 |
||
|
|
 .
|
Job Report Photographers and Camera Operators
Nature of the Work
Photographers and camera operators use their cameras and film to portray
people, places, and events much as a writer uses words. Because the procedures
involved in still photography are quite different from those used in news and motion
picture photography, workers generally specialize in one or the other. Those who are
skillful can capture the personality of individuals or the mood of scenes on film.
Photographers specializing in scientific, medical, or engineering photography expose
worlds normally hidden from our view. Camera operators film news events, television
shows, movies, commercials and even cartoons.
Although their subject matter varies widely, many photographers and camera
operators use the same basic equipment. The most important tool remains the camera.
Some camera operators use 35mm cameras to film motion pictures, 16mm cameras to
film documentary and industrial films, and videotape cameras to record news events for
later showing on television. Most other photographers use a wide variety of cameras to
achieve desired results. Unlike snapshot cameras, which have a lens permanently
attached to the camera body, the professionals' cameras are generally constructed to
use a variety of lenses designed for close-up, medium-range, or distance photography.
In addition, professional photographers and camera operators use a vast array of
mechanical equipment--from the simple tripod to specially constructed motorized
vehicles.
Besides cameras and lenses, photographers and camera operators use a variety
of film and colored filters to obtain the desired effect under different lighting conditions.
When taking pictures indoors or after dark, they may use electronic flash units,
floodlights, reflectors, and other special lighting equipment.
Some photographers develop and print their own photographs in the darkroom
and may enlarge or otherwise alter the basic image. Many photographers send their
work to laboratories for processing.
In addition to the skilled use of cameras and accessories, photographers must be
able to compose their pictures with creativity and style.
Still photographers may specialize in a particular type of photography, such as
portrait, fashion, or advertising. Portrait photographers take pictures of individuals or
groups of persons and often work in their own studios. For special events, such as a
wedding or christening, however, they take photographs in churches and homes.
Portrait photographers in small studios, like other small business owners, frequently
handle all aspects of their business. They arrange for advertising and schedule
appointments; set and adjust equipment before taking the pictures; develop and retouch
negatives; develop proofs; and mount and frame pictures. They also purchase supplies
and take care of billing and recordkeeping.
Advertising or industrial photographers take pictures of a wide range of subjects
including livestock, manufactured articles, buildings, and groups of people. They
frequently do photography for catalogs. Companies use their work in publications to
report to stockholders or to advertise company products or services. To create
attractive, eye-catching promotional pictures, advertising photographers must command
a broad array of photographic techniques. Industrial photographers also photograph
groups of people for employee news magazines or take motion pictures or workers
operating equipment and machinery for management's use in analyzing production or
work methods.
Scientific photographers and biological photographers provide illustrations and
documentation for scientific publications and research reports. The photographs and
slides they produce are also used for teaching purposes. These photographers usually
specialize in a particular field, such as engineering, aerodynamics, medicine, biology, or
chemistry. Some design photographic equipment for use as a research tool. For
example, medical researchers often use ultraviolet and infrared photography,
fluorescence, and X-rays to obtain information not visible under normal conditions.
Time-lapse photography (where time is stretched or condensed), photomicrography
(where the subject of the photography may be magnified 50 or 70 times or more), and
photogrammetry (surveying an area using aerial photography) are other special
techniques.
Photojournalists photograph newsworthy events, places, people, and things for
publications such as newspapers and magazines. They may also prepare educational
slides, filmstrips, and movies.
Some camera operators work for television networks and individual stations,
covering news events as part of a team that includes a reporter and other technicians.
These camera operators use special photographic equipment--called electronic news
gathering cameras--to capture events on videotape. Images from these cameras can be
transmitted via satellite from the news scene back to the newsroom in time for the news
telecast.
Camera operators also are employed in the entertainment field. They use 35mm
and 16mm motion picture cameras to film movies, television programs, and
commercials. Animation camera operators film cartoons; optical-effects camera
operators create illusions for television and movies. Camera operators in the
entertainment business are usually supervised by directors of photography.
Working Conditions
Working conditions for photographers and camera operators vary considerably.
Photographers in government, commercial studios, and advertising agencies usually
work a 5-day, 35 to 40-hour week. Freelancers, newspaper photographers, and camera
operators may work longer or more irregular hours. Many photographers work part time.
Freelance, press, and commercial photographers may travel frequently and may
work in uncomfortable surroundings. Sometimes the work can be dangerous, especially
for photo-journalists assigned to cover stories on natural disasters or military conflicts.
When working on assignment or on location, photographers and camera operators may
be away from home for long periods.
Most photographers and camera operators work under pressure. Deadlines and
demanding customers must be satisfied. Freelance photographers may find soliciting
new clients frustrating and tedious.
Employment
Photographers and camera operators held about 107,000 jobs in 1990. Nearly
half of all photographers and camera operators are self-employed, a much higher
proportion than the average for all occupations. Some of these are freelance
photographers who do individual projects on a one-time-only or occasional basis for ad
agencies or magazines.
Salaried jobs for photographers are found for the most part in photographic or
commercial studios. Other major employer include newspapers, magazines, advertising
agencies, radio and television broadcasters, motion picture companies and government
agencies. Camera operators are employed primarily in television broadcasting and
motion picture studios.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
Although a high school education is desirable, entry level jobs for photographers
have no formal education or training requirements. 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. Technical expertise
can be obtained through practical experience, postsecondary training, or some
combination of the two. Some jobs do require that applicants have specialized
knowledge of the subject area that will be photographed.
