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Employers
usually seek applicants with a “good eye,” imagination,
and creativity, as well as 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.
Individuals
interested in photography should subscribe to photographic
newsletters and magazines, join camera clubs, and seek summer
or part-time employment in camera stores, newspapers, or photo
studios.
Photographers
may start out as assistants to experienced photographers.
Assistants learn to mix chemicals, develop film, print photographs,
and the other skills necessary to run a portrait or commercial
photography business. Freelance photographers also should
develop an individual style of photography in order to differentiate
themselves from the competition. Some photographers enter
the field by submitting unsolicited photographs to magazines
and art directors at advertising agencies. For freelance photographers,
a good portfolio of their work is critical.
Photographers
need good eyesight, artistic ability, and hand-eye coordination.
They should be patient, accurate, and detail-oriented. Photographers
should be able to work well with others, as they frequently
deal with clients, graphic designers, or advertising and publishing
specialists. Increasingly, photographers need to know computer
software programs and applications that allow them to prepare
and edit images.
Portrait
photographers need the ability to help people relax in front
of the camera. Commercial and fine arts photographers must
be imaginative and original. News photographers not only must
be good with a camera, but also must understand the story
behind an event so their pictures match the story. They must
be decisive in recognizing a potentially good photograph and
act quickly to capture it.
Photographers
who operate their own businesses, or freelance, need business
skills as well as talent. These individuals must know how
to prepare a business plan; submit bids; write contracts;
hire models, if needed; get permission to shoot on locations
that normally are not open to the public; obtain releases
to use photographs of people; license and price photographs;
secure copyright protection for their work; and keep financial
records.
After
several years of experience, magazine and news photographers
may advance to photography or picture editor positions. Some
photographers teach at technical schools, film schools, or
universities.
Review other topics in Photography as a Career:
Career Outlook
>> Earnings
>> Employment
>> Working Conditions
>> Nature of Work
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