Finding success in professional photography requires not only talent in knowing what translates into a great still shot, but the right photography education and training to hone your skills and learn how to make money with your craft.

There are so many industries that use photography services in which money can be made, and education and experience should prepare the photographer for that career path. Some areas of photography include corporate, editorial, commercial, weddings, sports, fashion, news and documentary. The right photography education and training will prepare a student for a career in the following ways:

1. Photography training will expand a photographer's perception of the world and what is photogenic.

2. Photography information learned should include the technical aspects of photography and how best to use different technologies.

3. Education should prepare students for getting photography business with information on things like portfolios and presentation.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get a fine arts degree in photography

A four-year degree from an accredited college or university is the best way for a photography student to prepare for a career in photography. A college program will be intensive with in-depth and highly concentrated coursework and will provide a well-rounded education preparing photographers for work in any industry.

I recommend: The Art Institutes International has nationwide locations, flexible schedules and degree programs in commercial photography, digital photography, photographic imaging and photography and design. Brooks Institute offers bachelors and masters degree programs in various areas of photography, including advertising, industrial and scientific.

Attend photography workshops and seminars

Photography workshops and seminars are a great place for photographers to hone their skills and stay up-to-date with new technology, like changes in digital photography. Seminars and workshops might be a good way for photography companies to expand into other areas of their profession.

I recommend: Search for workshops and seminars at Lowepro USA, or search for regional workshops at PhotoLinks.com.

Try online photography workshops and classes

Online classes can be a convenient and inexpensive way to get started in photography or learn about a new area of photography. The flexibility of the schedule allows education and training in spare time.

I recommend: Ashworth College offers an online introduction to photography course that covers all the basic aspects of photography. Roush Photo Online offers online digital photography classes.

Join a professional photography association

An association will provide access to insider professional photography information including industry news and trends, technological innovations, seminar listings, contests and job listings. Associations will also allow access to established photographers who are usually willing to share information or hire new photographers as interns.

I recommend: Join Professional Photographers of America, the largest national association covering all areas of photography, or join one of the specialized professional associations listed by Photo District News.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While getting an education in photography, it may be a good idea to get experience in commercial photography by working in a department store photography studio doing entry-level studio photography.

Offer photography services to the public as a viable business venture for qualified pros. Today's consumer-model digital cameras make shooting great pictures easy, but consumers still want professionals who can deliver quality photographs addressing their specific needs.

Your professional photography business should focus what you enjoy most. Limit your offerings based on your interests and experiences so that you feel fulfilled every time you get behind the camera:

1. Portrait photography allows you to focus on the human element behind the lens, generally in your private studio as you control lighting, setting, and poses.

2. Commercial photography is a competitive market and is best suited to those who can adapt to any filming conditions.

3. Scientific photography captures subjects related to research in order to illustrate or record discoveries, and requires a background in the scientific or technical field you'll photograph.

4. News photography — or photojournalism — focuses on newsworthy photos for magazines, newspapers, journals and television.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Gather photography information from photography professionals at the top of their game

Network with people who share an interest in photography and explore the wide range of options that the field of photography offers. You can locate community photography clubs by contacting a local school. There are also online communities which offer you the opportunity to meet people worldwide with a broad range of experience who can answer questions and help get you started.

I recommend: Join the Professional Photographers' Network or the Professional Photographers of America to network with professional photographers. Join the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) if you focus on photojournalism. Consider the American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) if you are in the business of selling your photographs for publication. Buzzle.com provides an international listing of photography associations and organizations for your specific area of concentration.

Market your digital photography business to increase both foot and Web traffic

Consumers who want to hire a professional photographer to capture a personal moment in time need easy access to your website. Once they locate your website, they will focus in on your portfolio and your professional photographer information detailing your experience within your niche market and your professional associations. Join professional organizations to increase your business' searchability through membership listings, but also use marketing tools to reach potential clients.

I recommend: Register with Photographers.com to reach a global customer base. Step into the world of e-commerce with Digital Express' PhotoReflect.com, which offers a virtual storefront capability, 24/7 customer digital access and reorder options. List your business for free with Photography Pros.

Put your photography supply and other resources to work for you

Owning a professional photography business may require you to invest in photography supplies, as well as stock photographs which enhance your offerings, especially when starting out. As your business grows and your portfolio expands, you'll need better equipment to keep up with photographic technology.

I recommend: B&H Photo is a well-known resource for all photographers. Sign up for their newsletter or request their catalog to stay informed of the latest tips, tricks, and technology. Fotosearch has a large searchable database of stock photographs from all around the world. Visit the Work.com Guide to Digital Photography for Small Business to glean some tips and links that will help you set up your digital endeavor.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Set up a photography studio only if that is what you are passionate about. With so many services available online, as well as easy-to-use software, you can practically run a photography business with only a camera and a computer.

Learning photography key terms is an essential step in starting the process of using photography for your business. By knowing the different kinds of photography and how they compare and contrast, you will know which area of photography will suit your business and fulfill your needs.

The following areas of photography each have different subject matter and various intended audiences. Understand the following photography key terms and soon your business will be ready to venture into a new area.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Portrait photography

Portrait photographers take pictures of people creatively posed in a studio using studio lighting effects, props and backdrops to create keepsake photos, usually to celebrate an life event or stage of life.

I recommend: Find an in-depth explanation of portrait photography at PhotographyTips.com.

Photojournalism

Photojournalism, also known as news photography or photo essay, uses photos of current events to tell a news story, usually accompanied by narrative elements. Unlike documentary photography, photojournalism presents the news in a fair and unbiased way.

I recommend: Read about the elements of good photojournalism essay at the Digital Photography School.

Commercial photography

Commercial photographers take pictures for business clients for the purpose of selling or promoting something such as a product, event, service or business. These photos are often used for printed brochures and advertisements.

I recommend: Learn more about how commercial photography is commonly used in business at MediaCollege.com.

Fashion photography

Fashion photography is used to display and promote apparel, accessories and shoes, most often in magazines and advertisements. This type of photography leaves much room for creativity, artistic representation and a unique style for photographers.

I recommend: Photography.com offers a definition of fashion photography and information on noteworthy fashion photographers.

Digital photography

Digital photography is a form of digital imaging that uses digital cameras and technology, such as computer programs, to make the images rather than chemical photographic processing, which allows the photos to be manipulated, edited, displayed, printed and saved with much ease.

I recommend: Visit the Kodak website to read all of technical terms that are relevant to digital photography.