Photographers take pictures in numerous categories: portraits, fashion illustrations, news photos, pictures of microscopic specimens for scientific or medical research, or photographs of products for industry or advertising. They use a wide variety of cameras, accessories, and props depending on the situation.

NATURE OF THE OCCUPATION

Photographers may:

Position subjects to be photographed

Arrange lighting for desired effect

Determine camera angle

Load and unload film

Mix developing chemicals

Develop the exposed film

Print the film

Enlarge, reduce, and retouch pictures previously developed

Tools and equipment used may include:

A Photographer's materials may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Most Photographers are specialists.

143.062-030 STILL PHOTOGRAPHERS photograph subjects using still cameras, color or black-and-white film, and a variety of photographic accessories. They may specialize in a particular type of photography such as illustrative, fashion, or architectural.

143.062-030 PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHERS take pictures of individuals or groups of persons and usually work in their own studios. They also travel to locations of special events such as weddings.

143.062-030 COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS take pictures of clothing, automobiles, furniture, examples of models, food, and other items to be used in advertisements. They frequently do photography for catalogs, stockholders' reports, and employee news magazines.

143.062-034 PHOTOJOURNALISTS photograph newsworthy events, persons, locations, or illustrative scenes for use in publications or television broadcasts. They may also prepare educational slides, filmstrips, and movies. Those employed by magazines may provide photographs and write the text of feature articles. Photojournalists may specialize in sports, news, or special features.

143.062-022 MOTION PICTURE PHOTOGRAPHERS operate motion picture cameras to film various subjects for use in television productions, movie theaters, promotional and training films, or scientific and medical films.

143.062-014 AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS take pictures of the earth and other subject material from aircraft. These pictures may be used in surveying or mapping, to record the effects of pollution or natural disasters, determine the condition of crops or timberland, and in planning cities or other large construction projects.

143.062-026 SCIENTIFIC

143.362-010 BIOLOGICAL PHOTOGRAPHERS photograph medical and biological phenomena which provide illustrations and documentation for scientific publications and research reports that are mainly used for teaching purposes. They usually specialize in fields such as engineering, aerodynamics, medicine, biology, or chemistry.

143.062-022 TELEVISION CAMERA OPERATORS photograph various subjects and subject material using television cameras and equipment.

Free-lance Photographers take photographs for advertisements, do portrait work, and take photographs of anything and everything. They develop the pictures in their own darkrooms or have them done professionally, and then they sell them to their clients.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Photographers may work alone or with an assistant. Most portrait and commercial studios are comfortable, well lighted, and well ventilated. Laboratories and dark rooms contain trays of chemicals which may give off irritating fumes or odors. When taking pictures out-of-doors, bulky and heavy props and equipment may have to be carried. Commercial Photographers and Photojournalists may be exposed to dangers when photographing such subjects as wild animals, riots, fires, floods, and battles.

Photographers in government, commercial studios, and advertising agencies usually work a 40-hour, 5-day week. Most other Photographers, however, have longer or more irregular hours. Many work at the convenience of clients or as news or special events happen. Those covering news events work all hours as the news happens. Those employed by large studios or photographers, not permanently attached to a single employer, and portrait Photographers may have slow or busy periods. Rush periods include early summer, when many weddings and graduations occur. Freelance, newspaper, and commercial Photographers work overtime frequently, travel often, and may work in uncomfortable surroundings.

Most Photographers own several cameras, lenses, and props. They may also develop and print their own photographs. A substantial investment in equipment is necessary, especially if the Photographer is self-employed.

Most Photographers are not affiliated with any union. However, many photojournalists belong to the newspaper guild. Many Photographers belong to professional organizations, such as The Professional Photographers of America, Inc. In Michigan, Photographers may join The Professional Photographers of Michigan, Inc. Union and association members pay periodic dues or membership fees.

You Should Prefer:

• Using special processes and techniques in your work

• Performing work that is creative in nature

• Communicating information to others

• Seeing the physical results of your work

You Should Be Able To:

• See detail and differences in shapes and shadings of figures

• Help people relax in front of the camera

• Recognize what makes a good photograph

• React quickly to capture events on film

• Have a feeling for form and proportion

• Know the various cameras/lenses/films/light sources

• Know about various developing methods

• Learn/apply the principles of mathematics/physics/chemistry

• Use your imagination and be original in your thinking

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

For a given light intensity at one length of measure, the light intensity will be reduced to 1/4 when the length of measure is doubled. If the distance is increased 4 times the original amount, the light intensity will be reduced how much?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Read and understand newsletters and other literature explaining new and advanced photographic technologies

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

Write an explanation of photographs you have taken for articles, newsletters, and other literature.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Produce:

If you are taking pictures for an advertisement, you need to think about your target market and consider what emotions and moods you need to capture.

