Photography – D. Scott Carruthers Photography

5 Photography Careers to Consider

Are you looking to make photography a career? You may be surprised by the number of possible careers available in the field. Whether you want to work for yourself or someone else, many paths can lead to success. In this article, we will explore five different potential careers as a photographer and give an overview of what each entails so you can find what’s right for you!

1. Professional Photographer

Being a professional photographer can include a wide variety of jobs, from personal portrait photography to photojournalism in war zones. A professional photographer has a high level of experience and usually specializes in one area, such as weddings or real estate photos.

Professional photographers can work for themselves or with a company. In either case, they are responsible for acquiring new clients and managing their business to make sure it runs smoothly. For example, some professionals may handle all the marketing while others hire an assistant to attend meetings to free up more time shooting weddings!

To become a professional photographer, you need extensive experience in photography and sales skills so that potential customers will want your services instead of someone else’s. You also should be familiar with equipment such as high-end cameras, lenses, and lighting gear since you’ll likely use these items every day on shoots.

As mentioned above, this career path is excellent if you enjoy working alone but not great if you like collaboration because much of the work is done alone!

A professional photographer typically requires a Bachelor’s degree in photography or another related field such as art. You also need to complete many hours of internships and volunteer programs before you can find paying jobs. When it comes to making money, most professional photographers earn salaries that range from $20-50k per year, depending on their experience and expertise. Many professionals also supplement income with sales commissions earned for finding new clients.

2. Photojournalist

Photojournalists are responsible for taking photos that tell a story. Their work can be found in newspapers, magazines, and online news outlets to illustrate current events or create beautiful everyday life images.

Like professional photographers, photojournalists typically specialize in one area, such as sports photography. Still, some shoot many different photos depending on the market they serve (i.e., fashion vs. war). Photojournalists also need experience with journalism skills since their job is usually to cover stories rather than take pretty pictures!

For example, if Warren Buffet walked into your studio, you wouldn’t ask him what he wanted to be photographed; it’s his job to say, “take my picture!” Similarly, you don’t have time to think about the best angles or lighting when covering breaking news. You need to be able to snap a photo and move on quickly before something else happens!

Photojournalists usually work for local newspapers, cable news stations, and wire services such as Associated Press (AP). Photojournalism is an excellent career option because there will always be a demand for photographs that tell stories in new ways. There are even opportunities overseas since photojournalists can provide valuable insights into what’s happening outside of America! This job requires extensive experience, so most professionals have Bachelor’s degrees in photography and take courses in journalism, which helps them learn how to approach their jobs from different angles.

As with professional photographers, income varies greatly depending on your level of expertise. Some make less than $20k per year, while top photojournalists can earn over $100k.

Photojournalist typically requires a bachelor’s degree in photography, journalism, or communications with an emphasis on the latter since you’ll need to know how to approach your work from different angles! You also should have years of experience shooting photos for newspapers and other media outlets before transitioning into this career path.

3. Photo Editor

Photo editors are responsible for choosing photos that appear in newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets. This job typically requires a bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications with an emphasis on photography since you’ll need to know how to choose the best shots from a photographer’s portfolio as well as being able to communicate your thoughts.

This career path is excellent if you enjoy working alone but not great collaboration because much of the work can be done alone! In addition, photo editors usually don’t have time to take their photos, so they must rely on photographers for this task which means it might affect availability or costs depending on what types of shoots you’re doing at any given moment.

Income varies greatly depending on your level of expertise; some make less than $20k per year, while top photo editors can earn over $100k.

Photo editor typically requires a bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications with an emphasis on photography since you’ll need to know how to choose the best shots from a photographer’s portfolio as well as being able to communicate your thoughts! You also should have years of experience working with photographers before transitioning into this career path. Photo editing is excellent if you enjoy working alone but not great if you like collaboration because much of the work can be done alone. There might be conflicts about availability and costs depending on what types of shoots you’re doing at any given moment.

4. Digital Artist

Digital artists create graphics and design concepts for advertisements, newspapers, and magazines for various media types. This career path is excellent if you enjoy working alone but not great collaboration because much of the work can be done alone! In addition, digital artists typically don’t have time to take their photos, so they must rely on photographers for this task which means it might affect availability or costs depending on what types of shoots you’re doing at any given moment.

Income varies greatly depending on your level of expertise; some make less than $20k per year, while top digital artists earn over $100k.

Digital artist typically requires a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field with an emphasis on computer graphics and digital imaging since you’ll need to know how to create designs using computers as well as being able to communicate your ideas. You also should have years of experience working with photographers before transitioning into this career path. Digital art is excellent if you enjoy working alone but not great if you like collaboration because much of the work can be done alone, and there might be conflicts about availability and costs depending on what types of shoots you’re doing at any given moment.

5. Freelance Photographer

Freelance photographers are self-employed individuals who shoot photos for various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and businesses. Damon Becnel says this career path is excellent if you enjoy working alone but not great collaboration because much of the work can be done alone! In addition, freelance photographers typically don’t have time to take their photos. They must rely on photographers for this task which means it might affect availability or costs depending on what types of shoots you’re doing at any given moment.

Income varies greatly depending on your level of expertise; some make less than $20k per year, while top freelance photographers can earn over $100k.

If you’re looking for a career that combines creativity and travel with some stability, photography might be the perfect fit. There are many different types of careers in this field to consider. We hope these options have helped you get started thinking about what type of photographer will suit your needs best!

