Taking quality pictures and movies requires technical expertise and creativity. Most photographers specialize in commercial, portrait, or journalistic photography. Some specialize in wedding or school photographs. A high school education or equivalency certificate is preferable for entry and a technical school education provides more opportunity. Junior and commuity colleges grant associate degrees.
Some colleges offer bachelor's degrees.
Determination often is as much the key to success as creativity, skill, and formal preparation. Job Outlook Employment of photographers is expected to grow at a moderate pace in New York State. The growing use of visual images in education, communication, entertainment, marketing, and research and development should spur demand for photographers. Also, as the population increases, the demand for portrait photographers will increase as well. Photographers may become teachers and provide instruction in their own area of expertise.