Photography Careers and Jobs

A passion for looking at things through the eye of the camera lens could become a career. It's a matter of training, determination and talent.

In addition to developing a photographer's eye for capturing the moment and an understanding of darkroom skills, employee-required skill sets for photographers are shifting to include digital technologies, industry experts agree. And willingness to tote equipment and set up lights as part of on-the-job training doesn't hurt.

Photographer Vito Palmisano has interviewed many fresh-out-of-school aspiring assistants over the years, and warns expectations of a high-paying photography position where a magazine cover is the first assignment are not likely to be met.

Menial studio tasks like carrying cases on assignment, setting up the lights and props are part and parcel of an assistant's daily role, he notes. "With an assistant job, money shouldn't be the primary goal. It should be about getting experience from a photographer whose work you can relate to and can learn something from," Palmisano says.

The talented do get breaks. For instance, not long ago, Palmisano allowed one of his gifted assistants, a recent photography school graduate, to handle a client photo project, including the creative concept. "She brought excitement and an enthusiasm to the table," he says. "If you have a good attitude and a passion for your work, it can take you far. You have to have a hunger to take the photographs."

Getting started as a professional photographer should begin with gaining knowledge of all arts and humanities, suggests Robert Stahl, photography instructor at the Coupeville Arts Center in Coupeville, Wash. "Develop a passion," encourages Stahl. "Go out and take pictures of things you love and don't let anyone discourage you. Then, maybe your love will turn into a job."

Skills with technology -- Photoshop, image cards, digital cameras, lighting systems, camera systems digital and computer photography equipment and programs -- can open doors for recent photo school grads, the experts agree.

Advancements in digital cameras and a corresponding decrease in costs for film and development are making digital technology part of the mainstream marketplace, but career photographers are urged by Coupeville to start with traditional film. If the cost of both film and digital camera seems prohibitive, consider cameras that take pictures digitally as well as manually. "Begin with film because it offers a sound basis," he urges.

The Photography Career Market

Photographers tend to be based in media-heavy cities. While staff positions do exist, particularly in the publishing industry, slightly more than half all photographers were self-employed in 2002, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Photography career specialties listed on the BLS site include portrait, commercial and industrial, scientific, news, or fine arts photography. And being a photographer typically entails more than setting up, shoot time, then film processing or digital imaging and client presentation. Those photographers who are self-employed also have to handle the business end: creative meetings with clients, advertising, appointment scheduling, equipment purchases, and more.

The range of photographer's earnings varies, of course, according to experience and ability. High out-of-pocket costs for the self-employed include buying and maintaining equipment, one reason few fine arts photographers are able to support themselves solely through their art. For 2002, photographers' earnings ranged from $14,640 to $50,000 and up, BLS reports. The average salary was $24,040, but $31,460 was the average for photographers employed in the newspaper and periodicals field, where most salaried photographer positions are available.

For freelancers, exciting photo commissions are available (and pay well). Travel is typically part of the job for the top echelon of photographers. Palmisano, for instance, shoots on-location in various states for his clients, with both Chicago and Michigan serving as home bases (and studios). "Getting assignments, getting your foot in the door, it's all about timing, presentation - it has almost has nothing to do with photography, the creative aspect. You are a technician sometimes," Palmisano says. "To get to the really plum jobs where you can use a lot of vision takes time, a lot of time."

As a beginning photographer, Palmisano considered death-defying shots created while hanging from the side of a helicopter over the city of Chicago a way to keep "the juices flowing." But as he has established his career (and his family), assignments are more likely to lean toward magazine, corporate and travel photography.

Fine arts photography has become a new offshoot of Palmisano's business. Long on hold due to frustrations with the lab development process, new technology including digital cameras, computer software and top-end printers now allows Palmisano to create photo images up to his exacting standards. A gallery in Michigan showcases his work, which include images of the state's many lighthouses.

Develop a Photography Career

As digital camera technology brings increased access to the field of photography, it also launches more budding photographers than job openings. Experience is a precursor to creative control in the field of photography.

Student newspapers, yearbook staffs and other school publications are potential opportunities while in school. For those building a portfolio to show their range and to showcase their work for prospective employers, any kind of experience is helpful.

To create a professional-looking portfolio, choose the photos from your collection that best depict your style, creativity and vision (some portfolio design tools are available online).

Degree or certificate, portfolio and camera in hand, job-seekers should seek experience as they look for full-time employment: internships, assistantships and freelance work can all garner experience. Any assignment or opportunity that gets your image in print is a worthwhile endeavor, Palmisano says. "It's OK to get published and to get very little reimbursement -- at least you have a tear sheet." he says. "If you have tear sheets along with your portfolio, it's a stronger, better-rounded skill base."

Portfolio work should show how photographers solve the visual challenges of clients. "Don't get into photography unless you absolutely love it. Some people photograph to live, others live to photograph," Palmisano says. "I have a burning desire to get up and capture the beauty around me. I actually live to photograph."

For Further Information

For more on photography careers, check with the following professional organizations or look into student photography associations at the school you choose.

Advertising Photographers of America

International Freelance Photographers Organization

National Press Photographers Association

North American Nature Photography Association

Professional Photographers of America Inc.

Wedding Photojournalist Association

Written by Cathy Sivak, ArtSchools.com Contributing Writer with research contributed by Teri Webster.