The following research report contains market research, analysis, statistics and business intelligence relating to research on Photographer.

ABSTRACT

Nature of the Work | Working Conditions | Employment | Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement | Job Outlook | Earnings | Related Occupations | Sources of Additional Information Significant Points A "good eye" with imagination and creativity are essential. Only the most skilled and talented who have good business sense maintain a long-term career. More than one-half of all photographers and camera operators is self-employed.   Nature of the Work       Photographers and camera operators produce images that paint a picture, tell a story, or record an event that will be remembered long after the event. Making commercial quality photographs and movies requires technical expertise and creativity. Producing a successful picture includes choosing and presenting a subject to achieve a particular effect and selecting equipment to accomplish the desired goal. For example, photographers and camera operators may enhance the subject’s appearance with lighting or draw attention to a particular aspect of the subject by blurring the background. Today, many cameras adjust settings like shutter speed and aperture automatically. They also let the photographer adjust these settings manually, thus allowing greater creative and technical control over the picture-taking process. In addition to automatic and manual cameras, photographers and camera operators use an array of film, lenses, and equipment—from filters, tripods, and flash attachments to specially constructed motorized vehicles and lighting equipment. Photographers use either a traditional camera or a newer digital camera that electronically records images. A traditional camera records images on silver halide film that is developed into prints. Some photographers send their film to laboratories for processing. Color film requires expensive equipment and exacting conditions for correct processing and printing. Other photographers, especially those who use black and white film or require special effects, prefer to develop and print their own photographs. Photographers who do their own film developing must have the technical skill to operate a fully equipped darkroom or the appropriate computer software to be able process prints digitally. Recent advances in electronic technology now make it possible for the professional photographer to develop standard 35mm or other types of film, and use flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories to produce computer-readable, digital images from film. Once the film has been converted to a digital image, a photographer then can edit and electronically transmit the images, making it easier and faster to shoot, develop, and transmit regular film pictures from remote locations. Although most photographers still use silver-halide film cameras, more are using digital cameras that use electronic memory rather than a film negative to record an image. The electronic image can be transmitted instantly via a computer modem and telephone line or otherwise downloaded onto a personal computer. Then, using the computer and specialized software, the photographer can manipulate and enhance the scanned or digital image to create a desired effect. The images can be stored on compact disk (CD) the same way as music. Digital technology also allows the production of larger, more colorful, and more accurate prints or images for use in advertising, photographic art, and scientific research. Some photographers use this technology to create electronic portfolios, as well. Because much photography now involves the use of computer technology, photographers must have hands-on knowledge of computer editing software. Most photographers specialize in fashion photography. Others specialize in textile and accessories photography. A growing group of photographers are providing digital images directly for use on the Internet. Photography is also a fine art medium, and a small portion of photographers sell their photographs as artwork. In addition to technical proficiency, photographic art requires great emphasis on self-expression and creativity. Commercial and industrial photographers take pictures of various subjects, such as models and merchandise. These photographs are used in a variety of mediums, including books, reports, advertisements, and catalogs. Industrial photographers often take pictures of equipment, machinery, products, workers, and company officials. The pictures then are used for analyzing engineering projects, publicity, or as records of equipment development or deployment, such as placement of an offshore rig. Companies also use these photographs in publications, in reports to stockholders, or to advertise company products or services. This photography frequently is done on location. Self-employed photographers may license the use of their photographs through stock photo agencies. These agencies grant magazines and other customers the right to purchase the use of a photograph, and, in turn, pay the photographer on a commission basis. Stock photo agencies require an application from the photographer and a sizable portfolio. Once accepted, a large number of new submissions usually are required from a photographer each year. Photographers frequently have their photos placed on CD’s for this purpose. Camera operators employed in the fashion industry use motion picture cameras to film runway shows and commercials.   