Employers usually seek applicants who have a broad technical understanding of photography as well as other photographic talents, such as imagination, creativity, and a good sense of timing. Some jobs also require applicants to have specialized knowledge of the subject areas to be photographed. Post-high school education and training usually are needed for industrial or scientific photography. Writing ability helps Photojournalists, who may write captions and accompanying articles for their photographs.

EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer or a Certificate (program of up to one years of study beyond high school) or an Associate Degree (two years of study beyond high school) or an Apprenticeship (usually three to four years of study beyond high school) or a Bachelor's Degree (four years of study beyond high school) may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

/careers/0,1607,7-170-22526_23422-64454--,00.html0 ART , 0700 CAREERS , 0900 COMMUNICATIONS , 2200 MATH , 2600 PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO , 2900 SCIENCE , 3300 TECHNOLOGY

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

057 VISUAL IMAGING TECHNOLOGY

Approved vocational education programs in Visual Imaging Technology provide students with a set of foundation skills as well as a set of visual imaging skills that are generic to like occupations. These programs prepare students for such occupations as paste-up keyliner and other commercial artist occupations, film laboratory technician, process camera operator, lithographic press operator, and photographic finisher.

Courses in other trade & industrial programs may be required for completion of this program.

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

133 PHOTOGRAPHY

Programs in Photography provide opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills needed for employment using the camera for visual recording. photographers may work in portrait studios, for newspapers, magazines, television stations, and in the motion picture industry. Individuals who teach Photography at the secondary school level must have a Michigan Teaching Certificate.

Courses vary from school to school but may include:

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program

  ***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

035 PHOTOGRAPHER

Some people enter occupations within this MOIScript through an apprenticeship program. An apprenticeship program is a formal program that takes 3 - 5 years to complete with most of the time job.

WHAT IS LEARNED ON THE JOB

WHAT IS LEARNED IN THE CLASSROOM

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAMS***

Please check the Military web site at http://www.myfuture.com

The military uses photographs for many purposes, such as intelligence gathering and news reporting. The services operate photographic laboratories to develop the numerous photos taken by the military. Photographic specialists take and develop still color or black and white photographs.

What They Do

Photographic specialists in the military perform some or all of the following duties:

• Select camera, film, and other equipment needed for photo assignments

• Determine camera angles, lighting, and any special effects needed

• Take still photos of people, events, military equipment, land areas, and other subjects

• Develop, duplicate, or retouch film negatives, photos, or slides

• Maintain photographic equipment

Physical Demands

Normal color vision is required to produce accurate color prints.

Work Environment

Photographic specialists work both indoors and outdoors while photographing their subjects. They may take photos from aircraft or ships. They process photographs in photographic laboratories on bases or aboard ships.

Training Provided

Job training consists of 7 to 24 weeks of classroom instruction, including practice in taking and developing photographs. Length of training varies depending on the specialty. Course content typically includes:

• Principles of photojournalism

• Photographic processing and reproduction

• Operation and maintenance of photographic equipment

Further training occurs on the job and through advanced courses.

Helpful Attributes

Helpful school subjects include photography, art, chemistry, and mathematics. Helpful attributes include:

• Ability to recognize and arrange interesting photo subjects

• Accuracy and attention to detail

Civilian Counterparts

Civilian photographic specialists work for photography studios, newspapers, magazines, advertising agencies, and large businesses. They perform duties similar to military specialists. Depending on the specialty, they may be known as photojournalists, aerial or still photographers, film developers, automatic print developers, or print controllers.

Opportunities

The services have about 2,000 photographic specialists. On average, they need about 120 new specialists each year. After job training, specialists work under supervision. With experience, they are given more responsibility and, eventually, may supervise other photographic specialists.

 E-Learning Courses and Programs

OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHODS OF ENTRY

Opportunities for experience are available through hobbies, school yearbook or newspaper activities, and camera clubs. Postsecondary programs in photography may offer a co-op portion which includes practical experience. Preparation for this occupation may be found in a formal apprenticeship program or in military service also.

