Career as a Professional Photographer


Photographers take pictures of people, places, products and other subjects for a variety of reasons and uses. The subjects they photograph are as varied as the ways their work is used. Some Photographers take pictures of families, school groups or wedding parties for people that want a lasting reminder of a particularly significant time or event in their lives. They use all kinds of equipment and technology to create the right 'mood.' Other photographers take pictures to record particular scientific processes or to provide evidence in police enquiries. Here the ability to capture the 'reality' of the subject being photographed is more important than creating a certain mood. A Photographer records events and tells stories using images/. He or she takes pictures of people, places, events, and objects. Photographers often specialize in a type of photography. Portrait photographers take pictures of people in studios or on-site at various locations. Some take school portraits or baby pictures. Commercial photographers take pictures that are used in books, advertisements, and catalogs. Scientific photographers use their knowledge of scientific procedures to record images/ of scientific or medical data. Photojournalists, also known as news photographers, capture images/ that are usually used to illustrate stories on television news broadcasts or in newspapers or magazines. Aerial photographers take pictures of landscapes and structures from aircraft. Fine arts photographers sell their photographs to the public as pieces of art. Many people who work in this field are freelancers who operate their own businesses. Their job description includes tasks that business owners must tend to. This includes promoting the business to clients, purchasing supplies, hiring and supervising employees, and taking care of financial matters related to operating a business.

  • Photography is a competitive industry and many photographers work freelance. They tend to work in studios and darkrooms, but may also work outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions. Frequently clients dictate the work environment, especially for work involving weddings, birthdays or other large events. Photographers may be required to travel and should be prepared to constantly be moving heavy equipment. Photographers that work in darkrooms handle chemicals during the developing process and must be aware of health and safety practices.

  • You can work as a Photographer without any formal qualifications and get training on the job. However, entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining a qualification in Photography, Photo Imaging or Photo Media. Photojournalists and Industrial and Scientific Photographers often need a Bachelor’s Degree.

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