BetterPhoto Q&A
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BetterPhoto Member		photography and english student Hello, My name is Libby Coumbe, I am a Junnior in high school in Oshkosh Wisconsin and am writing a research paper on becoming a professional photographer. I was hoping that some one would be able to answer a few questions for me on the day to day life of a professional photographer and other such questions. What does the day to day job entail? How would a person become involved and sucessful in this field of employment? What are the benifits of the job? What if anything would you as the emplyoed change? What type of education would you suggest too have a sucessful start in this field? What are the best and worst parts of this job? Any other tips or suggestions for an aspiring photographer? Thank you for your time, Libby Coumbe To love this question, log in above May 08, 2003

Bill McFadden		The single best book that I have seen on the subject of starting and running a photography studio is written by Edward R Lilley. It is called "The Business of Studio Photography" John and Susan on this site can and I am sure will give you great tips on photography course. The one thing that I believe every photographer should take are a few basic business and advertising courses. Photography courses prepare a student to create an great image. They do not prepare a photographer for the most important part of the business. Successful photographers tend to be great at the business end of photography. That means a photographer needs to know how to market their services, keep track of inventory, their appointment calendar, their local market needs and still find time to shoot images. A few business and marketing courses will allow you to be able to juggle this essential mix of skills. Once you enter the professional world, or even as a student, you may want to consider joining one of the many professional photography organizations. of course, the start point of being successful is being able to make a marketable image. To love this comment, log in above May 08, 2003

John A. Lind		Libby, Wow! The day-to-day job varies widely among professional photographers. Reason? It depends completely on the type of photography . . . news/journalism, sports/racing, fashion, wedding/portraiture, fine art, commercial/industrial, whether the bulk of the work is done in a studio or on location, etc. Bill is dead on about the business aspect being very important for the "independent" . . . someone not working for a company or corporation. That said, I believe there are four equally important aspects: 1. Business: how to make it profitable and and keep it profitable. 2. Marketing: how to get business and sell work. 3. Technical knowledge about light, optics, film, etc. 4. Artistic vision/creativity and image composition. A little about the business end; particularly in starting a business: The "independents" and others who own all their own equipment, often including a studio must make significant "capital" investments in the equipment. It must also be maintained in good operating condition and there are repair/replacement costs. Professional grade camera equipment that can withstand continuous, daily use is expensive. I consider about $10,000 to be about the minimum required to buy the essentials for a photography business startup. This can go higher if the work requires specialized equipment that can be very expensive. I know this doesn't answer all your questions, but hope it helps some. Visit your city/county library and look under photography for books that describe the business and how to start/operate one. -- John To love this comment, log in above May 08, 2003

Chad I. Lampton		Libby, This has nothing to do with cameras. Although, I did become an IT. It's been 5 years since we talked. I don't know what to say other than this is crazy that I'm responding to something you wrote 5 years ago. Well your not a junior in high school anymore. Your probably married. You probably forgot about me. I didn't forget about you. I still miss you. <----creepy huh? In closing, I still care about you deeply and much more than my own foot. I've never understood why. I don't over think it. I just know your the one that got away and I live with it day by day. Some how you said or did something that I'm still waiting for you! I'll always in my own head be waiting for you at the airport for you to pick me up. To love this comment, log in above October 09, 2008

- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery		What tha...!! To love this comment, log in above October 09, 2008

Pete H		"What does the day to day job entail?" NOT answering questions like this. To love this comment, log in above October 09, 2008

Mark Feldstein		Omgosh, in Oshkosh? Gosh, bygosh !!! M To love this comment, log in above October 09, 2008

Mark Feldstein		Derek in love? d+ mabe c-. Lacks originality, form and cohesive structure. Emily, as an English student, knew that. M To love this comment, log in above October 09, 2008

BetterPhoto Member		Let's not go high tech on the technical jargon there Mark, Mark To love this comment, log in above October 10, 2008

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