Who works with a camera profession. Professional photographer and amateur, what's the difference? Job Description Photographer

A photographer is a person who takes photographs.

The work of a photographer in the narrow sense is directly photographing. The photographer takes photographs of people, nature, buildings, makes portrait photos, photos for documents on black and white or color film, develops, rinses, dries negatives, prints pictures. He can also be engaged in the decoration of various photographs, taking orders, scheduling the reception of clients.

In a broad sense, a photographer is a person whose tasks include preparing for filming (choosing a topic, negotiating, obtaining permits and approvals, selecting models, props, equipment, choosing a location, etc.), photography itself and subsequent work on processing and photo printing, sale of material. In some cases, the photographer transfers some of these works to his assistants, assistants, make-up artists, costume designers, agents, lighting, make-up artists and other people.

Today, thanks to digital technologies, the photographer has a new range of work: processing images with the help of special programs that allow you to do anything with a photo, remove any defects, smooth out all imperfections and, in general, embody the most incredible fantasy.

Photographer - creative profession. A photographer does not have to have a higher education, it is enough to complete professional courses and know the basics of photography and photo optics, types and internal structure of photographic equipment, technology for printing images, and be able to work with lighting. The photographer must have artistic taste, imaginative thinking, good visual memory, business communication skills.

Requirements to individual characteristics specialist: normal visual acuity, good kinesthetic sensitivity, accurate linear and planar eye.

The photographer must know: the basics of photography and photo optics; types, purpose and arrangement of photographic equipment and electrical lighting equipment. Should be able to: set the necessary lighting for photography; adjust photographic equipment; take photographs; have good business communication skills.

Medical contraindications

The work is not recommended for people with diseases: of the musculoskeletal system (especially those that impair hand movements); organs of vision (uncorrectable decrease in visual acuity, diseases in which bright artificial lighting is contraindicated).

A photographer can work in photo studios, consumer services, in publishing houses, in the modeling and exhibition business, and conduct teaching activities.

The salary of a photographer depends on the place of work and the level of professionalism. In terms of career development the photographer can become the head of the photo studio. A photographer can organize his own business, additionally shoot various celebrations: weddings, anniversaries, etc.

A photographer is a person who uses a camera to capture certain events, people and objects. However, a high-quality photograph is not only the result of a correctly chosen combination of various factors (background, lighting, pose, etc.), but also the talent to transfer this composition to a material medium without losing (or even embellishing) all its unique properties.

The profession of a photographer implies and includes the subsequent processing of a photo. This greatly increases the freedom of action and creativity for the professional. The photographer can correct, retouch, apply special effects, create collages, make photomontage.

Photographer is a prestigious, modern and highly paid profession. For example, a good wedding photographer over the summer can earn new apartment, and a successful nature photographer can travel the world and, by selling pictures, recoup all vacation expenses and stay in the black.

Places of work

Full-time positions of photographers are available in many companies:

• Mass media, publishing houses;
• photo studios and photo studios;
• advertising and modeling agencies;
• museums and photo galleries;
• and many other institutions.

At the same time, many photographers work, as they say, on free bread, shooting weddings, corporate parties, holidays and other events.

History of the profession

The first photograph in history was created by the chemist and artist Louis Daguerre (the first photographic process was called daguerreotype) in 1839. At the same time, this technique gained mass distribution only with the appearance in 1913 of the famous German "Leica" - the world's first small-format camera. Accordingly, against the backdrop of the development of print media, such an invention could not but lead to the fact that photographers would become very popular.

Over time, various specializations appeared in the profession: photo artists, photojournalists, documentary photographers, forensic photographers, family, wedding, advertising, industrial photographers, paparazzi, etc.

Photographer Responsibilities

Despite some differences in the activities of employers, official duties photographers are not very different. They usually include:

• artistic, technical or portrait photography;
• photo processing on a computer.

Also, the functions of a photographer may include tasks inherent to a web designer, illustrator, artist and other related professions. For example, sometimes you have to process a photo not as such, but in accordance with the layout of the publication or technical features website.

