While there's no legal requirement, most aspiring sports photographers:
* Attend college or have some formal training: Many pursue a degree or certificate in photography, photojournalism, or a related field. This provides valuable technical skills, networking opportunities, and a portfolio to showcase.
* Build a portfolio: This is crucial, regardless of formal education. A strong portfolio demonstrating your skills is essential for getting jobs or freelance work. You can build this through practice, volunteer work, local events, and even personal projects.
In short, while technically possible to become a sports photographer without a high school diploma, it makes the path significantly harder. A high school diploma, and ideally further education, opens many more doors.