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Photographers
produce and preserve images that paint a picture, tell a story,
or record an event. To create commercial quality photographs,
photographers need both technical expertise and creativity.
Producing a successful picture requires choosing and presenting
a subject to achieve a particular effect and selecting the
appropriate equipment. For example, photographers may enhance
the subject’s appearance with lighting or draw attention
to a particular aspect of the subject by blurring the background.
Today,
many cameras adjust settings like shutter speed and aperture
automatically. They also let the photographer adjust these
settings manually, allowing greater creative and technical
control over the picture-taking process. In addition to automatic
and manual cameras, photographers use an array of film, lenses,
and equipment—from filters, tripods, and flash attachments
to specially constructed lighting equipment.
Photographers
use either a traditional camera or a newer digital camera
that electronically records images. A traditional camera records
images on silver halide film that is developed into prints.
Some photographers send their film to laboratories for processing.
Color film requires expensive equipment and exacting conditions
for correct processing and printing. Other photographers,
especially those who use black and white film or require special
effects, prefer to develop and print their own photographs.
Photographers who do their own film developing must have the
technical skill to operate a fully equipped darkroom or the
appropriate computer software to process prints digitally.
Recent
advances in electronic technology now make it possible for
the professional photographer to develop and scan standard
35mm or other types of film, and use flatbed scanners and
photofinishing laboratories to produce computer-readable,
digital images from film. After converting the film to a digital
image, photographers can edit and electronically transmit
images, making it easier and faster to shoot, develop, and
transmit pictures from remote locations.
Using
computers and specialized software, photographers also can
manipulate and enhance the scanned or digital image to create
a desired effect. Images can be stored on compact disk (CD)
the same way as music. Digital technology also allows the
production of larger, more colorful, and more accurate prints
or images for use in advertising, photographic art, and scientific
research. Some photographers use this technology to create
electronic portfolios, as well. Because much photography now
involves the use of computer technology, photographers must
have hands-on knowledge of computer editing software.
Some photographers
specialize in areas such as portrait, commercial and industrial,
scientific, news, or fine arts photography. Portrait photographers
take pictures of individuals or groups of people and often
work in their own studios. Some specialize in weddings or
school photographs and may work on location. Portrait photographers
who are business owners arrange for advertising, schedule
appointments, set and adjust equipment, develop and retouch
negatives, and mount and frame pictures. They also purchase
supplies, keep records, bill customers, and may hire and train
employees.
Commercial
and industrial photographers take pictures of various subjects,
such as buildings, models, merchandise, artifacts, and landscapes.
These photographs are used in a variety of media, including
books, reports, advertisements, and catalogs. Industrial photographers
often take pictures of equipment, machinery, products, workers,
and company officials. The pictures then are used for analyzing
engineering projects, publicity, or as records of equipment
development or deployment, such as placement of an offshore
rig. This photography frequently is done on location.
Scientific
photographers photograph a variety of subjects to illustrate
or record scientific or medical data or phenomena, using knowledge
of scientific procedures. They typically possess additional
knowledge in areas such as engineering, medicine, biology,
or chemistry.
News photographers,
also called photojournalists, photograph newsworthy people;
places; and sporting, political, and community events for
newspapers, journals, magazines, or television. Some news
photographers are salaried staff; others are self-employed
and are known as freelance photographers.
Fine arts
photographers sell their photographs as fine artwork. In addition
to technical proficiency, fine arts photographers need artistic
talent and creativity.
Self-employed,
or freelance, photographers may license the use of their photographs
through stock photo agencies or contract with clients or agencies
to provide photographs as necessary. Stock agencies grant
magazines and other customers the right to purchase the use
of photographs, and, in turn, pay the photographer on a commission
basis. Stock photo agencies require an application from the
photographer and a sizable portfolio. Once accepted, a large
number of new submissions usually are required from the photographer
each year.
Review other topics in Photography as a Career:
Career Outlook
>> Earnings
>> Employment
>> Working Conditions
>> Photography Training
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