How to become a Photographer. Have you ever thought about becoming a Photographer? Read our free guide about becoming a Photographer.
Job Description
Photographers are persons who are artistically responsible for creating images for a variety of uses. The hours vary depending on the type of shoot you are doing and the type of image you are looking to create. It is a varied and fun job that will allow you to see many different types of items and places, and will allow you to meet many different people. Being a Photographer is a good job for many people, but the key traits to have are a great eye for detail, strong artistic ability, and ability to work alone, a good sense of humour, calm under pressure and ethical.
Entry Requirements
To become a Photographer you may wish to enrol on a photography or design course at your local college or university. You will need to invest in a good camera. It is a good idea to take as many photos as possible and create a portfolio of your work to showcase your work to potential employers. The ability to capture images of a variety of different sorts such as still life, active shots, sport shots and animals, as well as buildings and landscapes, will give you great potential for employment. A creative imagination is a plus.
Responsibilities and duties
Standard duties of being a photographer are usually to listen to the brief issued from your employer to ascertain what they are looking for from an image. You will then have to source models or inspiration, and arrange the details of the shoot. You will be responsible for pulling together the various factors involved such as models and location, and then direct the shoot accordingly. You will have to ensure that the photos taken match the brief given and are composed correctly. It is then your duty to get the photos developed and sized correctly for the client’s needs, as well as arranging any futher shoots that might be required. If you are a wedding photographer then it is your job to ensure that all the photos are suitable before leaving the shoot as they cannot be re done. You will have to ensure that the location of the shoots shows the day in its best light.
Working hours
These may vary depending on the duties and job you are doing. Photographers are generally expected to work a variety of hours as they can often be asked to do weddings or other “unsociable hours” events. So weekends and evenings are likely to be busy times for a photographer.
Skills and Training Development
Many photographers progress their career with time served and honing skills and techniques to become better photographers. You can enhance your career prospects by learning how to use applications such as Photoshop, and offer a retouch or effects service on top of your basic photography.
Average Salary
The average salary for a Trainee Photographer is £15,000 PA.
The average salary for a qualified Photographer is £21,000 PA.
The average salary for a Senior Photographer is £30,000 PA.