Schools For Me» Photography

Photojournalist

admin — Fri, 07 May 2010 08:15:36 +0000

Photojournalists document people and events, usually for news stories, but sometimes also for feature stories. Though photojournalists are usually still photographers, videographers, documentary filmmakers, and various video and film artists may also consider themselves to be photojournalists. Many specialize in specific areas, such as sports, entertainment, foreign policy, war, nature, travel, or crime. Most often their photographs accompany news stories, but photojournalists try to capture the moments that speak for themselves.

Average Salary:

$24,040

Average Hours (per week):

Photojournalists work in publishing, news gathering, government, advertising, and other fields. Travel is frequently required, sometimes over long stretches. The hours are extremely erratic.

Union:

None

Certifications:

None

Training Period:

A college degree in journalism and/or photography, or some related field is necessary. Most photojournalists can get good training not only in college classes but working on the school newspaper and yearbook. A strong liberal arts degree with an emphasis on history, social sciences, political science, with art and art history courses is recommended. Most photojournalists begin as assistants. It is important to try to get an internship with a newspaper or magazine. Many news gathering organizations require some form of formal training and a minimum of a few years of journalism experience.

Strongest Market(s):

Changes in the publishing industry because of the advent of strong Internet news sites suggest short-term freelance and contract work are becoming common. Electronic digital image processing and manipulation are growth areas.

Entry Level Salary:

Entry level salaries for qualified individuals start around $7.32 per hour.

Top Salary:

$49,920

Job Growth Forecast:

Growth is expected to be stagnant.

Photographer, Scientific

admin — Fri, 07 May 2010 08:13:19 +0000

Scientific photographers take images of a variety of subjects to record scientific or medical data or phenomena, using knowledge of scientific procedures. They typically possess additional knowledge in areas such as engineering, medicine, biology, or chemistry. They create photographic displays for scientific exhibits, brochures, and other related material.

Average Salary:

$48,326

Average Hours (per week):

Scientific photographers are typically free-lance professionals who contract out their services. Some are employed in part-time and full-time positions in industrial research and development, and education.

Union:

None

Certifications:

Some certifications are available in particular sciences.

Training Period:

Scientific photography generally requires a college degree in photography or in a field related to the industry in which the photographer seeks employment. In addition to professional-level skills in all of the many details of photography, an avid interest in science and an education therein, is a must.

Strongest Market(s):

Growth markets for scientific photographers include: aerospace and industrial manufacturing, and scientific research and development services.

Entry Level Salary:

Entry level salaries for qualified individuals range from $19.78 to $21.82 per hour.

Top Salary:

$64,070

Job Growth Forecast:

Growth is expected to be higher than the national average over the next decade, at 14 to 19 percent.

Biomedical Photographer

admin — Fri, 07 May 2010 08:11:44 +0000

The biomedical photographer photographs patients, operating room procedures, and autopsy specimens; the biomedical photographer also designs layouts and materials for special projects, and selects the most technically correct, cost effective and efficient method for photographing subjects. This photographer typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

Average Salary:

$48,326

Average Hours (per week):

Medical photographers are typically free-lance professionals contracting their services. Some are employed in part-time and full-time positions in hospitals, medical schools, and in the biomedical industry.

Union:

None

Certifications:

The position may require a technical certification, offered by the BioCommunications Association’s Board of Registry, in order to become a Registered Biological Photographer (R.B.P.).

Training Period:

This particular specialty usually requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and two to four years of related experience. The photographer must be familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the biomedical field. The photographer relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish his tasks. A certain degree of creativity is required, as well as an attention to the many details involved in photography. An interest in science, medicine, and/or technology is recommended for a successful career in biomedical photography.

Strongest Market(s):

Medical photography is a small competitive field. Medical photographers are utilized in education. Changes in technology dictate that photographers are needed to produce state-of-the art computer representations of biological processes.

Entry Level Salary:

Entry level salaries for qualified individuals range from $19.78 per hour to $21.82 per hour.

Top Salary:

$57,432

Job Growth Forecast:

Growth is expected to be higher than the national average over the next decade, at 14 to 19 percent

Photographers

admin — Fri, 07 May 2010 08:10:21 +0000

Photographers photograph persons, subjects, merchandise, or other commercial products. They may develop negatives and produce finished prints. Sample job titles include: photographer, photojournalist, newspaper photographer, newspaper photojournalist, advertising photographer, news photographer, photo editor, sports photographer, and studio photographer.

Average Salary:

$29,440

Average Hours (per week):

Working conditions for photographers vary considerably. Some photographers may work a 5-day, 40-hour week. News photographers, however, often work long, irregular hours and must be available to work on short notice. Many photographers work part time or on variable schedules. 60 percent of photographers are self-employed and 28 percent are employed in professional, scientific, and technical services.

Union:

None

Certifications:

None

Training Period:

Entry-level positions in photojournalism or in industrial or scientific photography generally require a college degree in photography or in a field related to the industry in which the photographer seeks employment. Entry-level freelance or portrait photographers need technical proficiency. Some complete a college degree or vocational training programs. Photographers wishing to enter the news business can often find an internship with a publishing entity, where they can develop a real-life portfolio, get experience and develop contacts.

Strongest Market(s):

Demand for portrait photographers should increase as the population grows. Growth of Internet versions of magazines, journals, and newspapers will require increasing numbers of commercial photographers to provide digital images. The Internet and improved data management programs also should make it easier for freelancers to market directly to their customers, increasing opportunities for self-employment and decreasing reliance on stock photo agencies. This allows the photographer more freedom to work and live virtually anywhere, depending on the particular subjects they are shooting.

Entry Level Salary:

Entry level salaries for qualified individuals range from $8.14 to $9.91 per hour.

Top Salary:

$62,430

Job Growth Forecast:

Growth is expected to be average nationally over the next decade at 7 to 13 percent.