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A career in photography can be in your future. There are many paths to take
for a rewarding career in this very creative specialty. According to the Bureau
of Labor Statistics web site (http://www.dol.gov) in the US, competition is high for jobs
that list photography as a requirement. You probably already know why - many
people are attracted to making photographs. However, an attraction is not always
enough. You’ll need sharp technical skills, innate creativity, imagination and
the ability to "keep on top" of new technologies. Think you have what it takes?
Visit the career forums listed below to learn more.
Photographer
There are many career opportunities for photographers. Since the invention of
the medium, photographers have made their impact on society, offering a way to
document anything imaginable, from everyday life, to moments in history or the
marvels of science and medicine. Photographers use their special visual
vocabulary to share images and communicate with others around the world. This
section lists some of the areas you may want to specialize in as a photographer.
This is by no means a complete list - there are creative opportunities for
photographers to work in almost every industry segment.
Fine Art
Fine Art
photographers generally make their photographic images as finished prints for
sale. Fine art photography ranges from images of landscapes to surrealistic
patterns to everything in between. The fine artist generally sells his or her
work through local or on-line galleries, art shows, and from their own
studios. Successful fine art photographers also use reps to promote their
work.
For further research visit the following site:
http://www.photoshow.com
Commercial
Commercial
photographers usually specialize in advertising and corporate assignments.
Subjects may range from basic product photography of consumer products to
industrial sites and vehicles or aircraft. The commercial photographer must
understand lighting, film, digital and analog cameras and must have the ability
to multitask and work well with clients and models in the studio and on
location.
For further research visit the following site:
http://www.mycpi.com
Fashion
Photography is one of
the most important elements of the fashion world. Who better to show off a new
design or clothing line than a talented photographer? Fashion photography is
hard work, requiring a lot of international travel and long hours. Sounds good
to you? Having an excellent portfolio is important for getting an assignment.
You’ll need a distinct style and the ability to translate that into your
photographs to make it as a fashion photographer. Consider working with a photo
agency to promote your talents and get your work seen.
For further research
visit the following sites:
http://www.asmp.org
http://www.apanational.com
Editorial
Editorial
opportunities abound for photographers, from local newspapers to glossy
magazines with huge circulations. Editorial photographers work on story
assignments, usually pairing with the writer of the story. You may travel
with the writer, or independently. Editorial photographers work on human
interest, culinary, travel, and all general interest stories. They travel to
unusual places and need to be ready for anything, sometimes working for long
periods of time away from their home base. A good portfolio, an interest in
culture and current events, patience and the ability to work as a team player
are requirements to make it as an editorial photographer.
For further
research visit the following sites:
http://www.asmp.org
http://www.nppa.org
http://www.apanational.com
http://www.editorialphoto.com
Architectural
Architectural
photographers are among the most technically gifted of all photographers.
Knowledge of the view camera, excellence in lighting, exposure, and film and
digital imaging are all requirements to excel at this profession. You’ll also
need a superb portfolio, knowledge of architecture, interior design, and the
ability to work on location. Consider apprenticing with a successful
architectural photographer to learn the tools of this trade.
For further
research visit the following sites:
http://www.architecturalphotographers.org
http://www.asmp.org
http://www.apanational.com
Movie Stills
Movie still
photographers work on movie sets, capturing both behind-the-scenes images as
well as still images during shooting. These images are used for movie promotion,
record shots and for other applications. The best way to get into photographing
movie stills is to have an outstanding portfolio showing people and their
interaction, along with a great personality and the ability to be flexible in
your work habits. Think about volunteering to learn the business.
For further
research visit the following site:
http://www.oscars.org
Wedding/Portrait
The wedding
or portrait photographer usually works out of a studio, but frequently works on
location with clients. Capturing the big day for a bride and groom is a daunting
responsibility. Wedding photographers need top notch equipment and the technical
knowledge to make it work. Photojournalistic wedding photography has become
quite popular, and this is an area you may choose to specialize in. Making
portraits of people and families requires great patience as well as creative
flair.
For further research visit the following sites:
http://www.wppionline.com
http://www.ppa.com
http://www.wpja.com
Medical/Scientific
Photographers that work in
the medical or scientific communities work in research labs, hospitals,
healthcare facilities and in the field. They use tools such as cameras,
microscopes, video cameras and specialized equipment designed to capture
biomedical images. Specialties include Ophthalmic photography, Forensic
biomedical photography, Photomicrography, Dental photography and more. Since
medical photographers frequently work with patients, physicians and researchers,
good people skills are necessary.
For further research visit the following
sites:
http://www.jbiocommunication.org
http://www.opsweb.org
http://www.bca.org
Nature/Environmental
The
nature or environmental photographer usually works on location, and may work in
conjunction with a researcher, newspaper or magazine. Knowledge of the natural
world is a must for photographers choosing this path, including a background in
wildlife, botany, natural sciences and more. Great patience is required as well
as a love for travel.
For further research visit the following sites:
http://www.nanpa.org
http://www.nationalgeographic.com
http://www.explorers.org
Underwater/Marine
The
underwater photographer not only needs excellent technical skills in photography
but also must be certified as a diver and work comfortably in a marine
environment. Diving, swimming and underwater safety, combined with a thorough
knowledge of marine life, the ocean and boating are all requirements for this
career. Underwater photographers also shoot many images for stock photography.
For further research visit the following site:
http://sio.ucsd.edu
http://www.scubadiving.com
Sports
The sports
photographer records sporting events as they happen, and must have lightning
fast reflexes, superb timing, knowledge of the sport and great technical skill
with a variety of cameras. Some sports photographers specialize in only one
sport, while others photograph many different sports. They travel extensively,
and work nights, weekends and typically endure extremes of weather. Sports
photographers generally own their camera gear, and work for several magazines or
newspapers.
For further research visit the following sites:
http://www.sportsshooter.com/
http://www.asmp.org
http://www.nppa.org
Photojournalist
Photojournalists make many
of the photographs you see on a daily basis in both newspapers and magazines.
This career can be a rewarding one, and it requires not only photography skills,
but also the following: negotiating skills, knowledge of different cultures and
physical and mental strength. Photojournalists frequently travel and may be away
for extended periods of time covering conflicts or working on assignments. The
National Press Photographers Association has a National mentoring program for
students, which is an excellent way to work and learn from a professional
photojournalist.
For further research visit the following sites:
http://www.nppa.org
http://newslink.org/photo.html
http://www.americanphotojournalist.com
http://www.ap.org
http://www.whnpa.org
http://www.wpja.com
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