What Education Do I Need to Be a Wedding Photographer?
While there are no formal education requirements for wedding photographers, postsecondary training can be helpful and very useful. Read on for more information.
Career Overview
To become a wedding photographer, you must obtain basic skills in photography and learn how to take professional photographs that are in focus and capture a moment. Most photographers start out by learning photography and technical skills through practice. While formal education is not a requirement to work in the field, it can be helpful.
<table border="1"><tr><td>Common Courses</td><td>Basic Black and White Photography, Intro to Digital Photography, History of Photography</td></tr>
<tr><td>Degrees/Certificates</td><td>Associate's degree, certificate in photography</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability</td><td>Fully and partially online courses</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers</td><td>Photojournalist, Travel Photographer, Wedding Photographer</td></tr>
<tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $38,950 (<i>for all photographers in general</i>)*</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 9% (<i>for all photographers in general</i>)*</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---FormalEducation">Formal Education</h3><p>While not prominent in schools across the country, you may find some programs that focus solely on wedding photography. Certificate or associate's degree programs in photography may offer courses in wedding photography that can help you prepare for your career. Programs in digital photography or commercial photography may also include courses involving this specialty.
</p><p>In a photography program, you'll learn about the fundamentals of digital photography, lighting, editing programs, portraits, location shoots, and darkroom procedures. Many programs offer special courses in the basics of shooting a wedding. Programs may also provide courses in black and white photography and basic business principles. Most programs will help you to develop a professional portfolio and some may offer internship opportunities.
</p><h3 id="section---TrainingOpportunities">Training Opportunities</h3><p>In some cases, you may get your training as an assistant to a professional photographer. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, <i>www.bls.gov</i>), it is common for photographers to start out as assistants so that they may gain the required technical and creative skills to work in the field. The BLS also suggests gaining experience by joining photography clubs and organizations, working for photography-related businesses, and networking with others in the field.
</p><p>Acting as an assistant, you may help maintain equipment and ensure the right equipment makes it to a shoot. You may help organize and pose subjects. After the photo shoot, you may assist with developing the photos. As part of working as an assistant, you are exposed to the inner workings of a photography business. This may include learning how to book shoots, determining what to charge, and maintaining a professional studio.</p>