Jean Danhong Chen Discusses 5 Ways Photography Sessions Have Changed During The Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused problems for business owners of all sizes and in different sectors. One of the areas that have seen the most damaging effects is that of photography where members of this creative sector have seen their work largely taken away from them. As the full impact of COVID-19 was felt, the change in work practices began to become evident for workers in almost every industry. Jean Danhong Chen has been looking at the different ways the working sector has changed in the last few months with photographers some of those hardest hit by the arrival of the virus.

1. The New Normal

One of the major problems for those who are in the photography industry has been the loss of income due to the changes that have taken place in society. The new normal has taken effect with access to different buildings taking its toll on how photographers can go about their business. Jean D. Chen explains the new normal has meant most places of business have closed following the decision by governors of California and other states to issue orders requiring non-essential workers to stay home.

The new normal has been an issue for most members of the photography industry who have seen their work move forward with few bookings as communities struggle to survive. In most areas of the nation, one of the most important moments in the life of a family is the birth of an infant with the first photography sessions of life usually a major source of income for most photographers. Jean Danhong Chen explains that by limiting access to maternity hospitals to parents alone one of the most important sources of work for photographers being removed.

2. Working From Home

The ability to work from home is one of the most important for the majority of individuals who are hoping to survive the pandemic with little risk of COVID-19. Jean Danhong Chen explains the ability to work from home has allowed a great deal of flexibility for workers to enjoy from across the different industries. However, this is only a bonus for those who do not need to have face to face access to their customers to complete their work.

Photography sessions have changed immensely with the full effects of social distancing on the future of the industry. Photography sessions have been pushed to the back of the minds of many people who are not looking for any extra expenditure at a time of mass unemployment.

3. Avoiding Sealed Spaces

One of the most difficult aspects of working in the COVID-19 era has been the need to take part in social distancing procedures that can help halt the spread of the virus. The Los Angeles Times reports the movement of the virus has prompted many photographers and other creatives to explore the possibilities of working from their car or other vehicles.

As with the majority of aspects of life, COVID-19 has been changing the way life is lived and business is completed. As with the majority of businesses in the COVID-19 era, the photography industry has been struggling to meet the demands of the social distancing guidelines laid out at governmental levels.

4. Push Newborn Shoots Back Through the Schedule

The changes that have taken place in the use of newborn photography shoots have become a problem with limited access to hospital wards. However, Rangefinder explains the problem of bringing these shoots to fruition has been a problem with the best option being to reassures clients these shoots can be conducted at a later, safer date.

5. Weddings Will Still Go Ahead

The good news for wedding photographers is that many of these events are being allowed to take place, but with limited numbers. Jean D. Chen recommends that to make sure a record of the event is kept there should be space made for a photographer on the wedding guest list to record the event. If a wedding party is unhappy with the numbers, it is possible to discuss rescheduling the photoshoot for a time when all guests will be permitted to be in the same space.

The photography industry has been a tough one for those who take part to enjoy during the era of COVID-19, explains Jean D. Chen. If those who take part in this process are struggling to make ends meet during this period one option being explored is to allow the photos already taken to be used as stock photos during this era.

Best 5 Tips On How To Communicate With Your Photography Clients

When starting a photography company, there are a lot of things to consider. Factors such as branding, knowing who and where to market, and communicating well with your clients are all important things to consider when you are a self-employed photographer.

In many instances, the cause of frustration for clients is brought about by miscommunication before and during the photo shoot sessions. Many things may be unclear such as pricing, contract agreement, venue, expectations, and others.

Tana Taylor Adoption, a known company that specializes in and adoption photography, gives us their best tips on how to communicate better to photography clients.

Provide samples of your work.

Before accepting an agreement between a client, you need to set their expectations straight. They must get a “feel” of your creative style, and if their preferences suit this specific style. Some clients would be rushing in the process that they forget to consider if their choices are suitable for what you have to offer.

Thus, it is important to show your work initially by sending in samples from old clients. Needless to say, show your latest projects because photography styles evolve over time.

Provide a clear budget.

It is not advisable to say that it’s up to the client to set up their price or your price is negotiable. Although in some instances this may work, most of the time it causes confusion and blurry expectations about the pricing.

According to Tana Taylor Adoption, setting a standard price sets you apart from the rest. It helps you position yourself as a business who knows what they are doing and have clear-cut prices for each service you offer. There are many ways to go about standard pricing. First, you can create packages of your services–some photographers like categorizing them per event such as wedding package, birthday package, etc. Some try to package it by amounts such as 100 candid shots and 50 professional shots.

It all depends on how you want, but standard pricing will help to set things straight about payments and expectations.

Set up appointments and call times.

Preparation is essential when it comes to photography, whether it’s an event or something done in a studio. At least 1-2 weeks prior to the event, it may be helpful to set a date and time to come in early and do some preparations.

Some photography sessions need more preparations such as nuptial and prenuptial shoots, and others require less such as birthdays and corporate events. Also, consider the time you will be setting up your equipment if you have a large production team.

Give reminders of what clients need to bring on shoot day.

If clients need to bring something, such as payments, props, their own makeup team, or something else, give reminders. Often, some clients tend to forget these details especially if they are preparing for a big event.

A day before, it would be good to provide reminders of what your clients need to bring so that your sessions will be smooth-sailing.

Give a short brief on shoot day.

Tana Taylor Adoption also suggests making a short overview of the things you will be doing in the photo shoot. This is important to help keep the whole team in check with their schedule, and how they can work around it to meet what is needed. If time is flexible, shortly discuss the activities that you will be doing for the day.

As you consider these tips, you will have greater chances of communicating effectively with your photography clients.