5 answers
Maya
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Asked
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What is it like working as a photographer and how does it work??
I'm a sophomore in high school and need advice.
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5 answers
Gregory Andracke
Cinematographer
17
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Gregory’s Answer
Hi Maya, after reading the responses from Manush & Chinyere, there is nothing I can add. I'm a big fan of getting started with the tools you already most likely possess, a smartphone with a camera built in. This will not teach you the technical details you will need later, but will allow you to take pictures NOW and "focus" on subjects that interest you. My interest is street photography and I concentrate on stories that interest me. It's NOT the camera, it's what is in FRONT of the camera! All the best, Greg A., NYC
Rob Regovich
Commercial Photographer
1
Answer
South Bend, Indiana
Updated
Rob’s Answer
Maya,
The one key concept I think students should understand is that there are lots of ways to be a photographer. Some people earn a living selling their high end art. Some earn a living photographing weddings and portraits. Some earn a living selling landscape and nature prints. Some people specialize in fashion for designers and publications. And some, like me, earn a living shooting commercial images for manufacturers and retailers.
The questions I think you might consider as you move through your education include: where do my interests lie? what kind of work am I interested in doing day in and day out? what personal satisfaction am I looking to get from my work? Those questions should help you focus (pardon the pun) your efforts on a potential career path.
The one other piece of advice I have for your education: learn how to take criticism. As a photographer (or anyone in the creative fields), you get critiqued all day everyday by lots of other people. You absolutely have to get to the point where you are open to criticism, can react positively to it and can separate out what is important and actionable from what is unhelpful.
The one key concept I think students should understand is that there are lots of ways to be a photographer. Some people earn a living selling their high end art. Some earn a living photographing weddings and portraits. Some earn a living selling landscape and nature prints. Some people specialize in fashion for designers and publications. And some, like me, earn a living shooting commercial images for manufacturers and retailers.
The questions I think you might consider as you move through your education include: where do my interests lie? what kind of work am I interested in doing day in and day out? what personal satisfaction am I looking to get from my work? Those questions should help you focus (pardon the pun) your efforts on a potential career path.
The one other piece of advice I have for your education: learn how to take criticism. As a photographer (or anyone in the creative fields), you get critiqued all day everyday by lots of other people. You absolutely have to get to the point where you are open to criticism, can react positively to it and can separate out what is important and actionable from what is unhelpful.
manush shrestha
photographer,videographer
2
Answers
Pittsburg, California
Updated
manush’s Answer
Photography is all about creativity, and you can start with the equipment you have. Don't worry about buying a camera and lens right away; just do what you love. I started with my phone, and it was a great way to learn and build my portfolio. I later used my friend's camera and also bought myself a new camera and lens. Explore all aspects of photography, including portraits, nature, food, and more. Research photography and its categories, and then decide if you want to do it as a hobby or full-time. Whatever you choose, commit to it, and explore more. Create a portfolio of your work and post it online. The most important part is in post-production, so try editing your photos. Watch tutorials or videos and practice more. There is no limit to photography, and you'll discover new things every day. If you really want to buy a camera and lens, do some research and then buy it. Don't think the more expensive the better. Do some freelancing to build your portfolio, and you'll get referred to other people and companies and have more clients.
David Wuerth
Freelance Photojournalist/ Sports Photographer
114
Answers
Nampa, Idaho
Updated
David’s Answer
Hello Maya, there are numerous ways for a photographer to make money. And, you can explore the various genres on your own. Have worked in a New York City studio shooting advertising stills and I have operated as a freelancer for many years. In New York, we had a representative who went around the City and showed our work to find us assignments. If we were not shooting, we might be cleaning, maintaining our equipment. I was also the darkroom tech for processing film, making contacts and producing our finished prints for our clients. This was all B&W. color work was sent out to labs to do.
As a freelancer, I have no studio so my work is shot somewhere else. Over the years I have shot a great deal of sports, all the way through college. With sports, I pack my gear, travel where I need to and come home. Now that digital is everywhere, this is a bit easier and I just send clients digital files.
The big negative for a freelancer is you have to find your assignments. If you can find a loyal client and he likes your work, that's awesome. But, you still have to keep hustling for new clients.
Best of luck.
As a freelancer, I have no studio so my work is shot somewhere else. Over the years I have shot a great deal of sports, all the way through college. With sports, I pack my gear, travel where I need to and come home. Now that digital is everywhere, this is a bit easier and I just send clients digital files.
