Saransha Oswal
“In Photography there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.”
-Alfred Stieglitz
You might be wondering, is photography a career? Yes, photography is a career that is challenging but at the same time exciting, creative and worthwhile with lot of opportunities. It is also an interesting way to change our passion into a bright career. There are diverse photography career opportunities that allow photographers to creatively tell a story through images. A career in photography blends both artistic and technical acumen, and like most other arts, needs practice and perseverance. Photographers produce and preserve images that paint a picture, tell a story, or record an event. With the rapid growth of communication networks explosion of the advertising sector and media communications as well as fashion boom, digital photography has become the modern version of this art form. Let us explore various careers in photography and see how education and experience can help prepare for a future in the field.
Photographer Career
There are many different careers in photography that capture and preserve images of various subjects and events to tell a story. Photographers are creative and often have technical expertise with different digital cameras, lighting equipment, and editing software.
Photographers’ works may be purchased by clients and/or displayed as artwork. Typically, photographers have flexible schedules, and many are self-employed. Other job duties include:
* Advertising for clients
* Editing photographs
* Planning for photographs
* Updating a digital portfolio
* Archiving photographs
Photography Career Options
There are several different kinds of photography job opportunities, such as those that specialize in taking photographs of specific subjects or taking photos with different photographic techniques. Let usexplore some of the different kinds of photographers below and learn what they do.
*Aerial or Drone Photographers
Aerial photographers take pictures out of helicopters or planes, while drone photographers take photos using drones. Typically, these kinds of photographers take pictures of landscapes, buildings, events, or other scenery.They take aerial photographs of places, buildings, landscapes, terrains during natural disasters, war, or under similar situations from aircrafts in flight for use in news, business, industrial, scientific or military purposes.
*Fine Arts Photographers
Fine arts photographers usually have the most creative freedom with their work as they aim to sell their work as pieces of art. These photographers take pictures of any number of subjects but may experiment with different lighting and editing techniques or the kinds of cameras and lenses they use.
*Portrait Photographers
Portrait photographers specialize in photographing individuals and/or groups of people. Some of these photographers may specialize in events, like weddings or religious ceremonies, while others work in studios to take professional portraits.
*Scientific Photographers
Scientific photographers typically use microscopes to photograph scientific or medically-related images and phenomena that are too small to see. Their work must be very accurate and usually calls for limited use of editing software. Scientific photographers prepare photographic illustrations and documentation for scientific publications and research reports. The chief areas scientific photographers cover are engineering, aerodynamics, medicine, biology or chemistry.
*News Photographers
News photographers, or photojournalists, may work for magazines, newspapers, journals, or other forms of media. They take pictures of events, people, and other images needed to relate a particular story for their organization.
*Commercial photographers
Commercial photographers click photographs for firms especially dealing with merchandize, exteriors and interiors, machinery and fashions to be used in advertising and selling. A variety of cameras, lights, props etc can be used while doing commercial photography.
*Fashion Photographers
Fashion photographers cater to a variety of clients:
fashion houses, designers, portfolios for models, fashion journals and newspapers. Fashion photographers are aware of styles, moods and fashion trends. They work in the studio as well as on locations.
*Food Photogrpahers
Food photographers work for food manufacturers, hotels and restaurants, exporters, dairy and ice-cream companies. Click pictures either in a studio with an attached kitchen or in hotels for exclusive shots.
*Industrial Photographers
Industrial photographers click photographs of workers on the job, machinery, industrial layout, prominent places in the industry etc. for use in company publications or for ad campaigns. They have knowledge of the industry as well as its equipment.
*Wildlife Photographers
Wildlife photographers click pictures of nature, wildlife, birds, and their habitats. They have keen observation, patience, an eye for interesting details and love for adventure. Wait for hours to catch the animals in the right mood and pose. Work in sanctuaries, forests and reserves.
How to Become a Photographer
The minimum education requirement for becoming a photographer is usually a high school diploma or equivalent. However, many photographers may take postsecondary courses in the subject, and some kinds of photography, like photojournalism or scientific photography, may require students to have a bachelor’s degree. Students who decide to earn their bachelor’s degree may pursue a degree in photojournalism or fine arts.
Besides education, most photographers develop their skills through years of practice. They may also work as photography assistants to gain experience taking pictures and editing photos. This also allows them to add to their digital portfolio and try new techniques and methods.
Photography does not typically require licensure, but drone photographers will need to meet the criteria necessary to earn certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This includes being 16 years or older, speaking English, meeting physical and mental conditions, and passing an aeronautical knowledge exam.
(The author is Freelance Photographer & Journalist)
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