Professional Photographer
Becoming a professional photographer is not merely a matter of picking up a camera and going to work. To really maximize your earning potential you will want to seek a degree in the field. Highly reputable companies will be more inclined to consider your photographs and resume if you do.
In addition to a degree, it is probably a good idea to link up with a proficient photographer in the field to get a better handle on technique and style. Not only will you hone your skills, you will also see the business from the inside out and will be able to make valuable contacts. All of these things are very important if you want to be taken seriously as a media photographer.
Skills to Develop
While you are learning, it is important that you know the essential skills you will need to fill media vacancies. Along with schooling and experience, you will have to display a keen eye, creativity, patience, and good organizational skills. You will likely be working in a variety of settings with all kinds of people. Striving to get that perfect shot will require all of the above and probably more.
Choosing a Field
Media-related jobs are wide in scope from advertisements to news stories. It is rare to see print without a photo of some sort. In the U.S., there are approximately 122,000 photographers. More than half are self-employed. Of the ones employed on a full-time basis, most work in professional studios, for magazines, newspapers, or advertising agencies. The rest are varied and either holds contracts for specific jobs or do freelance work.
Job Outlook
Over the next few years, the job outlook for media related jobs in photography is expected to grow at about 10 percent. This is average growth among jobs across the board.
Job growth will be constrained, however, by the increased availability of quality digital products at lower prices. This will open the door for many more amateur photographers to enter the field. This will primarily affect the freelance market, as professional publications will still rely on highly trained and skilled professionals.
Salary
The median salary for professional photographers is $26,110 annually. The whole salary ranges from $15,000 to $56,640 with the highest earnings going to salaried individuals. This is largely due to the freelancer’s cost of equipment.
Media Jobs in USA
Some examples of media vacancies:
- Architectural photographer: takes photos of commercial buildings
- Internships for Washington, DC, area
- Internship in fashion
- High-volume digital studio photographer
Freelance Life
A good number of photographers work on a freelance or self-employed basis. This is a risky business, especially in the beginning. There will be times when there is more work than you could possibly handle in a day and other times when there is no work at all.
To be a freelance media photographer you will need to be organized and constantly ready to be on the go. You never know when a newsworthy event may take place within the range of your camera.
Tools of the trade will include:
- A camera (of course). You will probably want a mix of types but in the beginning a digital camera with at least six mega pixels will suffice.
- A portfolio of all your work. Even pictures you have sold elsewhere should be in your portfolio if your prior agreement allows. Some publications may insist on all rights to the photograph, particularly when they have paid a generous amount of money for it.
- Record-keeping system.
- Contacts list. Your little black book, if you will, containing all the names and numbers of people you have worked with.
Photography is a growing field that many people are interested in. It takes courage and determination to really make a go of it. Magazines, newspapers, and other forms of print will always need and want photos for their publications. Therefore, media related jobs in photography will be around for quite some time.
It can take some searching to find media vacancies that suit your style and employment needs. Stick with it, though, because in the end photography is a fun and exciting way to make a living.