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Article Submitted By: The TMB TEAM |
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Creative ability, ambition and the desire to make great photographs are the fundamentals but photography can be a complex business. Here are some important points to consider:
There is no denying that there are huge benefits to formal training but having a degree in photography does not guarantee you a career. You do not necessarily need qualifications to be successful. Most of the worlds leading photographers have no formal qualifications in photography.
You need to be able to communicate your creative ideas and excite and inspire people into helping you to achieve your goal.
You need to enjoy meeting new people and have the ability to create a vapour within a few hours. Travelling is part and parcel of photography and you must be prepared to travel.
Photography involves irregular working hours, which in some types of photography may mean you are away from home for days or even weeks.
You need to be able to meet deadlines, which may involve long arduous hours.
You need to be able to sell your concepts and your work.
Professionalism under pressure in new, challenging and alien situations is a must. You must be able to adapt within situations and take control.
Management and group leadership skills are essential.
You may not need to have all of the above skills. There are areas of work for example that do not require travelling. However, you should seriously consider your capabilities.
You should appreciate that there are several different areas of photography but they do overlap.
General Photography
Work will include photographing weddings, taking portraits, commisioned work for local companies and for members of the general public. General photographers may work in their local area within a studio or from their home.
Commercial Photography
Work will include services to companies including product photography, PR photography and may specialise in one or many areas, for example photographing life style models on sofas for a furniture company. A high volume of high quality shots will usually be required, with the photographer working to maintain high client service levels.
Advertising Photography
Work will usually be for magazine and billboard. Advertising photography can be highly stressful. The photogrpher will have a considerable amount of responsibility.
Editorial Photography
Work will include the production of pictures for newspapers magazines that are not directly intended for use in adverts. The shots will usually be portrait, glamour or fashion for feature articles and interviews.
Fashion Photography
Work will be for the promotion of clothes, jewellery, perfumes, accessories etc. The photographer will usually be responsible for negotiating ideas and creative direction with the client. Planning and project management skills will be essential, from assigning a team, including the models and stylists to finding the location. |
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