                 School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Photographer employer

internships

volunteer work with a Photographer employer

community service work with an agency

Some ways to become a Photographer are direct application to employers and completion of an apprenticeship program. Assistance may be obtained from newspaper want ads, trade journals, school placement offices, and local offices of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank

Classifieds Employment

Yahoo! Careers

Michigan Works!

You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Photographers' earnings vary with geographic location, assignments, and specialty or field of employment. Wages of newspaper photographers depend on the workers' experience and size of the paper. Self-employed and free- lance Photographers often earn more than salaried workers do, but depend on business conditions, clientele, and type and size of the community.

Nationally, Photographers had a median wage of $526 or $27,352 per year in 1998. Unionized Photographers employed by city newspapers earned from about $245 to $1,306/week ($12,740 to $67,916/year) in 1999. Those with 2 to 6 years of experience earned between $590 and $1,335/week ($30,663 to $69,424 year) as a minimum. Earnings of free-lance or self-employed Photographers are unavailable. The average annual salary for TV news photographers working for commercial television stations was $20,792 for entry-level photographers and $26,970 for those with an average of 6 years experience in early 1998. Independent stations paid higher salaries than the big three (ABC, CBS and NBC) affiliates.

Beginning Photographers employed by the federal government earned annual salaries of $20,588 to $36,711 in 1999. Experienced Photographers earned between $31,195 and $58,808 per year. The salaries of these federal government workers may be higher in some urban areas.

In 1999, Commercial Photographers employed in the automobile industry in the Detroit area had earnings ranging from about $39,900 to $63,840 per year.

In Michigan, beginning unionized Photographers working on large city newspapers earned weekly minimum salaries of about $530 ($27,560 per year) in mid 1999. With 4-6 years on the job, they could earn a minimum between $721 and $750 per week ($37,440 to $39,000 per year). Photographers and Photographic Supervisors employed by the State of Michigan earned between $25,750 and $49,691 per year (1999). Photographers working for the City of Detroit earned from $30,900 to $34,800.

Depending on the employer, Photographers may receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. Free-lance and self-employed Photographers must provide their own benefits. Some employers provide savings or stock investment plans.

After gaining experience, Photographers may advance to owning their own businesses. Photojournalists may advance from local to national publications and become photography editors for major newspapers or magazines.

Most employers strongly prefer hiring individuals with 2 or more years of college training and courses in photography. Graduates of even the finest photography programs should expect to complete a period of on-the-job training. Photographers with exceptional ability may gain national recognition. They often exhibit their photographs in galleries or publish them in books. In time, they may become photography editors for newspapers and magazines.

EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

Nationally, in 1996, about 134,200 Photographers were employed. Employment of Photographers is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006. Additional openings are expected as Photographers retire, die, or transfer to other occupations. About 46.7% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Photographers looked like this:

Demand for Photographers will rise as business and industry emphasize visual aids in meetings, stockholders' reports, sales campaigns, and public relations work. Scientific and medical research will also offer increased opportunities for Photographers. However, employment in photojournalism is expected to grow slowly.

Employment of camera operators is expected to grow rapidly as the entertainment industry expands, but competition is expected to remain keen since cinematography traditionally attracts more applicants than jobs that are available.

Employment in the fields of portrait and commercial photography is relatively crowded because amateur Photographers can go into business for themselves with little investment. They can also work part-time while holding another job. Self-processing cameras being used in commercial photography also contribute to crowding in this field, since little training is required.

There are about 3,250 Photographers employed in Michigan. Most worked as Commercial or Portrait Photographers. Many worked for newspapers and magazines, and others, for industrial firms, photographic equipment dealers and suppliers, and government agencies. Some taught photography at colleges or universities.

Employment of Photographers in Michigan is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2005. An average of 90 annual openings is expected with 20 due to growth and 70 due to replacement of those who retire or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Job opportunities in newspapers and magazines should continue to be good for persons with college training in photography. Increased use of visual aids in business and industry will create good opportunities for Photographers in these areas. Photography is becoming more and important in scientific and medical research, and persons with highly skilled backgrounds in these areas should find a good job market.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2005

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Photographer can be summarized by the following:

MOISCRIPTS are Copyright 2003, Michigan Department of Career Development