What does a Photographer do?
Published 3 min read
A photographer is an artist who captures images with a camera.
Photographer job duties include:
- Take photographs of people, places, things, or events
- Develop film and produce prints using a darkroom
- Select and assemble proper equipment for each assignment
- Compose and frame subjects to create desired effects
- Determine lighting requirements and set up equipment accordingly
- Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus to control exposure and produce desired results
- Use filters, flash attachments, and other accessories to obtain specific effects
- Ensure that photographs are properly exposed, focused, and composed before taking them
- Edit negatives and prints to improve their quality or correct defects
Photographer Job Requirements
Most photographers need a high school diploma or equivalent, although some jobs may require postsecondary education, and many photographers receive some on-the-job training. Some states have certification programs for photographers, but not all states recognize these programs. Many photographers belong to professional organizations. Photographers who work for newspapers or other media outlets usually have a bachelor’s degree in journalism or communication.
Photographer Skills
- Technical skills
- Creativity
- Composition
- Lighting
- People skills
- Patience
- Attention to detail
- Flexibility
- Artistic sensibility
- Self-discipline
- Vision
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How to become a Photographer
A photographer is someone who takes photographs to capture memories, events, or objects. There are many different types of photographers, such as portrait, landscape, and product photographers. To become a photographer, you will need to have an eye for detail and composition, and be able to use a camera to take high-quality photos.
If you want to become a professional photographer, you will need to have a portfolio of your work to show prospective clients. You may also need to take classes or get a degree in photography. Many photographers start out working as assistants to other photographers before going out on their own.
With the rise of digital photography, anyone can become a photographer with the right equipment and some practice. If you are interested in becoming a photographer, start by taking some pictures with your camera and seeing if you have an eye for it. Then, look into getting some formal training or education in photography. Once you have a portfolio of your work, you can start marketing yourself to potential clients.
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