How to become a Photographer
Official title: Photographers
Also called: Photographer, News photographer, Chief photographer, Still photographer, Aerial photographer, Finish photographer, Police photographer, Street photographer, Fashion photographer, Medical photographer, Forensic photographer, Portrait photographer
Photographers operate still cameras to photograph people, events, scenes, materials, products and other subjects. They are employed by photographic studios, newspapers, magazines, museums and government, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Study requirements of a particular assignment and decide on type of camera, film, lighting and background accessories to be used
- Determine picture composition, make technical adjustments to equipment and photograph subject
- May operate scanners to transfer photographic images to computers
- May operate computers to manipulate photographic images
- May adapt existing photographic images and create new digitized images to be included in multimedia/new media products
- May use delicate instruments, such as optical microscopes attached to cameras
- May process exposed film
- May use airbrush, computer or other techniques to retouch negatives
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in visual arts with specialization in photography or Completion of specialized training in photography in high school, college or specialized training schools or Extensive on-the-job training under the supervision of a photographer is required. Experience in, or knowledge of computerized photography or digital imaging may be required. Creative and technical ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 34% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Film/video and photographic arts; Design and applied arts; Fine arts and art studies.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $46,878 a year The middle half earn $39,000 to $70,200.
- About 22,400 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 24,700 are projected by 2033. (+10.3%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Photographer?
A bachelor's degree in visual arts with specialization in photography or Completion of specialized training in photography in high school, college or specialized training schools or Extensive on-the-job training under the supervision of a photographer is required. Experience in, or knowledge of computerized photography or digital imaging may be required. Creative and technical ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required.
How much does a Photographer earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $46,878 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $39,000 to $70,200.
Is a Photographer a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2033, from about 22,400 to about 24,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a Photographer?
Not always. 32% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03