Requirements for a photographer

The standard requirements for a photographer are:

• work experience in the specialty;
• knowledge of software - Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, CorelDraw and some others.
• knowledge of modern photographic equipment (sometimes of a specific type and characteristics).

Vocational education is not always required, but is clearly seen as an advantage.

Photographer resume sample

How to become a photographer

Becoming a photographer is quite simple - you don’t have to graduate from an educational institution, but simply shoot and experiment, gradually improving your skills and creating your portfolio. On the other hand, becoming a good photographer is very difficult. Shooting an apple so that you want to reach inside the photograph and eat it is a great art. Little things, secrets, nuances are developed over the years and, as a rule, a good practical teacher is needed during these years.

To get the skills necessary for the photographer, you can take special courses or graduate from college, where they will create the basis for future professionalism. But it still makes sense to graduate from a university with a degree. So, in Moscow there is the Academy of Photography and VGIK, in St. Petersburg - the Institute of Film and Television, where, like the university faculties of journalism, there is a corresponding department. Higher education will give not only necessary knowledge, but also useful acquaintances, and a wide circle of contacts.

photographer salary

Depending on many factors, the salary of a photographer can vary significantly - from 10 to 200 thousand rubles a month. However, you shouldn't get too carried away. On average, a photographer in the state earns about 27 thousand rubles a month, and how much “free” photographers earn depends heavily on their profile and seasonality. Some work practically for food and believe that they are making art, while others can make up to 100 thousand rubles in one weekend and they don’t get fewer clients.

The work of a photographer is interesting, creative and somewhere romantic. In addition to professional skills, a specialist must have a rich imagination and excellent taste in order for photographs to be of high quality and expressive. Modern technologies allow you to change the picture beyond recognition: edit the details, apply the background, color and texture.

Job Description Photographer

At first glance, it may seem that to start a career as a photographer, it is enough to buy professional camera, and shoot everything. Perhaps, for amateur shooting it is, but for a professional, the lion's share of time is spent on the preparatory process.

Job search depends on the field of activity: journalism, modeling agency, coverage of cultural events (photographs in museums, art galleries), advertising business and even work law enforcement agencies. We want to capture the beautiful moments of every event, whether it's a school graduation, a wedding or a corporate event. It is also worth mentioning photographs on various documents - all this is the field of activity of a professional photographer.

The work of a photographer is not limited to the studio. There is a category of professionals who specialize in working in hot spots in the center of military events, who like to shoot wild animals in their natural environment. Also exists separate category, the so-called paparazzi, whose main task is a stunning report about the stars of show business.

One of the main tasks of a photographer is to see and capture the beauty in everyday things.

The undoubted companion of the profession is patience, because you can spend more than one day searching for a rare animal or sitting in an "ambush" to get a picture of a celebrity.

Depending on the tasks set, the specialist focuses on a certain aspect of the picture: a photojournalist on informativeness, an advertising photographer on the implementation of a planned project, a fashion photographer selects beautiful image. It is necessary to be in trend all the time, visit exhibitions, galleries, be interested in new works of famous authors.

Theoretically, everyone can become a photographer, an exciting hobby is gradually turning into a favorite job. Amateurs can achieve mastery on their own through trial and error, but for a professional level it is necessary to attend special courses and schools where they discover all the secrets of art.

The profession of a photographer is interesting and prestigious, the fee depends on the fame of the studio and the specialist in particular. But first you need to establish yourself in a competitive environment.

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Pros and cons of being a photographer

Advantages:

• high earnings, especially if you have developed your own customer base;
• creative work, which is not inherent in gray everyday life. Free schedule, often a momentary worker independently plans a working day;
• demand in various fields of activity: journalism, advertising agencies, criminalistics, modeling business;
• there is the possibility of the so-called "freelance". Photographer collaborates with different companies at the same time, fulfilling individual orders;

Disadvantages:

• quite difficult to break into the professional market. In each city, services are offered by a huge variety of studios;
• high-quality modern equipment is not affordable for everyone.

