going for a formal degree course but the degree provides an identity to the photographer in the beginning stages of his career. 

How to Become a Photographer without a Degree

A degree is not a must to become a photographer.  An individual must have an eye for photography, thus understanding the frame and light balance in order to become a photographer without a degree.

  • The industry has an eye for talent and the best way to attract everyone’s attention is to do more. 
  • An individual must do as many photoshoots as possible and get them published.
  • With regular publishing of your works, bigger corporations or organizations will come to you. You can also meet different people and showcase their work to them.

Photography Courses

Career as a photographer in India requires planning and execution right from class 12th. You need to select the right course, check the eligibility criteria and find out the perfect college to pursue your career as a photographer.

The top UG and PG courses to become a photographer in India are:

Course Name Average Fees (INR) Top College
Diploma in Photography 65,000 - 5,00,000 Asian Academy of Film and Television, Noida
Diploma in Digital Photography Free  Alison
Diploma in Camera & Lightning Techniques NA AAFT Noida
BA Visual Arts and Photography 4,70,000  Symbiosis School of Visual Arts and Photography
BFA Photography 2,407 Faculty of Visual Arts BHU
B.Sc in Photography  2,10,000 CMR University, Bangalore
PG Diploma in Professional Photography 2,50,000 K’s Academy of Photographic Arts, Tamil Nadu
PG Diploma in Still Photography & Visual Communication Program 74,020 Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
MFA in Photography NA IIP Academy, Delhi
Foundation course (in wildlife photography) NA DCOP Delhi
Crash course in Photography 10,000 National Institute of Photography
Introductory course in wedding photography 6,400 Udemy
Professional Diploma in Art of Photography 3,83,500 Creative HUT Institute of Photography, Kottayam

Diploma in Photography 

  • Diploma in Photography is a one year professional photography course in documentary, travel and nature photography.
  • To be eligible for a diploma in photography, 50% marks in class 12th from a recognized board is required, the admission process is based on personal interviews and portfolio of work.
  • AAFT Noida is the most famous college for a diploma in photography, the admissions to AAFT Noida are often based on their entrance exam called AAFT GEE.
  • The average course fee to pursue a diploma in photography is INR 65,000 - 5 LPA.
  • Diploma in photography is also offered in other specializations such as Diploma in Digital Photography and Diploma in Camera & Lightning Techniques.

BFA Photography 

  • BFA photography or bachelor of fine arts in photography is an undergraduate course of three years.
  • Any student after class 12th can pursue BFA in photography, the admissions to which are solely based on merit score of class 12th.
  • BFA in Photography is offered by BHU, Varanasi at an average cost of INR 2,407 which is a very affordable option than any other course available in photography.
  • After BFA, you can pursue a MFA in photography, or can pursue PG diploma courses in photography.

Professional Photography Courses 

  • Apart from diploma and bachelor level courses in photography, many students pursue short-term professional courses or online course in photography.
  • Foundation course (in wildlife photography), Crash course in Photography, Introductory course in wedding photography are the most popular courses in photography.
  • They are feasible as they can be pursued in a few weeks or months, and they are available for a cost of INR 10,000.
  • The admissions to these courses are basically on a first come first serve basis, in some cases, your portfolio will be asked to judge your past experience and interest as a photographer.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum qualification for diploma courses is completion of class 10; in most of the institutes its 12th standard. 
  • Eligibility for Bachelors programs like B.Sc, BFA, Degree/Certificate is that a candidate must have cleared 12th standard in any stream.
  • Eligibility criteria for post graduation programs in photography is a graduation degree in any discipline with minimum 50% Marks.

Admission Process 

  • Famous Institute like Asian Academy of Film & Television give admission on the basis of marks scored in the Entrance Exam conducted by the Institute (AAFT GEE).
  • Admissions given to the candidates according to the marks scored in the entrance exam and merit base of institutes. 
  • Some Institute gives admission by directly paying the admission or course fee and possesses the eligibility as per the institute guidelines and first come first serve basis.

How to become a Photographer Abroad

If you are willing to study abroad, there are lots of famous universities that offer UG and PG programs like MFA in Photography, BA in Photography, MFA in Studio arts photography, Diploma in Photography etc. To become a photographer either you land for an internship in abroad companies or get enrolled into the famous colleges who are offering various UG and PG programs.

