Career In Photography Shack Guide
Career In Photography And Artistic Compromises
By Jane Lovell
Career in photography can only begin with knowledge
and knowledge can be gained by completing a quality
photography course while creating a portfolio of your
best images. It is your portfolio that will give you
your first photography job.
You may start in a photography studio, setting up the
lights as an assistant, to pay for your photography
course. By the time you graduate, you may have progressed
to the photographer taking the images.
Many photographers start as an assistant to the photographer,
especially if the photographer is a fantastic teacher
and then you may progress to a professional photographer.
You can do your photography course, to learn all about
different aspects of photography, but you will learn
a lot more, when you are an assistant working under
pressure to meet deadlines.
Starting Out As An Artistic Photographer
Every artist comes across the same question at some
point. What kind of work is feeding my muse?, and what
kind of work is selling out? Although this question
seems pretty relevant when you're a teenager, it becomes
somehow less important as you get older. Don't get me
wrong – there are certain things that you should always
treasure.
You should always make sure that your own artistic
projects stay true to your vision. Not doing so invites
disaster. Nevertheless, that doesn't mean that you can't
take jobs on commission. Look at it as an opportunity
to refine your craft and make some money on the side.
Beginning A Career In Photography
Although I have considered myself an artistic photographer
for many years, I only recently begun a career in photography.
Back when I was in art school, I didn't even bother
looking at the career fields in photography.
I was so convinced that I was going to become famous
overnight because of my astounding talent that I never
really planned for my economic future. I assumed that
I would earn a living working in a kitchen until I was
able to get a few gallery shows. After that, I figured,
I would be living the easy life.
When after a few years that did not start, I seriously
began thinking about a career in photography. I had
an uncle who has spent his whole career in wedding photography,
and he seemed to really enjoy it.
Wedding Photos To Pay The Bills
He is quite a talented artist, but he doesn't mind
doing some wedding photo shoots to pay the bills. He
lives in a nice house, takes good vacations, and seems
to make a lot of money. The more I thought about it,
the more thought a career in photography might be for
me.
Nowadays, it is easier than ever to start careers in
photography. Digital cameras make everything simple.
If I had had to set up a dark room with a professional
film camera and the other classic photography equipment,
it would have taken me a long time to get started. As
it was, all I had to do was buy a few new lenses for
my camera and get to work.
I already had a computer and image editing software.
All I had to do was buy a few business cards, and I
was ready for a career in photography. I take wedding
photos, graduation pictures, and general family photo
shoots. I'm still working on gallery shows, but I have
to say that I enjoy my professional life as well. All
in all, things didn't turn out so bad.
Continuous Source Of Income
It seems you can be an artist and create art, but to
pay the bills you will have to look at where you can
get a continuous source of income. You can look at the
fashion industry, advertising and other numerous options.
I have moved into portraiture. I have set up my own
studio in a very upmarket area and I am so busy that
I have had to hire more staff to meet the demand.
I can charge higher fees for work that I do, and those
who want to save costs can use one of my staff photographers.
I am constantly amazed with the quality of images they
bring to the studio. A lot of these staff photographers
have completed photography courses, before they came
to my studio and I loved their portfolio.
You need a portfolio of your best images when you are
looking for a career in photography.
About the Author:
Jane Lovell has written a number of articles on digital
photography including Best
Digital Cameras, Mini
Digital Camera, Portrait
Photography, Baby
Photography, Still
Photography, Boudoir
Photography, Art
Of Photography, Amateur
Photography, Photography
Backdrop, Photography
Tips, Digital
Photography Tips, Photography
Studio.
Lookout for more articles from this author on this website.
More Photography Facts....
How do I choose a photographer for my wedding?
First, get some recommendations
from people you know about different photographers
they have used. Friends and relatives who have had
good experiences with the photographers or studios
they have used should be more than eager to share
this information with you. After reviewing websites
and online portfolios, contact each studio or
photographer that you are interested.
Meet at their studio and look at samples of their work
in person, preferably with each party of the engaged
couple. Ask to see pictures from different weddings,
and if possible a full wedding. Doing so allows for
complete evaluation of photography styles and formats,
or even artistic impressions that each photographer
can offer you. Ask yourself if they share your artistic
vision while looking through their portfolio.
Do you agree with the styles they use? Is the quality
to your liking? Also, take note of how well you communicate
and interact with each photographer. Besides friends
and family, your photographer is the one person you
will be interacting with the most.
Feeling comfortable enough to communicate with them
during your wedding will lessen the stress of an already
hectic day. Once you have chosen a photographer whose
work you are pleased with, and whose personality is
compatible with your own, you can then discuss price
ranges.
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