Photography in Focus

Sarah Halbedl

English III Honors

Mr. Piatak
February 27, 2014

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Sarah Halbedl
Mr.Piatak
English III Honors
February 27, 2014
Photography in Focus
Photography, as an art, embodies the simplicity of everyday life and demonstrates that
beauty, diversity, and thought provoking images can be found everywhere. Photographs show
people, places, and things in their most authentic state, appealing or unappealing. Whether a
hobby or vocation, the desired goal of photography is to encourage introspection while
establishing an emotional connection with the viewer. While photography affects and appeals to
everyone on a different level, the appreciation and emotional response to images brings people
together. Professional photography develops into a multifaceted career including the
photography of fashion, nature, food, and people. The goal of a photographer is to visually
present all things ordinary and extraordinary through his own unique perspective. Photography
as an art form is emotionally moving, and is the most articulate form of communication. After
all, A picture is worth a thousand words. (Lester).
Photography captures images of people, places, and things through a camera lens. Before
the invention of the camera, people would draw moments they wished to remember. Drawing can
be a challenging and tedious practice to record events, especially for the unskilled. The first
method of photography which involved capturing images through the camera obscura, originated

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in ancient Greece ("Camera Obscura"). The camera obscura, a dark box that had a small gap to
allow light to pass through, inverted the images. The camera obscura did not create permanent
tangible photographs. In the 10th century, an Arabian Scholar Al Hassan used the camera obscura
to demonstrate how light can only move in consecutive lines ("Camera Obscura"). Later, in the
13th century, the camera obscura became widely used by astronomers to catch a glimpse at the
sun. During the 16th century, artists used the camera obscura to create realistic portraits. In 1826,
Joseph Nicphore Nipce of France constructed the first permanent photograph of a landscape
("Camera Obscura"). Nipce, inspired to invent a way to capture moments without having to
draw, invented heliography. In Latin helio means sun and graphein meant to write, heliography
meant to write using the sun. In the early centuries, only professionals used photography because
of its advanced technology ("Camera Obscura"). In 1888, George Eastman created the Kodak
camera; its small and box-like design allowed for ease of use and portability (Zhang). Kodak
provided a revolutionary solution for capturing images. Now, the average person could capture
photos as opposed to artists dominating the new realm of photography. In December of 1975,
Steve Sasson of Kodak invented the first digital camera (Zhang). The camera weighed eight
pounds and processed black and white photos (Zhang). Since then, the modern camera has come
a long way.
Photographers use their creative abilities, skilled eyes, and knowledge of light and
contrast to capture lifes most cherished moments ("Photographer: Job Description"). A
photographer performs a complex job, employing many different skills to achieve one goal. A
photographers job has many aspects including, marketing, analyzing subjects, using different
skills and equipment, and knowing how to operate photo enhancing software. A photographers
daily tasks vary depending on the field of professional photography.Most photographers work

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with clients, conduct research, arrange subjects for photo-shoots, and advertise themselves
(Bakstad). In the field of photography, photographers need to have working, not academic,
knowledge in a multitude of varied subjects. Photographers spend a large portion of time
working with technology. A Photographer should know how to operate equipment and software
programs. Selling yourself and your skills encompasses a large part of a photographers career.
Photographers know how to competitively advertise themselves and familiarize themselves with
the latest industry trends. Photographers need a unique skill set: listening to and analyzing the
clients needs and goals, communicating their skill set effectively to suit the needs of the
prospective client or account and the business acumen to run their business ("Careers in
Photography").
In 2012, an estimated 136,300 people were registered photographers, 60% of which were
self-employed (Bureau of Labor Statistics). An estimated 27% of people registered were in
photographic services, such as portrait photographers or wedding photographers (Bureau of
Labor Statistics). Less than 3% of photographers worked for newspapers and television
broadcasting. A slim 1% worked for colleges and universities (Bureau of Labor Statistics) where
a photographer works depends on their field. Portrait photographers may have their own studios
or they may travel to a patrons home, school, or company. News photographers travel to their
story assignment. No matter what field of professional photography, photographers usually carry
heavy equipment and walk for long amounts of time. In the year 2012, The Bureau of Labor
Statistics found that one in three photographers worked part time. Photographers are very
flexible with their work schedules and focus primarily on the demands of their clients.
Photographers also plan their work schedules ahead for the busiest seasons. Spring and summer
present the busiest, most productive working season for photographers due to weddings.

