What Is the Job of a Photographer?

Professional photographers use cameras to capture breaking news, special moments or to sell products. Photographers can work in the news industry for newspapers, magazines or the Internet. Photographers can also work in the advertising business or on their own as freelance photographers. Freelance photographers earn income by accepting assignments from more than one employer. While some photographers still use film cameras, many use state-of-the art digital equipment that can cost ten-of-thousands of dollars. Photographers can hold jobs in many different fields, some of which may not involve using a camera.

Sports Photographers

Sports photography is a popular type of photography. Sports photographers must be able to adjust camera settings to capture a variety of action shots both indoors and outdoors. Sports photographers must also be able to adjust flash settings depending on the amount of light that is available. Sports photographers work mainly during evening and weekend hours to cover youth, high school, college and professional sporting events.

Photo Editing

Many photographers must also edit and process their photographs. Photo editing may include using computer programs to touch up photos. Touch-ups may include getting rid of red-eye, balancing the colors in photos or cropping pictures to a needed size or shape. Media outlets often have specific jobs for workers who select, edit and assign photos.

Camera Maintenance

Photographers must know how to not only use, but maintain their equipment. Photographers must be able to clean both camera bodies and lenses to keep them dust and dirt free and working properly. Photographers must have in-depth knowledge of their equipment to know when equipment needs only an adjustment to settings or if maintenance is required.

Studio Photographers

Studio photographers specialize in taking posed pictures in a controlled setting. Controlled can include specialized lighting and props that are set up and controlled by the photographer. Studio photographers often work by appointment and take photos that include group, family, school and wedding photographs. Studio photographers can also shoot still or posed photos for use in advertising.

Deadline

Photographers working in the news-gathering industry often work on deadline. Photographers must be able to get quality pictures at a remote location and send photographs back to editors in a timely manner. Photographers must also be able to supply editors with information pertaining to each photograph.