Table of Contents
Photography As A Career
While some photographers freelance, some after gaining years of experience run their studios or work for companies as salaried employees. There are different beats in a photography career as well as it could be related to news, events, sports, wildlife, cultural events, politics and much more. The list is long and the need for professional photographers is in demand at the moment. As exciting as the job sounds, arduous it can get at the same time. But where’s the fun if there is no hard work involved? The field of working behind the lens is improved immensely in the last couple of years as from just being restricted to traditional media-related work, the expansion in e-commerce, advertising, and mass media has created a large demand for professional photographers.
Photography As A Career Can Include Work Such As
- working in marketing and using social media for networking
- updating and maintaining a website and digital portfolio
- saving pictures
- keeping abreast on industry and news trends
- Utilize Photoshop to modify images for profit.
Photography As A Career: Job Prospects
Editorial Photographers
Editorial photographers typically work as independent contractors for journals and publications. The primary responsibility of an editorial photographer is to visually support the text of the article or report. Depending on the article or report that needs illustration, the work may vary.
Commercial/ Industrial Photographer
Commercial and industrial photographers capture images of products, the outside and inside of facilities, and equipment both inside and outside of buildings for use in company brochures, annual reports, and marketing and sales. The primary focus of an industrial photographer is producing images for a specific business or firm. The primary goal is to improve the appearance of the company’s plant, equipment, or goods.
Portrait / Wedding Photographer
Photographers that specialise in taking portraits or weddings photograph individuals or small groups. Pets, kids, families, weddings, events, and activities of sports and social clubs provide for good portrait subjects. However, there is a rising need for photographs in the workplace, home, and garden, particularly when it comes to child photos. Portrait photographers might be independent contractors or studio employees.
Press Photographers
Photo journalists are another term for press photographers. Press photographers must be adaptable and able to capture images of a variety of themes in order to give images to the local and national press. They must have journalistic instincts, be quick and often work in challenging settings, understand what makes a good news photo, be able to write appropriate captions, and work effectively with reporters..
Feature Photography
Since feature photography fundamentally entails presenting a story via images, topic expertise is necessary. Feature photographers create a collection of images that span a whole theme or subject. The work is varied and can lead to assignments at any time or location, including photography people at work or at home, foreigners living their lives, or students attending school. Photographers specialise in taking pictures of things like wildlife, sports, travel, and the environment. They may work as freelancers and accept independent tasks on the environment, wild life, etc., or they may collaborate with news reporters.
Advertising Photographs
Advertising photos are either taken by independent photographers, by photography studios, or by the photography divisions of advertising agencies. Many photographers work on catalogue projects, while certain studios are dedicated to “mail order” photography. This is the most lucrative and competitive field; success here is wholly dependent on aptitude, effectiveness, and the correct temperament. Instructions on precisely what needs to be captured are typically given to advertising photographers. But they must also offer their own suggestions for fresh perspectives.
Fashion Photography
In recent years, fashion photography as a profession has grown in India. It is a very lucrative and innovative line of work. The majority of fashion photography is produced by specialised studios or independent contractors who are hired by fashion houses or advertising firms. They frequently follow the guidance of a fashion professional. The majority of fashion photography is done in either Delhi or Mumbai and takes place in highly developed and well-equipped studios by independent contractors who are hired by fashion houses or advertising agencies. Additionally, they can work with fashion houses, designers, fashion magazines, and newspapers.
Nature and Wildlife Photography
Photographing wildlife, plants, animals, and landscapes is a part of nature photography. Nature photography are frequently used as images for calendars or covers, despite the high demand for images of endangered species. For a nature photographer, there are a variety of appealing topics, including romantic sunsets, flowers, trees, lakes, and waterfalls.
Forensic Photography
To capture every aspect of a crime scene, photos must be taken from every angle, with special attention paid to precisely capturing the size and distance of objects. They are able to work for law enforcement, the police, the court system, the government’s investigative services, as well as private detective firms.
Freelancing
The most common job choice for photographers has been freelancing. Self-employed photographers must possess business management skills. They must be capable of working independently and have strong communication and problem-solving abilities. In any of the aforementioned professions, they are freelancing.