Career growth and salary

It is rather difficult to call the profession of a photographer a careerist. If for some the most important thing is recognition among professionals, fame and personal achievements, then for others the apogee is the organization own business in this area (studio, school). It is impossible to become a good momentaryist without studying theory. Today on the Internet you can find a lot of useful literature, which reveals in detail the concepts of shutter speed, focus, exposure, white balance. Constant practice is very important for a professional, so wherever you go, try to take your camera with you.

Remuneration depends on the region, the popularity of the master or the studio on behalf of which he works. In large cities, such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, the fee sometimes reaches $5,000. On average, earnings are much lower: from 600 to 1500 dollars.

A photographer is a person who is able to capture and convey the value of the moment, the mood of people and the beauty of landscapes through a camera.

The main goal of the photographer's work is unique and high quality photos taken during the shooting.

When did the profession of photographer appear?

The history of the profession dates back to 1839. This year, Louis Daguerre had the honor of presenting an original method of image fixation in Paris.

At the end of the 19th century, light film cameras appeared and were found simple ways reproduce pictures on print pages. As a result, the concept of the profession of a photographer appeared.

In the 20th century, it became possible to produce instant photographs that do not require any image processing.

professional holiday

The day of the photographer was proclaimed July 12. This date is dedicated to the day of Saint Veronica, who was the patroness of photography. Also on this day, the founder of Kodak, George Eastman, was born, who managed to take photography to a whole new level.

On this holiday, many photographers decide to hold their exhibitions or attend various events dedicated to photography. It is on this day that the winners of the contests for the best photographs are awarded.

Varieties

The profession of a photographer has its own varieties, namely:

• Studio. The main type of photographers, a classic activity.
• Reportage. Their main goal is to have time to make a good shot in the thick of things.
• Wedding. They specialize in photographing events.
• Animal photographers. They photograph mainly nature, animals, in a wide variety of places.
• Art photographers. They are able to create real masterpieces, and even dress music in digital photography.

The main task of all photographers is to transfer live picture in the photo so that you can not feel the difference.

Advantages and disadvantages

The profession of a photographer has its advantages:

• Creative and exciting work.
• A well-demanded profession.
• Freedom of action, self-expression.
• Acquaintances and connections.
• Travel is possible.

But there are also certain disadvantages:

• The job requires you to be constantly on the move.
• It is quite difficult to find a permanent clientele.
• Sometimes it is necessary to communicate with not very pleasant people.
• There is a possibility of causing negativity to yourself if final result the client will not like the work.

The most significant disadvantage is irregular working hours and not always easy working conditions. Photographers can work at night, in bad weather, and even in dangerous areas, if circumstances so require.

Photographer Qualifications

The applicant has the following requirements:

• experience in this area;
• excellent knowledge of graphic editors;
• knowledge of modern photographic techniques.

An additional advantage could be professional education in this area.

Job Responsibilities of a Photographer

Photographer Responsibilities:

• to produce artistic, technical and portrait photography;
• process image information on a computer;
• check equipment and optics.

The photographer must be able to perform the tasks required by the designer, illustrator, artist, and other related professionals.

Responsibility

The photographer's responsibility is to:

• failure to perform or insufficiently high-quality performance of professional duties;
• causing material damage employer
• an offense committed in the course of carrying out their activities.

Credentials of the Photographer

The photographer has the right to:

• request for information and documents to perform professional duties;
• familiarization with draft decisions of managers that affect its activities;
• submission of proposals for the consideration of managers that relate to the improvement of work.

Features of the profession of a photographer

Photographers have become one of the most popular and highly paid professions. The work of a photographer is well paid almost everywhere.

To become a good photographer, it is not enough just to take pictures. Professional photographer- this is a stylist, and in one person. He needs to be able to create an image of a model, come up with a theme for photography and correctly select the right angle.

• The responsibility of the photographer is great, it is he who is responsible for the quality and result of photography.
• Absolutely everything is important in the work - light, composition, processing, the mood of the model and the photographer himself. Therefore, it is necessary to always be in high spirits so that it is pleasant for clients to communicate with the photographer.
• You need to learn to work in any conditions. The work of a specialist often has a busy schedule, and sometimes a stressful atmosphere. Frequent business trips are possible.
• You must always be on the alert: take care of the equipment and do not forget to duplicate the shooting on all kinds of media.