Working Conditions       Working conditions for photographers and camera operators vary considerably. Photographers and camera operators employed in government, television and commercial studios, and advertising agencies usually work a 5-day, 40-hour week. On the other hand, news photographers and ENG operators often work long, irregular hours and must be available to work on short notice. Camera operators working on a motion picture production also may work long, irregular hours. Portrait photographers usually work in their own studios but also may travel to take photographs at the client’s location, such as a school, a company office, or a private home. News and commercial photographers and ENG operators frequently travel locally, can stay overnight on assignments, or may travel to distant places for long periods of time. Camera operators filming television programs or motion pictures may travel to film on location. Some photographers and camera operators work in uncomfortable, or even dangerous surroundings. This is especially true for photojournalists and ENG operators covering accidents, natural disasters, civil unrest, or military conflicts. Many photographers and camera operators must wait long hours in all kinds of weather for an event to take place and stand or walk for long periods while carrying heavy equipment. News photographers and ENG operators often work under severe time restrictions to meet deadlines. Self-employment allows for greater autonomy, freedom of expression, and flexible scheduling. However, income can be uncertain and necessitates a continuous, time-consuming, and sometimes stressful search for new clients. Some self-employed photographers hire an assistant solely for the purpose of seeking additional business.   Employment       Photographers and camera operators held about 161,000 jobs in 1998. More than one-half was self-employed, a much higher proportion than the average for all occupations. Some self-employed photographers contracted with advertising agencies, magazines, or others to do individual projects at a predetermined fee, while others operated portrait studios or provided photographs to stock photo agencies. Most salaried photographers worked in portrait or commercial photography studios. Newspapers, magazines, advertising agencies, and government agencies employed most of the others. Most camera operators were employed in television broadcasting or at motion picture studios; relatively few were self-employed. Most photographers and camera operators worked in metropolitan areas.   Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement       Employers usually seek applicants with a "good eye," imagination, and creativity, as well as a good technical understanding of photography or camera operation. Formal education may be a requirement for many positions. Entry-level positions in photojournalism, or in industrial, scientific, or technical photography, for example, are likely to require a college degree in journalism or photography, with additional courses in the specific field being photographed. Camera operators usually acquire their skills through formal post-secondary training at vocational schools, colleges, universities, photographic institutes, or through on-the-job training. Both photographers and camera operators need good eyesight, artistic ability, and hand-eye coordination. They should be patient, accurate, and enjoy working with details. Photographers should be able to work alone or with others, as they frequently deal with clients, graphic designers, and advertising and publishing specialists. Camera operators also should have communication skills, and, if needed, the ability to hold a camera by hand for extended periods of time. Commercial photographers must be imaginative and original. Portrait photographers need the ability to help people relax in front of the camera. Photojournalists not only must be good with a camera, but also must understand the story behind an event so their pictures match the story. They must be decisive in recognizing a potentially good photograph and act quickly to capture it. Individuals interested in photography should subscribe to photographic newsletters and magazines, join camera clubs, and seek employment in camera stores or photo studios. Individuals also should decide on an area of interest and specialize in it. Summer or part-time work for a photographic studio, cable or television network, newspaper, or magazine is an excellent way to gain experience and eventual entry into this field. Some photographers enhance their technical expertise by attending seminars. Many universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, and private trade and technical schools offer photography courses. Basic courses in photography cover equipment, processes, and techniques. Bachelors degree programs, especially those including business courses, provide a well-rounded education. Art schools offer useful training in design and composition. Photographers may start out as assistants to experienced photographers. Assistants learn to mix chemicals, develop film, print photographs, and the other skills necessary to run a portrait or commercial photography business. After several years of experience, magazine and news photographers may advance to photography or picture editor positions. Some photographers and camera operators become teachers and provide instruction in their own particular area of expertise at technical schools, film schools, or universities. Camera operators in entry-level jobs, including cinematography assistants, learn to set up lights, cameras, and other equipment. They may receive routine assignments requiring camera adjustments or decisions on what subject matter to capture. With increased experience, they may advance to more demanding assignments. Camera operators in the film and television industries usually are hired for a project based on recommendations from individuals such as producers, directors of photography, and camera