Photographer: Snap! Click! Through the Looking Lens

Introduction
Formal training will only get you so far. Sure, some school offer majors in photography and photojournalism, but they'll provide you mainly with textbook information (like how to use a darkroom and the mechanics of cameras) and a good photographer lives for hands-on experience. What you should aim for is getting an internship with an experienced/established photographer. From them, you can learn so, so much more and acquire some genuine hands-on field experience. In my internship, for example, I learned how to manipulate lighting, field composition, color and depth of field to get the best shots possible. Having an inherent creativity and "eye for beauty" also help immensely, and some consider it just as important as experience and education. That all said, keep a catalogue of all your work. Try to take diverse shots of human figures, objects and locations. A photographer is only as good as his portfolio, and having a nice diverse portfolio to show potential employers is key. Also, try to make sure that the shots you choose for your portfolio are consistently good. The last thing you want is one awesome shot, some terrible ones and a decent one. The employer has to see that you can consistently perform well. Finally, this is a rather expensive career to kick start. You need to buy a good cameras, lenses, tripods, etc. Be aware of that.

Job Function
Being behind the lens is the best thing in the world; as is going out and finding new subjects to photograph. You have to remember that anything and everything can be a work of art. It's just about finding the best way to photograph it in order to bring it out. I love lugging my camera around, taking thousands of pictures, then coming home and seeing what gems I've managed to snag. As for the worst aspect, I guess it's coming home and finding that shot you thought was going to be amazing turn out bland and dull. Yeah, that definitely has to be it. A close second is working on a photo shoot and feeling like you're not going to get the right shots in time. The pressure is definitely intense. Advertisement
Lifestyle
This is probably one of the most flexible careers out there. If you are freelance, then you work on your own accord. The hours and location are for you to decide, but the pressure is definitely on to sell your work and make money. If you work with like a magazine or other company, then your hours are still pretty varied depending when they need you for photo shoots.

As for personality, you need to be a creative and determined person. It's a must for this highly competitive career.

Additional Information
Nothing much. Have fun! The ability to move a person with a single picture is a wonderful thing.