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For a professional photographer, industry education varies widely with no blanket
requirement on any specialized field. Skill sets and credentials are earned primarily through on
the job experience. Forensics photographers, photojournalists, and scientific photographers need
to have a bachelors degree in their field. Wedding photographers or portrait photographers do
not need a degree. Achieving success in photography requires attaining a bachelors or
associates degree, which can improve a photographers chance of being hired. Photographers
can earn their associate's degree after two years of education or a bachelors degree after four to
five years of education. Earning a degree may enable an inexperienced photographer to obtain a
well-paying job ("Careers in Photography").
Ordinarily, photographers working in the United States will earn about $28, 000 to
$55,000 per year, depending on their field concentration (Bureau of Labor Statistics). On
average, photographers will make $13.70 per hour (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Less than ten
percent of photographers earn $8.42 hourly, with the top ten percent earning $32.21 per hour
(Bureau of Labor Statistics). Studies showed that photographers working in Washington, D.C.
earned the highest hourly wages of $33.15 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Time translating to
money, photographers who worked part-time earned less money than full-time photographers. In
the upcoming years, the expected salary projection of the photographer will decrease due to new
innovations in technology, enabling the home and hobby user to produce the same results as the
professional. In this profession, earning potential becomes relative to the time invested.
Photographers who do not have a definite field of focus and concentration, or work part-time,
typically earn the least money. High fashion photographers, corporate photographers, and
celebrity photographers earn the most money and have the most competition. Having
connections in the industry and positive referrals becomes the most lucrative method of

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obtaining a photography position, free-lance or corporate ("Careers in Photography").
In establishing a thriving personal business, word-of mouth is crucial to growth and
success. From 2012-2020, expected professional photography growth will creep at rate of 4%
due to the increased number of at home or hobby enthusiast photographers using advanced
technology which has only recently become commercially available (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
By contrast, an interest in portrait photography is expected to gradually increase due to the
demand of higher-end portrait photographers ("Portrait Photography Careers"). The projected
need for newspaper photographers will decrease in upcoming years because news sources will
move away from print publications to internet based publications. Surviving and thriving in this
highly competitive industry requires the photographer to develop the individuality needed to
separate themselves from the sea of photographers peddling the same skill and experience set.
To improve a photographers chance of employment, a photographer can create a portfolio,
selections of the artists best work in the format of a photo album. The contents of an artists
portfolio can be from school projects, previous jobs, and hobby projects. Photographers can
assemble many portfolios, showcasing different techniques and styles. Compiling a wellorganized portfolio is imperative, and a poorly crafted portfolio could cause the photographer to
lose the job opportunity. Beginning photographers typically work as an assistant or intern for
professional photographer to build their portfolios while gaining valuable experience and
referrals. Working under a successful photographer becomes the most effective way to compile
an appealing portfolio. ("Major: Photography")
Portrait and wedding photography focuses on the individual. The wedding, the most
personal emotional event, remains the most lucrative and competitive personal photography job.
Wedding photography includes engagement photos, private portrait photos, and wedding party

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and family photos before and during ceremony through the reception. Wedding photographers
focus on the vision and desires of bride and groom and the photographer will go to great lengths
to choose poses that reflect the couples style and personality. In societys ever decreasing
formality, wedding photographers now take candid photos or stage candid photography to evoke
a feeling of spontaneity, exuberance, and informality. Candid shots show moments of spontaneity
without posing or staging. Typically candid shots at weddings involve the cake smash or the first
dance between the bride and groom. Prior to the wedding, a wedding photographer meets with
their clients to discuss what the client wants. Wedding photographers plan their ideas weeks
ahead of the wedding, and they visit the wedding venue before the wedding to plan their ideas.
On the day of the wedding, the wedding photographer arrives first at the venue to set the stage
with lights, props, and backdrops if desired. Before the ceremony, the photographer may take
photos of the bride getting ready or group shots of the bridal party. During the ceremony, the
wedding photographer photographs the wedding procession and other important events.
Throughout the wedding the photographer will snap thousands of pictures, and then the
photographer will choose the best pictures out of all the photos taken. Then, from those photos
the couple will pick around a hundred of their favorite photos. A bachelors or associates degree
in photography may provide a competitive edge while building their referral base to a
photographer succeeding in the wedding photography market where couples typically research a
photographers credentials. Most wedding photographers have their own equipment such as
cameras, various lenses, camera mounts, and specialized lighting ("Wedding Photography
Careers").
Elementary business principles become necessary in professional photography. The
basics include knowing how to market, setting prices based on the economy, and understanding