Photographic training is available in colleges, universities, junior colleges, public
vocational education programs, and private photography and art schools. Over 100
colleges and universities offered 4-year curriculums leading to a bachelor's degree in
photography in 1990. Many of these schools offer courses in cinematography.
However, very few schools offer a degree in cinematography. Many schools offer
photography courses as part of their communications and journalism programs. Some
colleges and universities grant master's degrees in photography. In addition, some
colleges have 2-year curriculums leading to a certificate or an associate degree in
photography. A formal education in photography gives a fundamental background in a
variety of equipment, processes, and techniques. Art schools offer useful training in
design and composition, but not the technical training needed for professional
photographic work. The Armed Forces also train people in photographic skills.
On the job training is an important source of training for both camera operators
and photographers. Because academic programs are not oriented toward motion
picture photography, informal job training is often the only way camera operators can
acquire the necessary skills. Trainees begin as first and second assistants to camera
operators, helping set up equipment and learning the craft by observing experienced
workers.
People may prepare for work as photographers in a commercial studio through 2
or 3 years of on-the-job training as a photographer's assistant. Trainees generally start
in the darkroom where they learn to mix chemicals, develop film, and do photoprinting
and enlarging. Later they may set up lights and cameras or help an experienced
photographer take pictures.
Amateur experience is helpful in getting an entry job with a commercial studio,
but post-high school education and training usually are needed for industrial or scientific
photography. Here success in photography depends on being more than just a
competent photographer, and adequate career preparation requires some knowledge of
the field in which the photography is used.
Photographers and camera operators must have good eyesight and color vision,
artistic ability, and manual dexterity. They should be patient, accurate, and enjoy
working with detail. Some knowledge of mathematics, physics, and chemistry is helpful
for understanding the use of various lenses, films, light sources, and development
processes.
Some photographic specialties require additional qualities. Commercial or
freelance photographers must be imaginative and original in their thinking. Those who
specialize in photographing news stories must recognize a potentially good photograph
and act quickly; otherwise, an opportunity to capture an important event on film may be
lost. Writing ability sometimes is important for photojournalists, who may write captions
and accompanying articles for their photographs. Portrait photographers need the ability
to help people relax in the presence of the camera.
Newly hired workers are given relatively routine assignments that do not require
split-second camera adjustments or decisions on what subject matter to photograph.
News photographers, for example, may be assigned to cover events such as civic
meetings or snowstorms. After gaining experience, they advance to more demanding
assignments, and may move to larger newspapers or magazines. A few gain national
recognition for their work and exhibit their photographs in art and photographic galleries,
or publish them in books. Camera operators--like news photographers--advance in their
profession as their work circulates and as they develop a reputation. The best known
camera operators may become directors of photography on movies and TV programs.
A few industrial of scientific photographers may be promoted to supervisory positions.
Magazine and news photographers may eventually become heads of graphic arts
departments or photography editors.
Job Outlook
Employment of photographers and camera operators is expected to as fast as the
average for all occupations through the year 2000. Many additional job openings will
occur as workers transfer to other occupations or stop working.
Demand for photographers will be stimulated as business and industry place
greater importance upon visual aids in meetings, stockholders' reports, sales
campaigns, and public relations work. Business firms, for example, are expected to
make greater use of photographs, videocassette, training films, and other visual aids in
meetings, stockholders' reports, sales campaigns, and public relations work.
Photography is becoming increasingly important in scientific and medical research,
where opportunities are expected to be good for those with appropriate technical skills.
Employment in photojournalism is expect to grow slowly with keen competition expected
for available positions.
Slow growth is expected in portrait studios, about in line with the growth of the
population.
Earnings
Most experienced photographers and camera operators earned between $25,580
and $35,150 in 1990.
The median weekly contract wage for beginning photographers who worked for
newspapers that have contracts with the Newspaper Guild was $400 ion 1990. The
middle 50 percent of contracts fell between $380 and $472. The lowest 10 percent of
contracts were for $296 or less. The top 10 percent of contracts were for $660 or more.
The median weekly contract for photographers with some experience (usually 4 or 5
years) was about $660 in 1990. The middle 50 percent of contracts fell between $561
and $740. The lowest 10 percent of contracts were for $468 or less. The top 10 percent
of contracts were for $855 or more.
Photographers in the Federal Government earned an average of $26,520 a year
in 1990.
Some self-employed and freelance photographers earn more than salaried
workers. Many self-employed photographers, however, earn very little from their
photography work. Earnings of freelancers are affected greatly by general business
conditions and the type and size of their community and clientele.
Related Occupations
Other workers who rely on their visual arts talents in their jobs include graphic
and fine artists, floral designers, illustrators, industrial designers, painters, and sculptors.
Sources of Additional Information
Career information on photography is available from:
Professional Photographers of America, Inc., 1090 Executive Way, Des Plaines,
IL 60018.
American Society of Magazine Photographers, 205 Lexington Avenue, New York,
NY 10016.
work at home - work at home jobs
Copyright 2002 Work-at-Home.org
|