Making a living as a photographer is as difficult as it is rewarding. Over half of professional photographers are freelancers. Here are some tips on how to get hired as a photographer.
Steps
Step 1. Identify the needs of the market
Companies that hire full-time photographers usually have specific needs for their business. For example, an online auction company may need product photos to post on their website. Other full-time jobs include school yearbook photography, portrait photography in shopping malls, or theme park photography.
Step 2. First, decide what kind of photography you are passionate about, and take as many shots as possible
Look at the jobs in your industry and try to develop strengths that make you an attractive candidate. Look for companies that may have jobs available and study the types of photographs they need.
Step 3. Put together a portfolio based on the job you are trying to get
If you are applying to be a photographer for an advertising agency, fill your portfolio with photographs of objects.
- Put your best works together and try to make the subjects you photograph exciting. Include images of cars, cans of cola, electronic devices, placing them in an interesting and dramatic lighting context. Photograph them in unusual places, such as a mobile phone in a meadow by a river. This will show that you are creative, and even if the subject and context are meaningless, it is the composition and quality of the product that employers are looking for.
- Look at the objects and think "If I wanted to advertise this object, how could I capture people's attention with a single image?"
Step 4. For photographic portraits, fill your portfolio with images of faces, busts, 3/4 figures and full-length shots of individuals and groups
Make sure you have some in color, some in black and white, some in sepia tones, and some with some popular portrait filters.
- Take pictures of friends, family, anyone who can pose for you. Take photos that truly show the subject's personality. It is also a good idea to have images of many different ethnicities, as lighting requirements and color adjustment vary with different skin tones.
- The central thing an employer will look for in a portrait portfolio is; the surrender of the subject. A photo of a woman with a warm smile, whose skin looks flawless and her eyes sparkle thanks to your lighting, will be a great choice, even if the blur effect you were looking for didn't quite work out.
Step 5. Keep in mind what the employer is likely looking for:
outdoor shots? Portraits? Close-ups landscapes? Commercial product shots? Try to build a portfolio based on this.
Step 6. Keep your portfolio flexible, so you can change it depending on the job interview you show up to
Remember to do as many interviews as possible; there are thousands of other photographers you compete with, so don't expect to find work right away. Be professional, behave with courtesy and kindness, show your creativity, and be willing to listen to criticism.
Step 7. Contact people who do the work you would like to do
Ask them how they were successful.
Step 8. Contact people who hire photographers
Ask them what they are looking for. If you are sincere, serious and friendly, most people will be happy to take a couple of minutes to give you some pointers.
Step 9. Don't be discouraged if you get rejections
Keep taking photos, working freelance, and build your portfolio. It must be your passion that motivates you to persevere.
Warnings
- Getting started in photography can be expensive - employers expect you to have professional equipment, all the necessary lenses and, in some cases, lighting tools.
- You may have to go through a hundred interviews before you can get hired as a photographer somewhere.
