If you want to pursue your dream job, there are several options. On the one hand, you have the option of a dual training course lasting 3 years. This means that you alternate between working at a vocational school and in a company, e.g. a photo studio or publishing house. Theoretically, you can become a photographer with any school qualification or even without a qualification. However, according to the Federal Institute for Vocational Training (BIBB), around half of all trainees have a high school diploma or a technical college diploma. Most begin their training with a secondary school diploma, a few have a primary school diploma. Finding a training place without a qualification is difficult, but not impossible

Do you want to become a photographer? We answer the most important questions
If you want to pursue your dream job, there are several options. On the one hand, you have the option of a dual training course lasting 3 years. This means that you alternate between working at a vocational school and in a company, e.g. a photo studio or publishing house. In theory, you can become a photographer with any school qualification or even without a qualification. However, according to the Federal Institute for Vocational Training (BIBB), around half of all trainees have a high school diploma or a technical college diploma. Most begin their training with a secondary school diploma, a few have a secondary school diploma. Finding a training place without a degree is difficult, but not impossible.
On the other hand, you can complete an academic degree at a private or state university in 6 to 8 semesters. For one of the popular study places, you have to convince the applicant with your artistic talent in the form of a portfolio when applying. To do this, you have to put together various photos, drawings and designs. Then, with a master’s degree, you have the opportunity to expand your knowledge in the field of photography. After your studies, you work as an employee, but mostly as a freelancer in your own studio or for various companies.
There is no license required to become a photographer. Anyone can work as a photographer without having previously completed any training or studies. However, numerous skills and abilities are required to practice the profession professionally, so training or studies are advisable.
What qualities do you need to become a photographer?
Good photos require not only a trained eye, but also a certain amount of creativity and a technical understanding of the craft of photography. Digital editing and design options have now found their way into the world of photography.
You need the following qualities:
• Intermediate school leaving certificate for an apprenticeship or general university entrance qualification for university studies
• Passion for photography & a sense of aesthetics
• Eye for detail
• Assertiveness & resilience
• Ability to work in a team
• Diligence & patience
• Discipline
• Flexibility
• Technical understanding
• Strong communication skills
• Artistic talent
• Creativity
What specializations are there?
Anyone can pursue the profession of photographer, but it takes a lot to become a real paparazzo. Photography is the umbrella term for a very broad spectrum of content-related and technical types of image production. The possibilities for specialization are varied depending on skills, leaving room for personal development.
Different types of photography:
• Landscape photography
• Portrait photography
• Animal photography
• Real estate photography
• Food photography
• Art photography
• Documentary photography
• Fashion photography
• Advertising photography
• Sports photography
What are my tasks as a photographer?
Photography – capturing moments
One of the most important tasks of a photographer is taking photos. With your specialization, you decide, among other things, which subjects you want to photograph. If you want to be a portrait or wedding photographer, for example, you will mainly concentrate on people. An advertising photographer often has products in front of the lens. As an art or documentary photographer, there are almost no restrictions. You can photograph not only people, but also events, landscapes and objects. Before you start, you prepare the set. This includes not only equipment such as a tripod or a separate flash, but possibly also decorative elements. In action, you know exactly which camera and lens you can use to optimally stage the respective main actor. A key factor here is the lighting, which you use to create the desired intention in your image.
Image editing and printing
The work of a photographer does not end with taking photos; the second step is to put the finishing touches on the photos. First, after an assignment, you look through all the material and select the best shots. This may be done together with your customer on set. When you have the right images, you can start editing the photos. In the digital age, this is done with the help of an image editing program on the PC. You can look at the color, contrast and sharpness of the image, among other things. If necessary, you can also retouch unsightly areas. The photos are then printed out or sent to the customer in digital form.
Image development in the laboratory
With an analog camera, you may have to develop your images yourself in a specially equipped photo lab. In addition to special equipment such as a developer tank, a water basin or measuring cups, you also need various chemicals such as developers and fixers. With this type of development, you can work more individually and achieve a higher quality than in the large laboratories.
Planning and carrying out photo shoots and photo trips
As a photographer, you are also responsible for planning and carrying out a photo shoot or photo trip. This includes, for example, researching suitable locations, requesting models and, if necessary, make-up artists and obtaining cost estimates. Once you have decided on a specific location, you make the relevant bookings for the location and possibly the models, flights and hotels. Finally, on the day of the shoot, you ensure that the shoot runs smoothly.
Advising customers
Especially in the areas of portrait, wedding and advertising photography, you are responsible for advising customers. You prepare accordingly for the preliminary meeting and work out your own ideas. In the customer meeting, you address the customer, inquire about their individual ideas and work out the procedure and implementation together with them.
Calculating and claiming usage rights
In photography, the remuneration for usage rights is declining in most areas – to the detriment of photographers or photojournalists. They usually receive a one-off payment for the photos from the client. However, for each order you should try to grant the client only a simple usage right, i.e. limit the scope and duration of use. This gives you the opportunity to use the photo yourself. If the client uses the photo for a specific purpose, for example, you can use the photo yourself. If, for example, you want to use the photo for a longer period of time, you can ask for money again. In addition to the scope and duration, the calculation of usage rights also depends on whether the photo was created for regional or national use.
Take marketing measures
Especially as a young and still unknown photographer, it is important to present yourself and your work to a wide audience in order to receive your first orders. Nowadays, you can achieve this primarily via the various social media channels such as Facebook and Instagram or via your own website. Word of mouth is also a factor that should not be underestimated. If customers are satisfied with you, they may recommend you to their friends and acquaintances.
Carrying out organizational tasks
The job of a photographer is not only characterized by creativity, but also includes normal administrative tasks such as answering emails from customers, arranging appointments for on-site visits or creating invoices after a shoot.
What are the career prospects as a photographer?
The profession of photography is very popular. The result is that you have to compete with many other applicants not only when applying for a training or university place, but also later in your career. In addition, there are now many self-employed people who accept jobs for less money. The career prospects are therefore difficult. In order to be able to survive better on the market, it helps to specialize in certain areas early on and optimize your skills in these areas.
What speaks for the profession:
• opportunity to turn your hobby into a career
• nationally and internationally possible
• Live your creativity
• Your work is varied
• Depending on your reputation, you have the opportunity to work with large companies or well-known personalities.
What speaks against the profession?
• Great competition on the market
• Work on weekends and public holidays too
• Shootings in all weathers
• Depending on the assignment, you are often under time pressure