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copyright laws. As photographers gain more experience, they can earn more money. The Bureau
of Labor Statistics found that on average most wedding photographers make $47,930 yearly
(Bureau of Labor Statistics). The focal point of portrait photography focuses on the persons face
and their individuality, and the photographer tries to draw all the attention to the individual.
Individual placement becomes the focal point of portrait photography, evaluating light and shade
on the individual as well as the background setting, adding to the overall composition of the
portrait. The photographer analyzes a subjects most photogenic angle, either direct or offset
center. Most people have their portraits taken for school or work. First, portrait photographers
meet with their clients to see what the client wants, like backgrounds or specific lighting.
Positioning the individual is very important and wrong posing could result in an unattractive
photo. When the photographer feels comfortable with the posing, the photographer will take
many photos. Then, the client will choose their favorite photos. A career as portrait photographer
requires no formal education and most portrait photographers gain experience by working with
other portrait photographers. However, attaining a degree can make the photographer more
desirable for hiring. Receiving a bachelors degree in photography would help the aspiring
photographer become more successful because portrait photographers typically work in studios.
Photographers new to the industry should find work at a well-established studio. On average
portrait photographers will earn $17,350 to $63,400 annually ("Portrait Photography Careers").
When becoming a photojournalist, one must work around the clock and demonstrate
flexibility with irregular schedules. In photojournalism, a photographer goes out and captures
newsworthy events. Photojournalism revolves around what appeals to the public which will sell
publications. Photojournalists may find themselves on dangerous locations of war or unrest
depicting people, places, natural disasters or animals. Depending on the desired result of the

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story, their jobs may place them in harms way, risking their lives attempting to tell a story
through their lens. Providing a timely response to reporting and depicting events becomes a race
against all other photographers and winning the race is critical to success in the career of
photojournalism. Photojournalists must ready themselves at all times to get the perfect shot in
order to get paid or miss it and not. In photojournalism, a physically fit photographer has an
advantage since many shots require speed, agility and quick responses. Constantly on their feet,
photojournalists lug their heavy equipment from location to location. They have no roadies, and
getting the perfect shot requires a great deal of patience. Fearless photojournalists will be ready
to launch themselves into action at a moments notice and they travel all around the world without
permanent employment. Photojournalists earn most of their money by selling their shots to
media outlets. When becoming a photojournalist, one should attain a degree in photography of
journalism. On average, photojournalists have an estimated salary of $35,980 ("Photojournalism
Careers").
Nature photography is when photographers capture the true beauty of the great outdoors.
A nature photographer uses their camera to capture various nature scenes. Nature photographers
try to give the viewer a different perspective. Nature photography requires a different set of skills
compared to other branches of photography and nature photographers need to have patience
while waiting for the perfect shot. Travel becomes necessary to capture images at far off
locations, and nature photographers often have to walk long distances through forests just to find
their subjects. Many nature photographers deal with partial employment; most work as
freelancers and send their photos to publishers trying to become discovered. Aspiring nature
photographers should love being outside and have a healthy tolerance for changing weather
conditions and lack of cleanliness. Consistent with the profession, the salary of a nature

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photographer depends on the amount of work they invest. Wildlife photography requires
photographers to photograph wild animals in their natural habitat. Wildlife photographers are
freelancers, meaning they try to find work wherever and whenever possible. Many wildlife
photographers only travel when they have to, choosing to capture nature in their own backyard
while others travel across the globe to photograph exotic wildlife. Wildlife photography
educational requirements differ from other branches of photography and aspiring wildlife
photographers must attend a school for photography. Attending a photography school will
provide the students with knowledge of basic techniques and the necessary equipment. Wildlife
photographers should also earn a degree in zoology. A degree in zoology would give the student
a basic understanding about the behavior of wild animals ("Wildlife Photography Careers").
The most lucrative and competitive field of photography remains corporate and
commercial photography, since photographers starting out will sell their images to corporations
for top dollar. The job of a corporate photographer requires photographing everyday objects in
their most appealing state. Corporate photographers can specialize in various areas of corporate
photography such as photographing buildings or still-lifes. Corporate photography encompasses
people, places and things, and corporate photographers have a wide range of subjects to
photograph. Corporations may need images for advertising, education or information
documentation and special events. Given the unknown scope and range of subjects to
photograph, corporate photographers should possess an understanding of many fields in
photography, from photographing portraits to food and animals. Indeed, the most valuable skill a
photographer can possess centers on their ability to remain current in style and flexible in skill.
Naturally, as with all fields of photography, the goal focuses on client satisfaction, and good
communication and understanding of a clients vision ensures the clients satisfaction. When

