Photographer

Description of Work Tasks, Settings and Tools

PHOTOGRAPHERS use their cameras and film, or digital cameras and computers, to portray people, places, and events. They try to capture the feeling or mood that sells products, highlights news stories, and brings back memories. Composing a picture includes: choosing a subject, presenting a subject to get a certain effect, and selecting the equipment to do this. Photographers apply the technical aspects of light, lens, film, filters, and camera settings to produce the picture they want. They pose subjects against an appropriate background, adjust lights, make camera adjustments, and focus the camera to get a desired effect. Some photographers sell their photographs as artwork.

Today, many cameras automatically adjust settings like shutter speed and aperture. They also let the photographer adjust these settings manually, allowing greater creative and technical control over the picture-taking process. A photographer using a traditional silver-halide film camera, can take a picture and once the film is processed and prints are made, use a scanner to transfer the images into digital form.

Some photographers prefer to use digital cameras, which use electronic memory rather than a film negative to record an image. The electronic image can be transmitted instantly via a computer modem and telephone line, or downloaded onto a personal computer. Using a computer and specialized software, the photographer can manipulate and enhance the scanned or digital image to create a desired effect. The images can then be stored on a compact disc (CD), the same way as music. Some photographers use this technology to create electronic portfolios as well. Photography increasingly involves the use of computer technology.

Photographers may specialize in commercial, portrait, or journalistic photography. Some photographers specialize in weddings or school photographs. Commercial, editorial, and industrial photographers take pictures of such subjects as manufactured goods, buildings, livestock, and groups of people. Their work is used in reports, catalogs, and advertisements. Industrial photographers take photographs for use in analyzing engineering projects, for publicity, or as records of equipment and projects.

Portrait photographers take pictures of individuals or groups of people and often work in their own studios. Portrait photographers who are small-business owners arrange for advertising, schedule appointments, set and adjust equipment, develop and retouch negatives, and mount and frame pictures. They also hire and train employees, purchase supplies, keep records, and bill customers.

Photojournalists photograph newsworthy events, places, people, and things for publication in newspapers, journals, and magazines. They work under time pressure and do not pose their subjects. News photographers widely use digital cameras, which use electronic memory rather than a film negative to record the image. This, in turn, can be transmitted instantly via a computer modem and telephone lines.

Scientific photographers provide illustration and documentation for scientific publications, research reports, and textbooks. Biomedical photographers use special equipment to photograph subjects not normally visible to the naked eye. Some also take photographs of medical procedures such as surgery.

PHOTOGRAPHERS work indoors and outdoors in a variety of settings for:

• portrait or commercial photography studios
• newspapers and magazines
• advertising agencies
• manufacturing firms
• laboratories and hospitals
• government agencies
• colleges and universities

PHOTOGRAPHERS work with:

• traditional cameras
• electronic digital cameras and equipment
• computers
• film and lenses
• filters and lighting equipment
• chemicals, enlargers, and other darkroom equipment
• makeup, props, models, and backdrops
• ultraviolet or infrared photographic equipment
• various photographic subjects or objects

Training, Related Majors and Advancement

Employers look for PHOTOGRAPHERS with imagination and creativity, and a good technical understanding of photography. Entry level positions in photojournalism, industrial, or scientific photography generally require a college degree in journalism or photography. Freelance and portrait photographers need technical proficiency, whether gained through a degree program, vocational training, or extensive work experience.

Many universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, and private trade and technical schools offer photography courses. Basic courses in photography cover equipment, processes, and techniques. Bachelor's degree programs, especially those including business courses, provide a well-rounded education. Art schools offer useful training in design and composition. Many photographers enhance their technical expertise by attending seminars. Some photographers enter the field by submitting unsolicited photographs to magazines and art directors at advertising agencies. A good portfolio is essential for freelance photographers. No special licensing or certification is required for photographers.

The following majors could help you prepare for this occupation:

• Audiovisual Communications Technology
• Cinematography/Film & Video Production
• Photography

Magazine and newspaper PHOTOGRAPHERS with experience may receive more demanding assignments and move to larger newspapers or magazines, or advance to photography or picture editor positions. Some photographers may become photography editors or heads of graphic arts departments. A few photographers may gain national recognition and exhibit their work in galleries or publish their work in books. Those in industry or science may be promoted to supervisory positions. Some photographers teach at technical schools, film schools, or universities and provide instruction in their own particular area of expertise.

Desirable Personal Qualities and Physical Demands of the Job

Helpful qualities for PHOTOGRAPHERS include:

• artistic ability
• creativity, imagination, and originality
• patience and accuracy
• an ability to help people relax in front of the camera
• an ability to act quickly to catch a picture
• an ability to do detailed work
• good communication skills
• an ability to work alone and with others
• knowledge of computer software programs and applications that allow them to prepare and edit images

Estimated Salary

• Economic Research Institute (survey of salaries in 2003):
  

National average for all occupations included in this survey: $44,000/year or $21.25/hour

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (survey of salaries in 2002):

National average for all occupations included in this survey: $33,000/year or $15.75/hour

*Information taken from DISCOVER.