Questions from a Prospective Photographer
An email from a stranger asked me to fill out a questionnaire recently, for a student’s career project. The career this student said she is deeply interested in, according to her email, is photojournalism and photography.
Having the time and a surplus of thoughts to collect, I obliged and asked her if she’d mind if I posted her questions and my responses on Meridian. So, here are my perspectives on the industry as an emerging photojournalist, exactly as I wrote them on the survey. Not being a firmly established photographer yet myself, I’d be interested to know whether I gave this student good advice.
[Questions in bold by Giulia Oliveira for her career project]
How many days a week do you work?
If you count only the days I’m on assignment for a client, I only work about two days a week. But if you include personal projects, processing, etc. then I work at least four days a week. Every day I’m doing something photography-related, but in the past I’ve had a part-time job outside of photography with minimal conflict. I’m a freelance photographer but I’m also currently looking for a full-time staff position as a newspaper photojournalist.
What is the starting salary of someone in your field?
A freelancer taking both editorial and commercial assignments can expect $15,000 or less their first year. A staff position can expect something in the $20,000 to $30,000 range.
What are some of the benefits associated with your job?
My schedule is flexible, I have access to the more interesting and important people in the community and I get to pursue projects that are intellectually stimulating. Plus recently I got to file a trip to Europe as a business expense because I sold photos.
Is your field expected to grow?
Considering the poor state the industry has been in, I think the worst is over and I expect it to get better in the next few years.
Is your job stressful?
Sometimes, but not often. I have clients that give me great assignments and respect my work. Once in a while a client can be very particular about what they want, but not as equally thorough about communicating those needs to the photographer. If you’re a perfectionist like me, when you’re left guessing you always work harder to cover all the details.
Do you travel for your job?
I’ve traveled for personal projects, such as a trip to Mongolia, but only very rarely for specific assignments.
Is it hard to get into your field/career?
It is much much easier to pick up a camera and take good photos than it is to build a sustainable business or get hired as a photographer.
How many years and what type of education is necessary or recommended?
A degree in photography is not as important as other industries, but access to internships as a student can be very helpful because experience and a portfolio is vital to getting a staff position at a newspaper or gaining clients as a freelancer. Even someone with no formal education in photography can learn by assisting an established photographer, which can help you obtain the necessary skills to succeed on your own. Some photographers will even say a business degree would be better preparation for life as a freelance photographer, since you are in fact a business owner.
What is the best and worst part about your job?
The best part of my job is that the more work I do, the less it feels like work. In other words, the more successful you become as a photographer, the more you can choose the stories you want to tell, and your work comes to reflect your personal vision.
The worst part of my job is that financial success comes much much later than critical or professional recognition. If I had to pay for health insurance or if I had a family to support, I would get another job in a second.
What led you to this career path?
For some reason lost to history I grew up believing I could do anything I wanted to if I put my mind to it, and photography came out just above scientist. Personally, photography is the best way I know to develop as a human being. It lets me engage a wide swath of society which is good because I’ve always had an eclectic personality.
What camera do you use?
I use a Canon 5D MKII.
Are there any other tools needed to be successful in this career?
It depends on what your goals are. I would say you don’t even need a camera to be a successful photographer if your vision is strong enough (think flatbed scanners, collage, pinhole photography, etc.) As a practical photojournalist, it’s pretty standard to have both a standard zoom lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and a telephoto. You shouldn’t buy more equipment than you need, however.
What are your work hours?
It varies too much to say. I’m usually on my computer at eight in the morning and since I work from home and make my own hours I am often still editing photos just before going to bed.
Is your job competitive?
I think it’s competitive in that you have to work hard to get the attention of potential clients, and then work to keep it. There’s usually more of a camaraderie among photographers themselves.
Does your job require you to often work with others?
When I’m in the field I’m always working with others. I consider the people I photograph to be just as much my colleagues as my editors. A lot of interaction with editors is done online or over the phone.
What type of experience do you need?
Photography is very much something you have to learn by doing – by going out and photographing the kinds of subjects you should expect on assignment, even if you have to do it on your own. There’s really no way around it. Other than that, computer skills are essential, especially when you have to transmit photos immediately after or even during an event. The ability to write is also important, and not just for writing captions. The ability to write a news story and perform an interview can help you focus even if you’re just taking photos.
If you were to go back to school what would you study?
I would do a study abroad program, for one thing, and take more business classes. I actually plan on pursuing a Master’s in photojournalism, but on the undergraduate level I’m quite happy with my biology degree.
If you could pick another career what would it be?
Evolutionary biologist. Or farmer. Something that gets me outside.
Is there any professional development that you must continue after your degree?
There is a ton of development I’m pursuing. As fast as the industry is changing right now, even established photographers have to learn and relearn the industry standards like Photoshop and add new skills in video and multimedia to remain competitive in the job market. Skills in web design and blogging software like WordPress are great to have as well.
Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in following your same career path?
Take photos every day, but also pursue your interests outside of photography because it may take a while to get established as a photographer. Being well-rounded will help you focus your photographic interests in the long-run, and will help make it clear if a career in photography is actually the right choice.
Also, avoid treating photography as a calling, because you may get discouraged when success doesn’t come overnight. It’s much easier to be a good photographer than it is to make a living out of it. Even with a degree in photography it may be difficult to find a job right out of college, so patience is a virtue. Don’t set yourself up to fail by buying the most expensive camera gear, running up a lot of debt and expecting the work to suddenly appear. A better plan is to set reasonable goals and push yourself, and gradually your work will get recognized and you’ll be certain you made the right choice.
