After taking a brief diversion into the world of librarianship and information management, our series on careers ideas now turns back towards Mediaville. This time, however, rather than looking at the people who make the words, we’ll be examining the work of the folks who take the pretty pictures that go alongside the text.

That’s right, our career for you to mull over pursuing today is that of the photographer. It’s a profession that’s romanticized and somewhat mystified in equal measure, and often regarded by many as one of those dream jobs that are impossible to get into. Like being an astronaut. Or a puppy farmer.

But should it be placed on this pedestal? Well, a tiny bit yes, but mostly no. For although very few photographers fully live out the idealized version of the profession–getting exclusive access to do portrait shots of rock stars and presidents, or capturing the near-unimaginable beauty of rare orchids in the Amazon–it is a profession which, provided you get the right training and are prepared to be patient in waiting for your break, is a viable career choice. So if you like the idea of becoming a photographer but feel it would be too risky or daunting a career path, read on.

Obviously the first prerequisite for getting into this career is an interest in photography. But by this we don’t just mean that you like taking snaps when on holiday. We’re talking about a much, much deeper interest than that. If you don’t know what apertures or shutter speeds are all about–let alone know how to use them to take a great picture–then you’ll either need to start teaching yourself or forget the whole thing.

Self-teaching through books on photography and regular photo-taking excursions are an essential preparation step for this career, as quite possibly is also joining a photography club, at which you’ll be able to show your work to others for constructive feedback and pick up new techniques.

And once you’ve got some really beautiful, unique shots, it’s time to start creating a portfolio–in fact, two portfolios: one physical and one online–of your own. Because although the majority of photographers have formal training and qualifications, what counts above all in a field like photography is having a great portfolio of work. This is the main thing editors and employers will use when they consider hiring you.

In spite of this, we would recommend you also devoted your educational efforts to the field. Because unless you’re an absolute natural, the training will help your photography come along in leaps and bounds. Photography training comes in all shapes and forms, from the odd evening classes for dabblers, through to BTECs and undergraduate degrees, and even specialist postgraduate courses. While postgraduate studies are perhaps more of a bonus than a necessity, a qualification at least at diploma level is probably advisable. Courses that are approved by the British Institute of Professional Photography or the Association of Photographers are particularly worthwhile; these bodies also offer great resources to their members that provide advice on job openings and freelance opportunities. Another possible avenue to explore is apprenticeship opportunities in photography.

While you’re learning the skills of the photographer’s craft and art, it’s certainly worth taking the time to develop a specialization. This is because the term ‘photographer’ in reality covers a wide range of professions. Just as engineers come in lots of different flavours, from aeronautical to petrochemical, so too do photographers. While some of these are relatively well known, such as press, sports, wedding and wildlife photography, some photographers also occupy rather niche areas such as aircraft.

Once you’ve got some qualifications, a specialism and a cracking portfolio, the exact form your career path will take depends largely on the type of photography you want to do. There are initial employment opportunities at assistant level with established businesses in areas such as wedding, event or studio photography, through which you can potentially work your way up to a position with greater creative responsibility. Working freelance is a route that many photographers take; while it’s easier to do this having learnt the ropes from working in an entry-level position, some brave souls make the jump straight into freelancing.