Brett Morgan
Mrs. Pearce Pre-AP English II
Research Paper
April 27, 2016
Picturing Myself in a Photographer’s Footsteps
Photography seems like a forgotten art, but those people who pursue the career seem to enjoy the thrill of snapping a photo. However, the expenses can seem to outweigh the benefits in a photographer’s career creating a major obstruction on the path to being a successful photographer. Like a career in music or a job that requires multiple connections basic photography isn’t a walk in the park. Most of the time they spend working they’re looking for customers that could potentially be future contacts. Additionally, equipment and editing software are expenses that have to be calculated for chalking up another drawback to a career in photography. However when the cons are pushed aside there are more pros that can outweigh the negative end of photography like multiple career pathways especially ones in the medical, law enforcement, and media fields. In fact most photographers that specialize in these kinds of fields are often more successful than the average freelance photographer. The pros of a career in photography can outweigh the cons, and a photographer can benefit from any career in photography, especially in a market where photographers are not always in need.
A photographer’s life can seem like something out of a dream with your own work hours and the opportunity to choose who you want to work with however, there are more drawbacks than the average stereotype suggests. The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that “The median wage is the fiftieth percentile wage estimate” meaning “ fifty percent of workers earn less than the median, and fifty percent of workers earn more than the median.” This could cause some issues with those starting out in a photography career as a major deterrent, especially since there are already more successful photographers that already have spots in the fifty percentile that are above the median. Photographers can be limited to a successful career by location as well. “This is a medium size occupation (thirteen thousand in November) suggesting that opportunities may be limited in some regions” says the Australian Government Job Outlook Initiative, and that “Photographers have a relatively low proportion of full time jobs” With this information, it’s safe to say that photography is more difficult than just snapping a picture and posting it somewhere with a cool caption as unemployment is a common occurrence. To add to that, location also factors into a successful career. As it was pointed out, location makes or breaks the photographer, if there isn’t a need for one in a certain location then the said photographer is out of a job and stuck with a fancy camera. Not to mention, location isn’t the only thing keeping photographers out of work as the Houston chronicle points out, “A photography business can operate in several forms whether opening a portrait studio, working weddings, taking school photos…each has its own special equipment know what types of photography you want to specialize in and plan accordingly.” equipment is an essential part of photography and the better the equipment the better the pictures. In addition, the top of the line equipment is quite expensive. Most people beginning in a photography career lack the high resolution cameras, the advanced photo editing software, and studio grade set for photos shoots. This creates a cycle that repeats on a regular basis: start with some gear, then save up enough to buy some newer equipment, and repeat. This cycle of constant upgrades on equipment can put a hamper on a photographer’s income as the more gear someone purchases the more money that goes towards better versions of it. Hefty stats and expensive equipment seem to keep amature or “wannabe” photographers out of the business, but for those who can see the light at the end of the tunnel, photography is a much more rewarding career than the basic get to know people and get paid. While the cons seem to make any pro look meaningless, there are some that can turn the table completely around.
The pros of photography are what make it worthwhile, the possibilities they offer make this a career worth the time and effort. In most cases, photographers that pursue a higher education in college open up new pathways and possibilities with a degree in any kind of photography. According to the New York Film Academy, the options for photography span the entire world from basic wedding photographers to war photographers. Most of these occupations require the ability to be able to take any shot in any situation; Particularly war photographers that are exposed to scenes of violence on a constant basis. Even a wedding photographer has to create the perfect shot among the crowds of people gawking at the newly weds. In either situation and many others, the creativity, resourcefulness, and skillfulness are an essential part of a photographer’s arsenal. In some cases, aspiring photographers will pursue higher education in order to enhance their skills with a camera and most colleges offer programs to enhance a photographer’s ability. “Career associations, foundations and professional advocacy groups each put forth unique college funding opportunities” (Photography Scholarships: Careers through a Camera Lens). With this information, employers who are looking for a photographer will certainly be impressed with someone that has college experience and a degree to back them up ensuring that position is theirs. This also beats any freelance photographer position as they work every day to get a simple job versus a college graduate with a degree that has a job and a successful career. Thanks to these colleges, specialized careers in photography are possible including photojournalism, war photography, art photography, wedding photography and so on. Because of the information present, the pros of a photographers lifestyle and career can outweigh the negative parts of a photography career.
The lifestyle of a photographer and the career opportunities are interesting and unique. The constant struggle to find a job doesn’t seem to be the ideal way to live out a career like so many freelance photographers, but it adds a bit of suspense and thrill to life. On the contrary, those who pursue a degree in photography are more successful and generally enjoy their careers no matter the circumstance. However, the photography career isn’t my absolute dream career as photography involves a large amount of stress and time. In addition, the possible payout of it all doesn’t seem to make it worthwhile. All the career seems to be are expenses, travel and more expenses which to me is a bit too much for me to handle. The photography career is an interesting one with its many pros and cons, but I say the pros outweigh the cons, and though job opportunities can be scarce it is possible to make a living as a photographer in today’s market.
Works Cited
“27-4021 Photographers.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 30 Mar. 2016. Web. 08 May 2016.
“Occupation.” – Job Outlook. The Department of Education. Web. 08 May 2016
“Photography Scholarships.” College Student Scholarships for Photography Majors. Web. 09 May 2016.
Socci, Athony. “Photography Degrees.” Photography Degrees. Anthony Socci. Web. 19 Apr. 2016.
Torres, Franco, and Citlali Tolia. “Becoming a Photographer: Careers, Salary Info & Job Description.” Becoming a Photographer: Careers, Salary Info & Job Description. Franco Torres. Web. 20 Apr. 2016.
Zeke. “Photography Jobs: Average Salary & Career Path Glossary.” Student Resources. New York Film Academy, 2014. Web. 21 Apr. 2016.
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