7 answers
Kyle
Student
Ames, Iowa
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best path I would need to go after to become a Photographer Or Videographer ?
I've been doing wildlife photography and making my own videos on YouTube and Instagram. I have started a business but would like to work for a company or people. I applied for video productions this fall, but would like to find photography jobs beforehand that I can have experience in doing more. What are the best places near my area where I can get into contact with any photography or videography jobs just for experience
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7 answers
Kristen Brown
Product Photographer
3
Answers
Quincy, Massachusetts
Updated
Kristen’s Answer
Hi Kyle!
This is a great question. What grade/level of schooling are you at currently? This info will help me give you the best advice!
This is a great question. What grade/level of schooling are you at currently? This info will help me give you the best advice!
I graduated high school back in 2021 and recently just applying for dmacc video production 1 this fall. I have been working ever since my graduation and planning on finding a good career. I was just curious if there are photography jobs out there that don’t require a degree and I can just do before college hits so I have expierence and focus on photography/videography
Kyle
Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
51
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
It's fantastic that you're taking the initiative to create your own videos and sharing them across various platforms. Keep up the good work! If you've got some top-notch content, think about entering some film festivals to gain more visibility. Meanwhile, don't hesitate to network with local photographers and possibly local TV stations or news outlets. An internship could offer you valuable insights into the professional world.
Remember, traditional university education isn't the only path. Acquiring a solid foundation in this field can be beneficial. It introduces a whole new world of interactions, expectations, and experiences. School provides an environment for you to make mistakes and learn from them, and it also offers the chance to explore new equipment and technologies that are continuously emerging in this fast-paced industry. It's worth considering.
Best of luck on your exciting journey!
Remember, traditional university education isn't the only path. Acquiring a solid foundation in this field can be beneficial. It introduces a whole new world of interactions, expectations, and experiences. School provides an environment for you to make mistakes and learn from them, and it also offers the chance to explore new equipment and technologies that are continuously emerging in this fast-paced industry. It's worth considering.
Best of luck on your exciting journey!
Christy Schmid
Producer at Christy Schmid Productions, LLC
4
Answers
Updated
Christy’s Answer
hi Kyle! I've been a commercial photography and video producer for about a decade (in Chicago).
I would contact photographers in your area to see if they need an assistant. Not all types of photography jobs have a budget to hire assistants but advertising and commercial photo productions will almost always use photo assistants and production assistants. I would email folks (don't be afraid to follow up in a few weeks if you don't hear back from them) and be honest about your experience level and if they invite you to come on set for a few days, even if it's not paid, I would take them up on it. You don't always want to work for free - but you will likely at least get a free meal and you can learn and see their process. I got started in the production industry after helping out with a lower-budget cookbook shoot - it was a week-long, I didn't get paid but I gained a ton of knowledge and met a bunch of people who effectively started my career. After that I started assisting for this photographer, and some others, and eventually met a producer that took me under wing, and a few years later I started my own production company.
Working with an advertising photographer (or hopefully with many of them) will teach you different things about lighting and how to run a business. I assume if you're interested in wildlife photos - you likely aren't as interested in something like product photography - that is largely done in a studio with not a lot of natural light. Keep in mind your interests when looking for people to reach out to. Plenty of commercial photographers take a lot of nature photos as well so if you can find someone who is a fit with your interests that would be ideal.
You could also reach out to wildlife photographers and see if they are willing to be a mentor to you or you could offer to trade services. For example - you can assist them (carry their gear, help with things in their office / studio) and in turn get to ask questions about how they do things, how they operate their businesses, etc.
Google to find people "commercial photographer in Des Moines, Iowa" for example. (you might have to look outside of Ames to a larger market). Or you can look at listing sites such as https://www.workbook.com/ , https://foundartists.com/ or https://www.at-edge.com
I hope this helps!
I would contact photographers in your area to see if they need an assistant. Not all types of photography jobs have a budget to hire assistants but advertising and commercial photo productions will almost always use photo assistants and production assistants. I would email folks (don't be afraid to follow up in a few weeks if you don't hear back from them) and be honest about your experience level and if they invite you to come on set for a few days, even if it's not paid, I would take them up on it. You don't always want to work for free - but you will likely at least get a free meal and you can learn and see their process. I got started in the production industry after helping out with a lower-budget cookbook shoot - it was a week-long, I didn't get paid but I gained a ton of knowledge and met a bunch of people who effectively started my career. After that I started assisting for this photographer, and some others, and eventually met a producer that took me under wing, and a few years later I started my own production company.
