Educational: There are no specific academic requirements for full time courses in photography, however, candidates who have cleared the 10+2 exam are eligible for the diploma/certificate courses in photography. There are many students who learn photography along with their college degree, doing a part-time course. Besides the Certificate and Diploma courses in the field, Photography is also offered as an optional subject for a bachelor's degree in Fine arts. Some institutes offer full fledged B.A courses in photography of three year duration.

Besides the academic requirements, having a background in computers or electronics, related work experience and training is beneficial for making a break in the field.

Personal attributes: Successful photographers are creative individuals who can think and communicate in visual terms. They are able to interpret a client’s needs, translating their ideas into images that work. Thus photography basically requires a keen, observant eye, and an intelligent, curious and perceptive mind. A photographer must have full knowledge and command over the variety of cameras, lights and props, and all kinds of photographic techniques. They should have a sense of light and shade and the magic of colours.  Photographer must have creativity, determination and good powers of observation. They must also have the ability to work quickly under pressure, in difficult conditions and irregular hours.