The work of a photographer is a creative process, the result of which is a photograph. It should be not just beautiful, bright and interesting, but truly alive. So that when clients look at it, they can feel, hear and feel what is depicted. This is considered to be the ultimate skill that every photographer should strive for.

Required professional skills and knowledge

Every competent photographer should know:

• Basics of photography, photo optics, composition, exposure.
• Properties of photographic equipment and lighting equipment.
• Know how to edit photographs.
• Understand psychology and business communication.
• Know how to use Photoshop and other photo editors

The main thing to know good photographer– how to best present the object depicted in the picture in order to emphasize all its advantages and highlight its exclusivity.

Personal qualities of the photographer

To become a really good and successful photographer, you need to have the following qualities:

• visual acuity;
• curiosity;
• creativity;
• resourcefulness and ingenuity;
• professional acumen;
• rich imagination;
• good taste;
• stress resistance;
• industriousness;
• the ability to find mutual language with clients.

In addition to these qualities, in order to succeed, the photographer needs to constantly develop and improve, improve his skill level.

Photographer's career

Every photographer can grow to the required level. Creativity, hard work and a great desire can turn an ordinary full-time employee into a sought-after independent specialist.

Irina Davydova

Reading time: 16 minutes

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Photography has long occupied an important place in the life of every person. Not a single event is complete without a “flash”, in every computer there are folders with photos, in every house there are albums with the most beautiful family pictures.

Of course, the path of a photographer is thorny and not always successful, but if you were "born with a camera", then there is only one way - forward!

The conditions and features of the work of the photographer - professional duties

Modern photographers are classified not only by the level of professionalism (note - amateur and professional), but also by the field of activity, as well as by the genre of photography.

Direction everyone chooses according to their aspirations and needs.

The working conditions of the photographer also depend on the chosen path:

• For example, when working in a conventional photo studio it will be classic work week with salary. You don't have to go far - work is always at hand, sometimes there are bonuses, there is no strong nervous tension. Like big income.
• Or "free artist" , whose work can be seen at exhibitions, in magazines, etc. A person who has already “earned” a name for himself. A master, for a photo session with whom people are willing to pay a lot of money.
• Or a newbie who earns money at weddings in the summer, and at rare photo shoots in the winter.

Features of the photographer's work

It seems, well, what's so complicated here - I pressed the button, took a picture, threw it on a flash drive.

In fact, the work of a photographer is not as simple as one might think...

• The value of photographs is in its quality, winning angle, plot. Light, composition, processing are also important. In general, the photographer must be not only experienced, but also absolutely talented. Otherwise, his work will simply be lost among millions of similar ones.
• Photographer's clients can be so capricious that it can be hard not only to get along with them, but also to work.
• Must be able to work in any weather and under any conditions.
• Photography should not just be beautiful, bright and interesting. - The “spectator” should even feel its taste, hear smells and sounds. This is mastery of the highest order.
• Working abroad can be dangerous. This activity in a number of countries can be interpreted as criminal. The reason - in "tax-free expensive activities" in the territory of another country. The punishment is a fine and deportation. Most often this happens in Thailand, Cuba.
• On regular flights , transportation in luggage, poor working conditions and other extreme factors, the equipment tends to deteriorate.
• Expensive equipment is often stolen. Moreover, not only when traveling abroad, but also when working in their native country.
• On long trips you have to take with you duplicate sets of key elements (consumables, cameras, lenses, etc.) in order to quickly solve all emerging technical problems away from the usual opportunities.
• Shooting Safety Guaranteed (which is extremely important for any photographer in any genre and in any field of activity) is the duplication of shooting on various media (cloud resources, hard drives, flash drives). That is, you need to carry not only a laptop and a camera with you, but access to the Web must be constant.
• The work of a professional photographer - this is most often an extremely tight schedule and constant stress. Because in addition to preparing for the shooting, technical / preparation and the shooting itself, there is also a round-trip way, organizing the material, converting it, correcting and processing it, communicating with not always adequate clients, etc.