Working with an advertising photographer (or hopefully with many of them) will teach you different things about lighting and how to run a business. I assume if you're interested in wildlife photos - you likely aren't as interested in something like product photography - that is largely done in a studio with not a lot of natural light. Keep in mind your interests when looking for people to reach out to. Plenty of commercial photographers take a lot of nature photos as well so if you can find someone who is a fit with your interests that would be ideal.
You could also reach out to wildlife photographers and see if they are willing to be a mentor to you or you could offer to trade services. For example - you can assist them (carry their gear, help with things in their office / studio) and in turn get to ask questions about how they do things, how they operate their businesses, etc.
Google to find people "commercial photographer in Des Moines, Iowa" for example. (you might have to look outside of Ames to a larger market). Or you can look at listing sites such as https://www.workbook.com/ , https://foundartists.com/ or https://www.at-edge.com
I hope this helps!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Kyle,
Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to effectively pursue a career in photography or videography, with a special focus on wildlife imagery:
1. Skill Development:
Equipment: Make sure you own a DSLR camera and appropriate lenses for both photography and videography. Learn the ins and outs of your gear for optimum use.
Portfolio: Build a digital portfolio to display your top-notch work. This will be crucial when seeking employment or freelance gigs.
Genre Selection: Pinpoint the specific photography or videography genre that captivates you the most, like wildlife photography in your case.
2. Experience Accumulation:
Mentorship: Connect with seasoned photographers or videographers who can guide you. Their professional expertise can offer invaluable industry insights and skill enhancement.
Internships/Assistants: Scout for chances to intern or assist in photography studios, production firms, or with individual photographers/videographers.
3. Education and Training:
Formal Education: Although not always mandatory, obtaining formal education in photography or videography can be advantageous. Think about signing up for relevant courses or programs to boost your knowledge and skills.
Online Resources: Leverage online platforms, workshops, and tutorials to further refine your technical skills and artistic vision.
4. Networking:
Local Opportunities: Discover local photography clubs, events, and workshops to network with fellow professionals.
Job Search: Hunt for photography/videography job vacancies in your vicinity on online job boards, social media platforms, or by reaching out directly to local businesses that might need your services.
5. Specialization and Branding:
Specialize: Concentrate on a specific niche within photography/videography to distinguish yourself in the competitive market.
Branding: Establish a powerful personal brand on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to display your work and draw in potential clients.
6. Continuous Learning:
Practice Regularly: Keep sharpening your skills by practicing consistently and trying out new techniques.
Feedback: Solicit feedback from colleagues, mentors, or online communities to continually enhance your work.
By diligently adhering to these steps, you can establish a robust foundation in photography and videography, acquire valuable experience, and heighten your chances of landing jobs in the industry.
Top 3 Trusted Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Photography Life: A respected website providing tutorials, guides, and resources for photographers at all stages.
National Geographic: Renowned for its superior nature photography content and insights into wildlife photography.
YouTube Creator Academy: Offers useful information on creating videos for YouTube channels, including advice on filming techniques and video production.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Here's a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to effectively pursue a career in photography or videography, with a special focus on wildlife imagery:
1. Skill Development:
Equipment: Make sure you own a DSLR camera and appropriate lenses for both photography and videography. Learn the ins and outs of your gear for optimum use.
Portfolio: Build a digital portfolio to display your top-notch work. This will be crucial when seeking employment or freelance gigs.
Genre Selection: Pinpoint the specific photography or videography genre that captivates you the most, like wildlife photography in your case.
2. Experience Accumulation:
Mentorship: Connect with seasoned photographers or videographers who can guide you. Their professional expertise can offer invaluable industry insights and skill enhancement.
Internships/Assistants: Scout for chances to intern or assist in photography studios, production firms, or with individual photographers/videographers.
3. Education and Training:
Formal Education: Although not always mandatory, obtaining formal education in photography or videography can be advantageous. Think about signing up for relevant courses or programs to boost your knowledge and skills.
Online Resources: Leverage online platforms, workshops, and tutorials to further refine your technical skills and artistic vision.
4. Networking:
Local Opportunities: Discover local photography clubs, events, and workshops to network with fellow professionals.
Job Search: Hunt for photography/videography job vacancies in your vicinity on online job boards, social media platforms, or by reaching out directly to local businesses that might need your services.
5. Specialization and Branding:
Specialize: Concentrate on a specific niche within photography/videography to distinguish yourself in the competitive market.
Branding: Establish a powerful personal brand on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to display your work and draw in potential clients.
6. Continuous Learning:
Practice Regularly: Keep sharpening your skills by practicing consistently and trying out new techniques.
