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Job description | Commercial photographers use a variety of photographic equipment to take photographs commissioned by clients such as advertising agencies, PR consultancies, film studios or design agencies. Most photographers are self-employed or work on a freelance basis. The job typically entails: - setting up photographic equipment; taking photographs of people/events - processing and developing films - preparing proofs for the client; liaising with other staff such as account mangers or executives - satisfying creative briefs, - researching and making contacts; promoting the business; negotiating prices/fees etc, administration. The majority of work is undertaken 'on location'
or at an employer’s office, so travel and irregular working hours
are common features of the job. This, combined with tight deadlines, can
make the work tiring, stressful and pressurised. |
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| Typical employers | - design agencies · advertising agencies - PR consultancies - marketing departments of public companies - book publishers |
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| Qualifications and experience |
Most photographers in this field are self-employed or freelance, so other than talent, there are few barriers to entry. However, like those wishing to become press photographers, photography, art, design, film, television, or media studies qualifications can be advantageous. Part-time photography courses (such as City and Guilds at the London College of Printing) can also offer a useful starting point. |
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| Salary | Range of typical starting
salaries: n/a Salary is an “N/A” because whilst freelancing photographers can turnover £100,000k +, sunk costs such as equipment, insurance, maintaining a portfolio are high and any decent accountant will keep taxable profit to a minimum (not difficult, says Ed Miller). There are also only very, very few salaried photographers working today, mostly specialist snappers working in the medical, military or police arenas. |
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| Working hours and conditions | Because you’ll be at the beck and call of clients, working hours will always be erratic. This leads to a varied and exciting working life though, where no week is ever the same and you are constantly meeting new people. The nature of the work also means that you will rarely be in your office or, as is more often the case, home. |
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| More information/ professional bodies | The Association of Photographers,
www.aophoto.co.uk British Institute of Professional Photography, www.bipp.com |
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| Within these4walls |
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| Personal thoughts | “I would emphasise the importance of self motivation, perseverance, patience, and a very thick skin. Basically I believe that there is plenty of work out there for good, intelligent photographers, but finding it and generating enough clients to provide a reasonable income takes time and hard work. There are a lot of good photographers getting nowhere, whilst many very ordinary ones do well. The difference is in drive and ambition. A good portfolio is essential - tailored to the client's requirements, or specific area in which you want to work. It's no good showing arty B/W landscapes to a PR agency.” Ed Miller, freelance photographer, www.edmiller.co.uk |
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