Photographer
Photographers are professionals who utilize film or digital cameras to capture images across various subjects, including people, events, and objects. Their work demands a strong grasp of technical skills related to camera operation, lighting, and image composition. Photographers typically specialize in specific fields such as portrait, commercial, news, scientific, or fine arts photography, each with distinct areas of focus and techniques. The work environment varies significantly depending on the specialty; some may operate from comfortable studios while others might work outdoors in diverse conditions.
Creativity is a key trait that unites photographers, as they strive to convey unique stories and perspectives through their images. Aspiring photographers are encouraged to develop their artistic abilities and gain hands-on experience, possibly through schooling in photography or related fields. In addition to their creative tasks, freelance photographers also manage business aspects like marketing and client relations. Overall, the profession is both an art and a technical discipline, requiring a blend of creativity, skill, and business acumen.
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Subject Terms
Photographer
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
Interests: Photography, art, visual imagery, photojournalism, fine arts, media technology
Earnings (Yearly Median): $40,170 per year $19.31 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 4% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job-Training Moderate-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Photographers use film or a digital camera to capture images of various objects, people, and events. They must exhibit a solid understanding of technical camera operation and the fundamental processes behind photography, lighting, and the composition of an image. Most photographers focus on one area of photographic specialty. Photographic specialties include news, portrait, commercial and industrial, scientific, and fine arts photography. Because their profession is based on choosing image composition and creating unique images, creativity is a trait common among all types of photographers regardless of their specialization.
Work Environment. A photographer’s work environment depends primarily on their area of photographic specialty. Some photographers work mainly in comfortable, well-lit indoor studios, such as those who take studio portraits of children and families. Other photographers work outside in many environments and are subject to various weather conditions. Photographers who work for the government, advertising agencies, or private companies frequently maintain a forty-hour week. Freelance and newspaper photographers, or photojournalists, generally work irregular hours, travel often, and are expected to be on-call for last-minute projects or emergency events.
Occupation Interest. Potential photographers should demonstrate a passion for artistic creation. They should be compelled to tell stories through photographs and possess a deep desire to analyze, present, and offer a unique perspective on their photographic subjects. They should express a definitive opinion through their photographs, and that opinion should be easily discernible to an audience examining their photography. They should be able to lead and work with different people and personalities.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Most photographers purchase and maintain their own camera equipment, lenses, and accessories, which can be costly at the outset. Photographers usually work independently or with an assistant. They are responsible for the physical positioning of subjects as well as the arrangement of lighting and camera angles. If the photographs are taken with film, the photographer develops the film and prints in either a darkroom or printing facility. Digital photographs may be edited and retouched prior to printing.
Photographers’ specialties determine what they photograph and how they use those images. Portrait photographers specialize in photographing people or groups of people. They are generally self-employed and often travel to various locations for special events like weddings, school functions, and other special ceremonies. Commercial and industrial photographers travel to multiple locations to photograph landscapes, buildings, and merchandise. Their photographs are usually published in books, advertisements, catalogs, or other media. Scientific photographers make a photographic record of data related to science and medicine. These photographers typically have technical training in the sciences and the arts. News photographers, or photojournalists, take pictures of relevant people or events for publication in regular newspapers or periodicals. Fine arts photographers are usually highly technically proficient and may display their photographs in museums, galleries, or private art shows.
Self-employed and freelance photographers must perform business and administrative tasks in addition to their creative work. Such duties include managing employees, handling billing and payments, setting appointments, and obtaining licenses, copyrights, contracts, and other legal documents. They must also arrange their advertising, marketing campaigns, and self-promotion.
Scientific Photographers (143.062-026). Scientific photographers photograph a variety of subject matter to illustrate and record scientific data or phenomena.
Still Photographers (143.062-030). Still, photographers photograph subjects using still cameras, color or black-and-white film, and a variety of accessories. They normally specialize in a particular area of photography, such as illustrative, fashion, architectural, or portrait.
Photojournalists (143.062-034). Photojournalists photograph newsworthy events, locations, people, or other illustrative and educational material for use in publications or telecasts using a still camera.
Animation Camera Operators (143.382-010). Animation camera operators operate special cameras to make animated cartoon motion picture films by placing the background drawings on a horizontal easel over which the camera is suspended.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. A photographer’s working conditions vary greatly depending on their specialty. Some photographers can work in clean, comfortable, well-ventilated studios. Others work in unpleasant or dangerous outdoor environments. Photographers regularly travel to and from photographic sites. Those who process film and prints, especially in a darkroom, are exposed to potentially harmful chemicals.
Human Environment. Photographers work with numerous clients, customers, and subjects. They must interact easily with others, and they should be comfortable directing, evaluating, and occasionally comforting their photographic subjects. Photographers sometimes collaborate with graphic designers, journalists, reporters, and editors. Some may report to a supervisor or direct an assistant.
Technological Environment. Photographers must learn how to operate camera equipment to be successful. Photographers use film and digital cameras, film, digital memory and storage devices, tripods, lenses and filters, floodlights, reflectors, light meters, and electronic flash units to create a photograph. Image processing may require computers, imaging and editing software, printers and scanners, photographic paper, darkroom equipment, and chemicals for developing film and prints from film.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High school students interested in becoming photographers should devote time to the study of communications, mathematics, chemistry, art, photography, and technology. Aspiring photographers should also engage in extracurricular activities (like the school newspaper or yearbook) that allow them to practice taking pictures, editing their work, and developing or printing their best photographs. Interested students should pursue part-time work with a photographer or store and consider applying to postsecondary photography programs.
Postsecondary. Most photographers find it helpful to have an undergraduate degree or certificate in photography from a university, community college, private art school, or vocational institute. Many vocational education programs offer courses in visual imaging technology as well as in the fundamentals of photography. Other postsecondary programs teach students the practical and technical aspects of photography. Coursework may include the history of photography and cinema, camera maintenance, photojournalism, composition, color printing and print finishing, lighting, retouching, and other related subjects. Prospective freelance photographers may benefit from studying courses in business, including marketing, public relations, and business management.
Related Occupations
− Motion Picture Projectionist
− Motion Picture/Radio/TV Art Director
Bibliography
"Photographers." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 6 Sept. 2023, www.bls.gov/ooh/media-and-communication/photographers.htm. Accessed 7 Sept. 2023.