Feedback: Solicit feedback from colleagues, mentors, or online communities to continually enhance your work.
By diligently adhering to these steps, you can establish a robust foundation in photography and videography, acquire valuable experience, and heighten your chances of landing jobs in the industry.
Top 3 Trusted Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Photography Life: A respected website providing tutorials, guides, and resources for photographers at all stages.
National Geographic: Renowned for its superior nature photography content and insights into wildlife photography.
YouTube Creator Academy: Offers useful information on creating videos for YouTube channels, including advice on filming techniques and video production.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Robert Dombkowski
Data Analysis
3
Answers
Prosper, Texas
Updated
Robert’s Answer
While I may not be able to provide advice on videography, I can certainly share some tips on photography. Having your own camera and lenses is a crucial first step, especially for capturing your favorite subjects. I understand you're particularly interested in wildlife photography. To enhance your skills, I'd recommend spending some time in a studio to learn about off-camera flash. This includes both studio lights and a simple pocket strobe. Gaining a deep understanding of light will significantly improve your photos and make your wildlife shots truly stand out. Keep going, you're doing great!
David Wuerth
Freelance Photojournalist/ Sports Photographer
114
Answers
Nampa, Idaho
Updated
David’s Answer
Hey Kyle, looks like Gregory has done some good leg-work for you.
Do you have a DSLR camera and lenses? Do you know how to use them? Do you have a genre of photography that interests you? Do you have a digital portfolio of your best work? If you answered no to any of these then you have to do whatever it takes to answer yes to them all.
For the most part, you do not need a college degree to be a professional photographer. However, I believe it can be helpful. You Tube and Instagram can be helpful, but they are not for a professional portfolio.
Once you have an idea of the photography you want to shoot, see if you can find a photographer that you can work with so you learn the business and sharpen your skills. You might have to outside of Ames to do that.
I see Iowa State has a campus in Ames. The school library should be an excellent resource for you. Look at the work of other photographers. That's good for inspiration and your images will have to equal to, or better, that what you see in the books.
Best of luck!
Do you have a DSLR camera and lenses? Do you know how to use them? Do you have a genre of photography that interests you? Do you have a digital portfolio of your best work? If you answered no to any of these then you have to do whatever it takes to answer yes to them all.
For the most part, you do not need a college degree to be a professional photographer. However, I believe it can be helpful. You Tube and Instagram can be helpful, but they are not for a professional portfolio.
Once you have an idea of the photography you want to shoot, see if you can find a photographer that you can work with so you learn the business and sharpen your skills. You might have to outside of Ames to do that.
I see Iowa State has a campus in Ames. The school library should be an excellent resource for you. Look at the work of other photographers. That's good for inspiration and your images will have to equal to, or better, that what you see in the books.
Best of luck!
Gregory Andracke
Cinematographer
17
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Gregory’s Answer
Happy Sunday afternoon, Kyle! I've conducted some initial research on video production opportunities in Ames, IA. If you search "Video Production near Ames, IA" on Google, you'll come across three potential places. It might be a good idea to reach out to them and inquire if they require any assistance from a production assistant or intern.
Additionally, your local TV station, KCCI Television located at 323 Main St, 208 · (515) 233-0438 might have some opportunities. However, it's worth noting that they might only be a repeater station that broadcasts from Des Moines, without any actual studios. I'm unsure about the pay, it could be minimal or possibly even unpaid.
Lastly, there's a chance that one of these stations occasionally needs a "stringer" - someone to capture video footage of events like fires or natural disasters. This assumes you have a device capable of recording video, even if it's just a cell phone. Here's a useful link for more information: https://thedvshow.com/thinking-of-becoming-a-tv-news-stringer/
That's all the information I have at the moment. Please don't hesitate to ask any further questions and I'll do my best to answer them. Best of luck, Kyle!
Additionally, your local TV station, KCCI Television located at 323 Main St, 208 · (515) 233-0438 might have some opportunities. However, it's worth noting that they might only be a repeater station that broadcasts from Des Moines, without any actual studios. I'm unsure about the pay, it could be minimal or possibly even unpaid.
Lastly, there's a chance that one of these stations occasionally needs a "stringer" - someone to capture video footage of events like fires or natural disasters. This assumes you have a device capable of recording video, even if it's just a cell phone. Here's a useful link for more information: https://thedvshow.com/thinking-of-becoming-a-tv-news-stringer/
That's all the information I have at the moment. Please don't hesitate to ask any further questions and I'll do my best to answer them. Best of luck, Kyle!
Your advice was so helpful!
Kyle