Photography Careers

Answer 1

Making a living as a shutterbug is not easy, but where there is a will there is a way. Photographers often speak about how they were drawn to the career as a calling. For those searching, there are a variety of jobs that allow a living to be made from snapping photos. Depending on your set of skills or preferences, the work can be adventurous or very clinical.

Nature and Wildlife Photography

Becoming a wildlife or nature photographer is more an evolution that a vocation. Most successful wildlife and nature photographers recognize the need to have business and marketing skills to supplement the photo skills. Wages are determined through external sales in galleries, selling to magazines or websites, or working for a National Park or zoological society.

Corporate Photography

Corporate photographers are responsible for taking portraits of CEOs, executives and high-end employees for internal and external publications and promotions. Getting on as a staff photographer requires a solid portfolio of portrait work as well as still life and object photos.

Wedding and Party Photography

Wedding and party photographers are hired to take photos of timeless and treasured events like weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, parties, anniversaries or other sentimental affairs. This type of work requires diligence in keeping schedules, and often requires having the proper attire for the events. Male wedding photographers need to keep a tuxedo in the wardrobe, while female photographers need to keep formal wear ready for such hired events.

Family and Pet Portrait Photography

These photo jobs are among the few that may pay a salary, or give a promised weekly amount of hours. Many times, studios provide on the job training. Expect to be kept very busy for low wages. The pay off comes that a portfolio and experience gets accrued without expense.

Photo Journalist - Newspaper Work

Getting work as a staff photographer with a newspaper or magazine really cuts the chops. These positions are highly competitive and require true professionalism and dedication. The benefits of such jobs are travel, advancement, professional credentials and the respect of the news community. Starting off in these positions typically requires going to small and rural papers while "dues are paid".