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starting a career in corporate photography, the pupil will often work as an assistant to an
accomplished photographer. Like most field of focus in photography, seeking an account in
corporate photography requires more positive referral, and an impressive portfolio matters more
than formal education. Salary and job security become the most desirable aspect of securing a
job or account in corporate photography. Photographers can be paid upwards to $10,000 per
image for an advertising account ("Corporate Photographer"). Corporate photography, the most
competitive of all fields and photography focuses, remains the most difficult to penetrate. Once a
photographers reputation becomes positively established, the photographer has the freedom to
choose which projects his wishes to devote his time to (Bakstad).
A self-propelled field, success in photography depends directly on time
investment of the individual. In its purist form, a photographers images reach people at an
emotional level and cause people to examine and think from a previously unrevealed perspective.
As with all art, photography appeals to peoples own unique sense of aesthetics derived from
feelings, personal experiences, which ultimately open the door to new ways of thinking. The art
of photography endures one of the most visceral tools of communication because it allows
people to understand what moves them through visual images.

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Works Cited
Bakstad, Craig. Career in Photography. E-mail interview. 24 Feb.2014.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,
2014-15 Edition, Photographers, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/media-andcommunication/photographers.htm (visited February 24, 2014).
"Camera Obscura." Camera Obscura. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.
<http://camera- obscura.co.uk/camera_obscura/camera_history.asp>.
"Careers in Photography." MCAD. Web. 27 Feb. 2014. <http://mcad.edu/consideringmcad/career-opportunities/photography>.
"Corporate Photographer." Creativeskillset.org.2013. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.creativeskillset.org/photo/careers/photographers/article_3275_1.asp>.
"Fine Art Photographer." Academy of Art University: Academy of Art University: The San
Francisco Based Art School. N.p., 2014. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.academyart.edu/photography-school/faq/fine-art-photographer.html>.
"Harry Ransom CenterThe University of Texas at Austin." Harry Ransom Center RSS.
N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.hrc.utexas.edu/exhibitions/permanent/firstphotograph/kids/#top>.
"History of Photography." PBS. PBS, 1999-2000. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/amex/eastman/timeline/>.

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Lester, Paul M. "A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words?" A Picture's Worth a Thousand
Words? N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
<http://commfaculty.fullerton.edu/lester/writings/letters.html>.
"Major: Photography." Photography. The Princeton Review, 2014. Web. 26 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.princetonreview.com/Majors.aspx?cip=500605>.
McLean, Cheryl. Careers for Shutterbugs & Other Candid Types. 2nd ed. New York, NY:
McGraw-Hill , Print.
"Nature Photography Careers." TheArtCareerProjectcom RSS. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.theartcareerproject.com/nature-photography-career/594/>.
"Photographer: Job Description." Prospects.ac.uk. N.p., July 2013. Web. 25 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.prospects.ac.uk/photographer_job_description.htm>.
"Photography Schools." TheArtCareerProjectcom RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.theartcareerproject.com/photography-schools/>.
"Photojournalism Careers." TheArtCareerProjectcom RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.theartcareerproject.com/photojornalism/809/>.
"Portrait Photography Careers." TheArtCareerProjectcom RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb.
2014. <http://www.theartcareerproject.com/portrait-photography/646/>.
"Wedding Photography Careers." TheArtCareerProjectcom RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb.
2014. <http://www.theartcareerproject.com/wedding-photograph/853/>.

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"Wildlife Photography Careers." TheArtCareerProjectcom RSS. Web. 25 Feb. 2014.
<http://www.theartcareerproject.com/wildlife-photograph/946/>.
Zhang, Michael. "The World's First Digital Camera by Kodak and Steve
Sasson." PetaPixel RSS.

N.p., 05 Aug. 2010. Web. 25 Feb. 2014.

<http://petapixel.com/2010/08/05/the-worlds-first-digital-camera-by-kodak-and-steve-sasson/>.