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What Types of Skills Are Required:
Photographers need to have a "good eye", imagination, and
creativity as well as a good technical understanding of photography.
They need good eyesight, artistic ability, and good eye-hand
coordination. They should be patient, accurate, and
detail-orientated. They should be able to work well with
others as they frequently deal with clients, designers, and
advertising and publishing specialists. Increasingly,
photographers need to be able to use computer software programs and
applications that allow them to prepare and edit images.
What They Earn:
In 2004, the most recent date for which figures are available, the
median annual earnings of salaried photographers were $26,080.
The middle 50 percent earned between $18,380 and $37,370.
Salaried photographers tend to earn more than those who are
self-employed.
Where Employed:
More than half of all photographers employed in 2004 were
self-employed. Most salaried photographers work in portrait or
commercial photography studios. They also work for newspapers
and applications that allow them to prepare and edit images.
How Many Jobs Available:
Employment of photographers is expected to grow faster than the
average for all occupations through the year 2005. However, the
field has become increasingly competitive due to the overwhelming
interest in the past years. Additional openings are expected to
develop as photographers retire or transfer to other occupations.
About 45% of all photographers are self-employed
How Much Schooling,
Training, or Skill Development:
Formal education requirements depend upon the
nature of the photographer's specialty. An associate in applied
science degree is available in photographic imaging. For those
interested in working as a photographic assistant or lab technician,
a certificate of completion is available. A Bachelor's
degree will often be helpful when one would like to explore
different areas of this field, especially if one would like to
become self employed.
Employers often seek applicants with a good technical understanding
of photography who are also imaginative and creative. Those in
entry-level jobs 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. Photography assistants often mix chemicals, develop
film, print photographs, and the various other skills necessary to
run a photography business.
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