How to Become a Photographer Without a Degree or Experience (2025 Guide)
Think you need formal education or thousands of dollars in gear to become a photographer?
In this guide, I’ll show you how to break into photography in 2025 without a degree or experience. You still need to put in the effort, being a photographer is no getting-rich-quick scheme. It takes time, patience, and dedication to perfect your craft.
A huge part is understanding what type of photography you want to do, and how you can market to your clients so they can find you.
From my personal experience in getting a degree in photography there wasnt a lot of education about marketing, client experience, and contracts to get you started. While I’m grateful for the time I put into my formal education and the life long friends I’ve made from this experience, there was a huge gap between the skills I achieved in school and translating that into day-to-day work.
While you still need focus, patience and dedication towards your goals, here is an easy getting started guide.
1. Start With What You Have
Use any camera you already own
Practice with natural light and free editing apps.
2. Learn the Basics
Take a local photography course in your town/ city
Become a photography assistant
Become a second shooter, after being an assistant
Research Aperture, F/Stop, Shutter Speed, ISO and camera lens use cases (get comfortable with these settings.
Try my 21 day photo challenge for $21( This is for composition, to improve your perspective, for all levels of photography) (coming soon)
1. Try renting equipment to see what you like
Try out a 50mm and 85mm prime lens for portraits and environmental portraits
Try out a digital camera you are looking to get, see how it feels in your hand (if you are planning on shooting events and weddings, make sure the camera isnt too heavy)
3. Choose a Niche You Can Practice Easily
Portraits, food, pets, or product photography from home
Build a consistent theme for your work
4. Practice Daily — and make time to grow your passion
Just shoot.
Make a weekly schedule, carving out time to take photos and practice
Make time for social connections with other photographers so you can learn together and from each other (meetup, facebook groups).
5. Create a Starter Portfolio Online
Free website tools: Adobe Portfolio, Wix, or Squarespace
Include 5–10 strong images in your niche
5. Create a Social Media Portfolio
Work on your Instagram portfolio, posting relevant shots for your
6. Offer Discounted Sessions to Build Experience (for 3-6 months only)
Shoot for friends, family, and local businesses
Ask for testimonials and permission to post photos
7. Begin Freelancing and Charging for Work
List on local Facebook groups
Post offerings on social media
Collaborate with other small businesses
Start with mini-packages (relatively lower charge and quicker turnaround, little to no editing)
You don’t need a degree to become a professional photographer — just commitment, consistency, and creativity.