assistants from previous projects, or through interviews with the producer. ENG and studio camera operators who work for television affiliates usually start in small markets to gain experience. Advancement for them means moving to larger media markets. Other camera operators may become directors of photography for movie studios, advertising agencies, or television programs. Photographers and camera operators who wish to operate their own businesses, or freelance, need business skills as well as talent. These individuals must know how to submit bids; write contracts; hire models, if needed; get permission to shoot on locations that normally are not open to the public; obtain releases to use photographs of people; price photographs; know about copyright protection for their work; and keep financial records. Freelance photographers also should develop an individual style of photography in order to differentiate themselves from the competition. Some photographers enter the field by submitting unsolicited photographs to magazines and art directors at advertising agencies.   Job Outlook       Keen competition is expected for photographer and camera operator job openings because they attract so many people. The number of individuals interested in positions such as commercial photographer, photojournalist, is usually much greater than the number of openings. Those who succeed in landing a salaried job or attracting enough work to earn a living by freelancing are likely to be the most creative, able to adapt to rapidly changing technologies, and adept at operating a business. Related work experience, job-related training, or some unique skill or talent—such as a background in computers or electronics—also are beneficial to prospective photographers or camera operators. Often, new job entry requirements emerge, because employers can pick and choose among the most qualified and the most experienced applicants. For example, most photojournalists enter the field with a degree in journalism and are held to the same ethical standards as reporters and journalists. Employment of photographers is expected to increase more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2008. Declines in the newspaper industry over the next decade should reduce demand for photographers to provide still images for print. Demand for photographers in radio and television broadcasting is expected to increase relative to other occupations in the industry because digital photography allows photographers to cover events more quickly and from remote locations. However, the industry is growing very little, so employment gains for photographers will be modest. On the other hand, demand for photographers is growing in news and wire services operations, where photographers using digital equipment will be needed to transmit digital images interactively. Demand for portrait photographers also should increase as the population grows. And, as the number of electronic versions of magazines, journals, and newspapers grows on the Internet, photographers will be needed to provide digital images. Employment of camera operators is expected to increase faster than the average for all occupations through 2008. The rapid expansion of the entertainment market, especially the cable and other pay television services, will spur the growth of camera operators. Modest growth also is expected in the motion picture production and distribution industry resulting, in part, from the increase in the number of feature films that will be produced over the next decade, but also because computer and Internet services provide new outlets for interactive productions. Made-for-the-Internet broadcasts include live music videos, digital movies, sports, and general information or entertainment programming. These images can be delivered directly into the home either on compact discs or over the Internet through telephone lines.   Earnings       Median annual earnings of photographers in 1998 were $20,940. The middle 50 percent earned between $15,250 and $30,820. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $12,490 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $43,860. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest number of photographers in 1997 were: Radio and television broadcasting  $27,400 Newspapers  24,100 Photographic studios, portrait  16,800 Median annual earnings for television, motion picture, and video camera operators were $21,530 in 1998. The middle 50 percent earned between $15,330 and $34,200. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $27,790 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $53,470. Median annual earnings of television, motion picture, and video camera operators in the radio and television broadcasting industry in 1997 were $17,000. Most salaried photographers work full time and earn more than the majority of self-employed photographers, many of whom work part time, but some self-employed photographers also have high earnings. Many camera operators who work in film or video are freelancers; their earnings tend to fluctuate each year. Unlike photojournalists and commercial photographers, few fine arts photographers are successful enough to support themselves solely through their art.   Related Occupations         Sources of Additional Information       Career information on photography is available from: Professional Photographers of America, Inc., 229 Peachtree St., NE, Suite 2200, Atlanta, GA 30303. Advertising Photographers of America, 7201 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90046.

DISCLAIMER
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Published: 2000 August
Market: Mens Womens Childrens
Region: USA
Industry: Apparel Accessories
Delivery: 7-12 Business Days
SKU: infre0000255