Did you know that studying photography can lead to a plethora of creative and exciting career pathways in all kinds of different industries? As technology becomes more and more advanced, new career opportunities emerge every single day for future photographers.
We’ve listed our top five photography career options below:
Freelancer Photographer
Do you want to be your own boss? Well, as a Freelance Photographer, you can be! This means that you can say goodbye to working in an office and hello to the opportunities that freelance photography work will get you.
There is a business need for Freelance Photographers in just about any industry, from news photography to event photography to fashion photography. You can choose which companies you want to work with and what types of projects you want to work on, giving you complete creative control of your career. This also gives you the chance to build up a diverse professional portfolio showcasing your versatility and skillset across all styles.
A diverse portfolio attracts a wider range of opportunities, as well as potential clients, meaning you can network for future projects. With the constant variety of projects and the ability to explore the industry using your own creative freedom, there is no risk of you getting bored in this career!
Portrait Photographer
If you see the value in capturing the moment, then Portrait Photography is the way to go! From weddings to school photos to newborns to pets, Portrait Photographers use their equipment to perfectly capture the surroundings and energy at any moment. Through your lens, you will create long-lasting memories and meaningful connections allowing you to build relationships with clients which can also lead to more work in the future.
According to Digital Photo Mentor, the biggest benefit of being a portrait photographer is that clients cherish and appreciate their images, which is extremely rewarding on a personal level. Portrait Photography also allows you to be an entrepreneur, whether you establish your studio or visit different locations, you can create your business model, set your rates, and define your brand identity.
Photojournalist
As a Photojournalist, you will be knee-deep in all of the current news and affairs. Your images will not only document history, but they will also add an emotional impact to the narrative, highlight human experiences, and raise awareness about important issues. This job varies from covering local sports events to international stories, you will never be stuck in one place. There are plenty of opportunities to travel which will give you the chance to explore new cultures and meet diverse communities.
For many Photojournalists, giving a voice to the voiceless and making a meaningful impact through their work is incredibly rewarding on a personal level. Adobe has listed some tips on how to capture the perfect photo. You will need a lot of passion and perseverance to break into this industry, a good tip to get started is to find a placement at a local newspaper or magazine company. This will give you the chance to network while also maintaining and keeping your portfolio current and relevant to the up-and-coming trends.
Photo Editor
Want to oversee the photography which appears alongside written pieces of work, such as articles in magazines and newspapers? Becoming a Photo Editor will present you with this opportunity.
You will need excellent communication skills as photo editors primarily act as a point person for hiring photographers and collaborating with other departments. You can use your creative expression by shaping the visual narratives and storytelling through the process of choosing and editing the placement of photographs.
A Photo Editor aims to create a full and rich visual experience for the reader. The increasing demand for visual content means that there is always a high demand for Photo Editors, especially in publishing, advertising and marketing.
One of the best ways to become a professional Photo Editor is to have a background in photography, this is because you will have a solid understanding of how the camera settings and shooting conditions affect the editing process.
Forensic Photographer
If you’re a puzzle solver, pay close attention to the details and want your photos to have a purpose, then a Forensic Photographer is the path for you!
Forensic Photographers play a critical role in the criminal justice system by documenting crime scenes, evidence, and injuries through photography. As well as a passion for photography, you would need to undergo specialised training to learn the skills and knowledge required to effectively document a crime scene and potentially even present your work in court as an expert witness. You will get to work alongside detectives and be involved with the finer details of digital imaging, such as clarifying fingerprints.
This is a challenging yet fulfilling career, there will always be a need for documentation of crime scenes which provides job security and opportunities for long-term growth. Indeed recommends finding an internship at a local police or fire department to get started in this field.
There we have it! These are just a few examples of the diverse range of career opportunities available to aspiring photographers. Depending on your interests, skills, and career goals, you can explore various paths within the photography industry. CareerExplorer carried out a job satisfaction survey and found that photographers rank in the top 12% of happiest careers!
If you fancy a photography career, why not start with Access Creative College on our Level 3 Film, Video and Photography course? During this two-year course, you will:
- Master the techniques of film and video by building your skills and knowledge of pre-production, camera operation, lighting techniques, sound engineering, and the intricacies of film/video editing.
- Create a diverse portfolio and strong personal brand by refining your skills to meet industry standards.
- Gain access to plenty of amazing work experience opportunities, providing you with exposure to live briefs and networking with industry professionals.
Apply now to join ACC in September!
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