Why Photography is an Important Skill
Visual communications is a growing industry. Photos and videos have become more important than ever in our media consumption which makes content creators in high demand. According to the 2016 Adobe State of Create, creators even earn 13% more money than non-creators. Being able to take a good image and to have an eye for design are important attributes of being a creator in 2018. As a result, here are ten jobs which require photography experience.
10. Photojournalist
Photo by Michael Ramey
Most people are familiar with traditional journalism which generally requires some picture taking. But whereas journalists’ main focus is the words, photojournalists tell stories by crafting provocative images that guide viewers through a journey. Photojournalists are generally freelancers that have their images and stories picked up by various news organizations but some bigger media companies hire their own photojournalists and photographers to cover stories. Photojournalists typically specialize in covering stories from war torn regions and other places where there is suffering but it can be hard to capture in anything other than a photograph.
9. Teacher
Photo by NeONBRAND
Some photographers want to inspire the younger generation with their passion for photography by getting into education. The easiest way to do this is to become a high school teacher and focus on visual or media arts or communication technology. Universities and colleges are also always looking to hire working photographers to teach courses on photography while also providing their perspective on the industry. If you don’t want to get a formal teaching degree, you can work at a private photography school such as GTA Photography Classes and teach students that way.
8. Photo Retoucher/Restorer
Photo by Cheryl Winn-Boujnida
Photo restorers and retouchers work for two different purposes but they do the same thing: they edit photos to meet a specific outcome of how they are supposed to look. Photo retouchers primarily work on editing fashion and product photos for advertising and display. They are the people that remove blemishes from models’ faces or morph two objects together. Photo restorers on the hand work mostly with old or archived photos that have been damaged to recreate and restore them.
7. Professional Blogger/Vlogger
Photo by Christina Boemio
Vloggers and bloggers are often entrepreneurs who have a wide skill set and are quite media savvy. Photography is not always a requirement for bloggers but in order to market yourself effectively and to create creative and engaging content, photography is always an asset. Vloggers definitely need to have camera knowledge in order to film content.
6. Freelance Photographer
Photo by Guillermo Sanchez
Most photographers are freelancers who have their own photography business. Freelancers can work on anything they desire and they get to choose the projects they take whether it be events, weddings, or even having photos bought by news organizations. Being a freelancer can be a good way to make a living if you market yourself effectively and you are comfortable running your own business. It also affords many unique opportunities and you never know what new project you could stumble upon next.
5. Forensic Photographer
Photo by Jacob Morch
To be a forensic photographer, you must have a degree in forensics but they always looking for people with technical photography skills. Forensic photographers are responsible for capturing crime scenes and evidence for police records and aid in investigations. This is an important job and also not for the faint of heart.
4. Studio/ Portrait Photographer
Photo by Hazel Abagao
One job that is often overlooked is studio photographer. Studio and portrait photography can constitute anything from having your own freelance business to working in the photography studio at Walmart to taking school pictures. For someone who loves portrait photography, this could be a great way to take portraits professionally and build a portfolio.
3. Sports Photographer
Photo by Olga Guryanova
Most sporting events require their own photographer but several media organizations hire photographers to cover sporting events. For those that love sports and a fast paced environment, sports photography may be for you. Large sporting events such as the Olympics and the Pan-Am Games are great opportunities to break into the sports photography world as reporters and media companies are always looking for stellar shots to share.
2. Art Director
Photo by Bench Accounting
This is a position for someone with a good eye for style and image quality. Art Directors work with magazines and other publications to select the visuals, artwork, and layouts that appear in that publication. The position is less hands on than being the actual photographer but requires an eye for detail and an understanding of their client’s vision.
1. Product Photographer
Photo by Ferenc Horvath
Every time you see an advertisement with a photo, someone has taken that photo. Product photography covers a large area, with everything from cars to food. There are studios that specialize in product photography but you can also work as a freelancer and be hired directly by the company.
Want to Pursue a Degree in Photography?
Check out Teen Camp 3 to develop your professional photography portfolio and get prepared for post secondary applications.
