Photographer

Work Characteristics

Photographers are involved with capturing moments in images. These moments can be artistic, news/event related, fashion oriented or technical in nature. Most photographers these days use digital cameras instead of the old silver halide film cameras. Other equipments they deal with are tripods, lenses, light equipment and filters. These images once captured digitally are then transferred on to the computer and edited on software to reach the desired final image.

Once the image is ready it can be sent anywhere in the world over the net. Photographers create portfolios over the net to showcase their work to prospective clients.

The different categories of photography are sports, fashion, wildlife, news reporting, industrial, science and fine arts.

Photographers involved in fine arts sell their work in art galleries during exhibitions of their work.

Work Environment

Various categories have different conditions that prevail. It's relatively comfortable in advertising and government studios as compared to the schedules in TV channels. Freelance photographers have more flexibility and creative control.

Educational Requirements

Photojournalism, scientific and industrial photography generally requires a college degree in photography or in the subjects related to the specific industry. Freelance photography requires good technical knowledge along with considerable work experience.

Job Prospects and Salary Expectations

Jobs for photographers are expected to grow over the next 10 yrs. Demand for photographers who specialize in portraits will grow due to an increase in the population. Demand will also grow in the media and entertainment sector due to mass expansion of existing and new TV channels, production houses, internet magazines, newspapers and journals. The only thing that can pull down the demand for professional photographers is the advancement and widespread of digital technology which enables laymen to do most of the photography themselves without hiring a professional.

The lowest salaries in this field start from $15,000 annually and go up as high as $54,180 annually.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor.