Categories: Edu Info & Careers

Career In Photography – Pros and Cons

May 9, 2016

Professional photographers can make any moment memorable and eternal. They can capture a story through their cameras. Photography might seem fairly easy to master, but this occupation is much more than just taking photographs. Expert photographers can portrait different emotions and make some situations seem different than they actually are. They apply different lighting and positioning techniques to get the best results, and for this, they need a lot of educational and experiential background.

Becoming a high-quality photographer is not easy, it takes a lot of effort and time. Skilled photographers need to receive their training in photography schools in order to advance in their careers. They are basically paid a certain amount of money for each picture they create and the quality of their work mostly depends on their experience and education. Their salaries often vary due to these factors, but their incomes also depend on whether they are full-time or part-time photographers. As of May 2013, the annual income of salaried photographers was $29,280, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics. Even though photography is often considered as a glamorous occupation, the vocation has its advantages and weaknesses. Here are some of the pros and cons of building a career in photography.

PROS

A Variety of Choices

Building a career in photography may lead the photographer down any path they choose. Photographers are not limited to a strict list of possible fields of interests.  A photographer can choose to build a career in wedding photography or fashion photography. There are numerous other options here like photojournalism, science photography, nature photography, advertising photography etc. Some may also choose to become news and sporting photographers while others can be more business oriented.

A Chance To Be Adventurous

Apart from creativity, photography offers a chance to professionals to use their skills in interesting and adventurous surroundings. For example, a nature photographer can take a trip to some remote areas and make amazing photographs. The adventurous aspect of photography mostly depends on what the photographer sees as a true challenge. For some, this can be covering media and sporting events while others dream of photographing famous persons. It is all about perspective, but the fact is that there are many choices for adventure in photography than most other occupations.

Complete Independence

Most photographers are actually freelancers, and this gives them total independence and autonomy over their work. This kind of work allows the photographer to choose their own assignments which ultimately results in more creativity. When photographers chose their own assignments, those assignments are probably within their circle of interest and they can produce more quality photographs.

Creativity At Its Best

Many people dream of jobs in which they can show off their creativity. Photographers require a lot of talent to produce outstanding photographs and they represent a combination between technical skills and a good eye. These skills are not easy to obtain, but once they master their specialty in their desired field, quality photographers can shoot for the stars.

CONS

Uncertain Working Conditions and Hours

Sometimes, photographers have to work long hours away from their friends and family. Others need to be available to their company or organization 24/7. Such working conditions can be tiresome and exhausting.

Possible Irregular Income

Freelance photographers are often faced with income problems. One week can be loaded with work, and the following might bring little or none.  As opposed to employed full-time photographers, freelancers must always be on the watch for new clients and produce more high-quality work to attract more business.

Creative Limitations

Although photography mostly depends on creativity, sometimes that creativity is faced with certain limitations. For example, a wedding photographer has to produce work that will satisfy the needs of the client. The photographer’s opinion in this situation has little relevance because they need to produce exactly what their client wants and fit their needs.

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