Photographers - CareerBuilder

Photographers

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About the work	Training qualifications	Job outlook	Earnings	Related links

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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.

Photographers use either a traditional camera or a newer digital camera that electronically records images. Some photographers send their film to laboratories for processing; others, especially those who use black and white film or require special effects, 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. Using computers and specialized software, photographers also can manipulate and enhance the scanned or digital image to create a desired effect.

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, equipment, machinery, workers, artifacts and landscapes. These photographs are used in a variety of media, including books, reports, advertisements and catalogs.

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.

Fine arts photographers sell their photographs as fine artwork. In addition to technical proficiency, fine arts photographers need artistic talent and creativity.

Photographers employed in government and advertising agencies usually work a standard 40-hour week. News photographers often work long, irregular hours and must be available to work on short notice. Many photographers work part time or variable schedules.

Self-employment allows for greater autonomy, freedom of expression and flexible scheduling. But income can be uncertain and the continuous, time-consuming search for new clients can be stressful. Some self-employed photographers hire assistants who help seek out new business.

Training and qualifications

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.

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.

Photographers who operate their own businesses or freelance also need business skills.

Job outlook

The number of individuals interested in positions as commercial and news photographers usually is much greater than the number of openings. Those who succeed in landing a salaried job or attracting enough work to earn a living by freelancing are likely to be the most creative, able to adapt to rapidly changing technologies and adept at operating a business. Related work experience, job-related training or some unique skill or talent also are beneficial to prospective photographers.

Employment of photographers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010. Demand for portrait photographers should increase as the population grows. And, as the number of electronic versions of magazines, journals and newspapers grows on the Internet, photographers will be needed to provide digital images.

Employment growth of photographers will be constrained somewhat by the widespread use of digital photography. Declines in the newspaper industry will reduce demand for photographers to provide still images for print.

Earnings

Photographers held about 131,000 jobs in 2000. More than half were self-employed, a much higher proportion than the average for all occupations.

Median annual earnings of salaried photographers were $22,300 in 2000. The middle 50% earned between $16,790 and $33,020.