Fine Arts Photographers
Photographs taken by fine artists are sold as fine art. Fine arts photographers need artistic skill and imagination in addition to technical expertise.
Digital Photography
A digital camera is required for digital photography. Images can be recorded on a disc, floppy drive, or immediately on a computer. Images were recorded using traditional photographic techniques on film, which required processing before being scanned into a computer for any additional adjustments or effects the image might require. With digital photography, you may avoid spending time and money on image scanning. Since digital photos can be stored easily and transmitted quickly across great distances, digital photography is widely employed in the media.
Photography As A Career: Colleges To Study Photography Courses
Candidates who wish to pursue a course in photography after 12th can consider joining any of the below-mentioned photography colleges to fulfil their dream.
Delhi College of Photography, New Delhi | Creative Hut Institute of Photography, Kottayam |
Light and Life Academy, Ooty | Sir JJ Institute of Applied Arts, Mumbai |
Osmania University, Hyderabad | National Institute of Photography, Mumbai |
National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad | Asian Academy of Film and Television, Noida |
Jawarharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad | Pixel Institute of Photography, New Delhi |
AJ Kidwai Mass Communication Research Center, New Delhi | — |
Photography As A Career: Salaries Offered
Although a career in photography may seem idyllic, one aspect that must be taken into account is the fierce competition. However, your ability to stand out from the crowd will depend on how fiercely competitive you are. A career in photography can be very time-consuming and highly demanding. For photographers, it often takes hours or even days to obtain the ideal click in order to get the perfect shot.
Here are some factors which influence salary in photography careers
- The higher one moves up the chain, the more experience they have. Whether you work for a wage, are self-employed, or freelance, your level of expertise is ultimately what counts while pursuing a career in photography.
- Portfolios are self-evident. Your portfolio should highlight your work, from the kind of projects you’ve managed to the number of assignments you’ve taken on.
- If you work for yourself, you can bill the client appropriately.
The average salary offered in India, according to PayScale, is as follows:
Per annum | Rs 353,619-Rs 1,087,000 |
Monthly | Rs 21,000-23,000 |
The annual salary ranges from Rs 353,619 on average to Rs 1,087,000 on a maximum basis. Average monthly pay for those working in the photography industry range from Rs 21–23,000. The sky is the limit. Additionally, salaries differ depending on the position you hold or the department in which you work, such as:
- Editing for video
- Film Production
- Product photography
- Photo journalism
- Editing
Depending on the job profile, salaries may change. The most important factors in photography, though, are experience and a strong portfolio.
Photography As A Career: Eligibility Criteria
Certificate and Diploma Programmes
- After clearing the class 10 board exams, candidates can enrol for several of the certificate programmes in photography.
- The requirements for applying to the programme vary from institute to institute, with some requiring that candidates have completed their 10+2 schooling.
- After passing the 10+2 examinations, aspirants can get admission to all diploma programmes.
- There are no entrance tests required for any of the direct admissions to these programmes.
Undergraduate Degree Programmes
- Direct admissions are made based on a first-come, first-served policy.
- After completing the 10+2 programme, candidates interested in a career in photography can apply for admission.
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Photography As A Career: FAQs
Question 1 What is the scope of photography as career?
Ans. The scope of a career in photography is vast and ever-evolving. Photojournalist : Photojournalists provide pictures to the national and global press. A photojournalist is required to possess a journalistic sense in order to shoot good news pictures.
Question 2 Is photography a good career?
Ans. Photography is definitely a good career, and in my opinion, it is one of the best ones! Even though it has some ups and downs, many photographers seem to think that they are the greatest ups and downs that you can ever encounter in your life
Question 3 Can you make a career as a photographer?
Ans. Some of the few more profitable types include wedding photography, family photography, real estate photography, commercial photography, pet photography, or product photography. After you finalize your genre of photography then you can start your business from home.
Question 4 What makes a professional photographer?
Ans. They defined a professional photographer as “anyone who earns more than 50 percent of his or her annual income from photography.” As a math teacher, I must admit I loved this definition. It is both clear and measurable.