Becoming a professional architectural photographer requires a combination of photography skills, technical knowledge, artistic vision, and business acumen. Here are the steps you can follow to pursue a career in architectural photography:

1. **Master Photography Skills**: Start by learning the fundamentals of photography, including exposure, composition, lighting, and post-processing. Practice regularly and experiment with different subjects and styles to build a solid foundation.

2. **Understand Architecture**: Familiarize yourself with architectural design and principles. Learn to recognize different styles, understand building elements, and appreciate the aesthetics of structures.

3. **Invest in Quality Equipment**: Purchase a good-quality DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. In architectural photography, wide-angle lenses are commonly used to capture the expansive views of buildings.

4. **Learn Post-Processing**: Gain proficiency in photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. Post-processing is essential in fine-tuning images to achieve the desired look and feel.

5. **Study Existing Works**: Study the works of established architectural photographers. Analyze their compositions, lighting techniques, and post-processing methods to gain insights and inspiration.

6. **Build a Portfolio**: Create a portfolio showcasing your best architectural photographs. This can include personal projects, images taken during travels, or collaborations with local architects.

7. **Networking**: Attend architecture and photography events, workshops, and exhibitions to meet professionals from both industries. Networking can help you make connections and find potential clients.

8. **Assist Established Photographers**: Consider assisting experienced architectural photographers to learn the intricacies of the profession firsthand. Assisting can provide valuable insights and build industry connections.

9. **Location Scouting**: Familiarize yourself with potential shooting locations in your area or places you plan to visit. Understand the best times to capture the buildings in the ideal lighting conditions.

10. **Legal and Business Aspects**: Learn about licensing, contracts, pricing, and other legal and business aspects of being a professional photographer. It's important to protect your work and set fair rates for your services.

11. **Market Yourself**: Create a website and use social media platforms to showcase your work and reach potential clients. Share your images regularly and engage with the photography and architecture communities.

12. **Continuous Learning**: Stay up-to-date with the latest photography techniques, trends, and advancements in both photography and architecture. Learning should be an ongoing process in your career.

Remember, becoming a professional architectural photographer takes time, dedication, and persistence. Be prepared to invest effort into honing your skills, building your portfolio, and establishing a strong presence in the industry. Over time, as you gain experience and develop a unique style, you can attract more clients and projects in the field of architectural photography.