Photography : )

Job Description ..
Photographers use either traditional cameras that record images on film that is then developed into prints, or digital cameras that electronically record images that can then be downloaded to a computer and printed out. Those who use traditional cameras may also develop their own film, which is a complicated process involving a darkroom and treating the film or prints in a series of chemical and water baths. Others choose to send their film to laboratories for processing. Before they can take a picture, photographers have to make many technical decisions. First they must decide what equipment will be needed to best shoot their subject. They have to choose the appropriate cameras, lenses, filters, film stocks, and lighting equipment. If they have to rely on natural light, as nature photographers and photojournalist often do, this usually means positioning themselves in the right place to get the best effect with the light available, or waiting until the light is just right.

Earnings..
Photographers can be full-time employees of newspapers, magazines, other photographers, advertising agencies, or a wide variety of other companies. However, many photographers work part-time, or as freelancers, offering their services to several clients rather than being restricted to one organization or individual. Most full-time photographers earn between $30,000 and $55,000 a year. The national average wage for all photographers is just over $16 an hour. This translates to roughly $34,000 a year for those who can find full-time work. Those working for newspapers and periodicals tend to make more than those working for other professional or scientific services. Full-time photographers with lots of experience and good reputations can make over $100,000 a year.

Education..
There are no specific educational requirements for freelance or portrait photographers. However, in today’s job market, you are unlikely to get much work without at least some training in the photographic arts, whether it’s acquired through a formal degree or diploma program, vocational training, or extensive work experience. Many photographers benefit from the discipline and training of a formal education. Photographers who want to find work as photojournalists, or in industrial or scientific photography, are generally expected to have a degree or diploma in an area such as journalism or photography. Degrees in visual arts and communications may also be acceptable when combined with a demonstrated proficiency with a camera. In addition to teaching them about things like equipment, film processing, and composition, post-secondary programs usually offer aspiring photographers the opportunity to build their portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of samples of a photographer’s work. It is evidence of his or her talent and skill, and its contents are often the deciding factor when potential employers are deciding whether or not they want to hire the services of the photographer. A good portfolio is crucial to finding work.


Nicole.