The big negative for a freelancer is you have to find your assignments. If you can find a loyal client and he likes your work, that's awesome. But, you still have to keep hustling for new clients.
Best of luck.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
549
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Maya,
Good question! Working as a photographer can be both exciting and challenging, especially if you’re passionate about capturing moments and telling stories through images. Here’s a breakdown of what it’s like and how the profession works:
1. Creative Expression
- Photography allows you to express your creativity by experimenting with different perspectives, lighting, and compositions. You get to choose how you capture scenes and subjects, making each photo unique.
2. Types of Photography
- There are many fields to specialize in, such as portrait photography, fashion, sports, wildlife, events (weddings, concerts), and commercial photography. Each has its own style and demands.
- As a high school student, it’s great to explore different types of photography to see what excites you the most.
3. Technical Skills
- Camera Gear: You’ll need to learn how to use different types of cameras (DSLR, mirrorless) and lenses. Each setting (shutter speed, aperture, ISO) can drastically change the outcome of your photos.
- Editing: Post-processing your images with software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom is a big part of modern photography. This helps enhance the photos or create specific visual effects.
4. Running a Photography Business
- If you’re thinking about making a career out of photography, you’ll also need to learn some business skills. Freelance photographers often have to:
- Market their services through social media or a portfolio website.
- Communicate with clients to understand what they want.
- Manage finances, from pricing their work to handling payments and invoices.
5. Challenges
- Consistency: Maintaining a high level of creativity and quality in every shoot can be tough.
- Competition: The industry is very competitive, with many people trying to make a name for themselves.
- Unpredictable Work: Depending on the type of photography, jobs might not always be consistent, so many photographers freelance or take on multiple side projects.
6. How to Start as a High School Student
- Practice: Start by practicing with your phone or camera. Take photos of anything that interests you and try to improve your skills.
- Study Photography: You can take photography classes or watch online tutorials to learn the basics of lighting, composition, and editing.
- Build a Portfolio: Begin creating a collection of your best work to show people your skills.
- Look for Opportunities: You can start by photographing events at school, such as sports games, concerts, or yearbook photos. Consider reaching out to local photographers to assist them or learn from them.
Photography is a dynamic career that blends art and technical skills. If you’re passionate about it, starting early in high school will give you a great advantage!
Best wishes!
Good question! Working as a photographer can be both exciting and challenging, especially if you’re passionate about capturing moments and telling stories through images. Here’s a breakdown of what it’s like and how the profession works:
1. Creative Expression
- Photography allows you to express your creativity by experimenting with different perspectives, lighting, and compositions. You get to choose how you capture scenes and subjects, making each photo unique.
2. Types of Photography
- There are many fields to specialize in, such as portrait photography, fashion, sports, wildlife, events (weddings, concerts), and commercial photography. Each has its own style and demands.
- As a high school student, it’s great to explore different types of photography to see what excites you the most.
3. Technical Skills
- Camera Gear: You’ll need to learn how to use different types of cameras (DSLR, mirrorless) and lenses. Each setting (shutter speed, aperture, ISO) can drastically change the outcome of your photos.
- Editing: Post-processing your images with software like Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom is a big part of modern photography. This helps enhance the photos or create specific visual effects.
4. Running a Photography Business
- If you’re thinking about making a career out of photography, you’ll also need to learn some business skills. Freelance photographers often have to:
- Market their services through social media or a portfolio website.
- Communicate with clients to understand what they want.
- Manage finances, from pricing their work to handling payments and invoices.
5. Challenges
- Consistency: Maintaining a high level of creativity and quality in every shoot can be tough.
- Competition: The industry is very competitive, with many people trying to make a name for themselves.
- Unpredictable Work: Depending on the type of photography, jobs might not always be consistent, so many photographers freelance or take on multiple side projects.
6. How to Start as a High School Student
- Practice: Start by practicing with your phone or camera. Take photos of anything that interests you and try to improve your skills.
- Study Photography: You can take photography classes or watch online tutorials to learn the basics of lighting, composition, and editing.
- Build a Portfolio: Begin creating a collection of your best work to show people your skills.
- Look for Opportunities: You can start by photographing events at school, such as sports games, concerts, or yearbook photos. Consider reaching out to local photographers to assist them or learn from them.
Photography is a dynamic career that blends art and technical skills. If you’re passionate about it, starting early in high school will give you a great advantage!
Best wishes!