Eligibility Criteria 

The basic eligibility criteria for pursuing Photography courses abroad are listed below,

  • Candidates must have qualified the TOEFL or IELTS exam to study abroad.
  • They must carry a state of purpose, a portfolio representing their work experience and other academic certificates.
  • In ceratin colleges, a prior experience of 2 years are counted

Colleges Offering Photography Courses Abroad 

Here are some top colleges where you can study photography and earn the Certificate/Degree.

College Name Courses Average Annual Fees (INR)
Parsons the New School of Design, USA BA, BFA, BFA and MFA in Photography 37.34 L
Film and TV School of Academy of Performing Arts, Czech Republic Photographic Imaging Bachelor and Master’s programs in Photography 15.65 L
Ryerson University, Canada BFA Image Art, BFA Photography Studies 16.13 L
New York Institute of Photography Professional Photography 11 L
London Metropolitan University BA (hons) Photography, MFA 12.76 L
School of the Art Institute of Chicago BFA in Photography MFA in Photography 38.40 L

Benefits of Becoming a Photographer 

Photography career is a highly creative one; it develops the creative skills inside you and changes the way you look at this world.

  • You get paid on the basis of experience and skills you possess in this field and how creative you are.
  • You get multiple opportunities to meet various peoples and also visit various places along with your work.
  • As a photographer you may generalize or specialise any field of photography like specialization in advertisements, specialization in events photography. As you know, a specialized person gets more opportunities and earns more money than a general person.
  • You can start your own business or advertising agency or content creation company and earn lots of money by helping your customers.
  • By creating high quality or memorable photographs, photographers ensure some measure of immortality. When photographers do what they love, creating photography likely to last for generations, they may also experience high levels of job satisfaction.

Skills Required to Become a Photographer 

The essential skill sets for becoming a Photographer are tabulated below,
Passion for Photography Technical knowledge of lighting
Creativity Patience and Concentration
Will to travel and work at odd timings Computer skills
Software skills Communication Skills
Eye for Detail Being able to generate instant ideas

Top Recruiters for Photographers

Vijushah Photographers Direct
Freelance India Best Indian Sites
Click India -

Photographer Salary

Here is the table which gives you an idea about how much salary a beginner can expect in different fields of photography. Salary or earning may vary according to your experience and skills.

Job Profile Average Annual Salary (INR)
Fashion Photographer 4.10 L & above
News Paper and Magazine Photographer 9.60 L & above
Wildlife Photographer 6.70 L & above
Advertising Photographer 4.50 L & above
Wedding Photographer 4 L & above

Experience Wise Salary

Experience (years) Average Annual Salary (INR)
0-2 2.30 L
2-5 4.10 L
5-10 9.37 L
10-15 10.11 L 
15-20 12 L 
20+ 13.73 L & above

Qualification Wise Salary 

Qualification Average Annual Salary (INR)
High School 1.33 L
Certificate or Diploma 2.40 L
Bachelor’s Degree 2.55 L

How to Become a Photographer: FAQs

Ques. Is photography a good career?

Ans. In my opinion Photography is a good career including lots of adventure and opportunities. Just don’t opt it to earn money, focus more than money, this will help you to build a great career.

Ques. Can I make good money in Photography?

Ans. Yes, you can. That depends upon the niche you have selected and how much expertise or experience you have.

Ques. Can I pursue Photography without equipment?

Ans. No, you can’t pursue it because only having a camera is not going to give you the results. You have to invest in lighting, tripods and camera lenses to capture amazing pictures.

Ques. How do I get a job as a photographer?

Ans. First of all land an internship during the course, this will help you to learn the technicalities, gain industry experience and implement the learning. After completion of course reach out to companies or start your own freelancing journey as a photographer.

Ques. How long is a photography course?

Ans. It depends upon which institute and program you have taken. Generally diploma in photography is a yearlong course.

Ques. What are the top colleges for a diploma in photography?

Ans. Some top colleges are Light and Life Academy Ooty, AAFT, World University of Design Sonepat, Institute of Photography Excellence Ahmedabad, Sri Aurobindo Centre for Arts and Communication, New Delhi

Ques. List of careers in Photography?

Ans. You can make a career as Advertising Photographer, Photojournalist, Wedding Photographer, Fashion Photographer, Wildlife Photographer, Aerial Photographer, Fine Arts Photographer, Event and Concert Photographer etc.

Ques. In which sector do we get jobs as Photographers?

Ans. You get jobs in Newspaper and Magazine, Advertising Agencies, Studios, Press and Publication houses, Industries and Medical Institutes, Event Management organizations, Freelancers.

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