How to Get a Job As a Photographer

Getting a job as a photographer takes persistence and dedication.

Landing a photography position can seem daunting, if not impossible. Photographers are not only required to have a fair degree of technical skill, but to be persistent businesspeople as well. Too often, internships are unpaid positions geared toward students that teach little beyond the best route to the copy machine or the water cooler. However, photography is a field that is alive and well, and includes a variety of opportunities that have only increased with the growth of online media.

Things You'll Need

• Business cards
• Portfolio of your best work

Instructions

1. Prepare a portfolio that includes your best work. Look for images with contrast, an interesting subject that moves the eye around and stimulates interest, and a variety of tones (especially true for black and white photography). Your portfolio should provide an idea of your style as a photographer. It is good practice to prepare a professionally-presented portfolio in hard copy format as well as to include a copy of your portfolio on disk. Bring an extra disk or two to interviews, as they can be useful to leave with potential clients or employers.

2. Join a photography association. There are many industry-specific photography organizations, such as the American Society of Media Photographers; Editorial Photographers and Advertising Photographers of America. Other groups, like the Analog Photography Users Group, focus on specific types of photography and include a Classified section on their website.

3. Check job listings online. Especially helpful are industry-specific websites like Journalism Jobs and Get Photography Jobs, which list positions nationwide (see Resources). Remaining open to freelance work can help build your portfolio if you are just starting out in the field. Freelance clients are often happy to pass your name along to interested friends, so be sure to talk with as many people as time allows when you are on assignment.

4. Talk with local newspapers and bring your portfolio. Even if you would rather be taking artistic photographs, you can build your repertoire and your foundation as a photographer by first getting work professionally. Newspapers often look for action shots and close-ups, so if you don't have any such pictures to show them, beef up your portfolio first by attending a variety of local events. Bring your camera to a basketball or football game, an arts and crafts fair or local festival or a city hall meeting to get you started.

5. Become a member of a stock photography website. iStockphoto has specific guidelines and requirements their photographers must follow, but adhering to these can open the door to selling your work. Another option is to post your work online. Basic website templates are available inexpensively, or consider posting to a free website for artists (like Deviant Art) if you are on a budget.

6. Be persistent in your job search and take pictures often. Go on weekend photo shoots. Always think in terms of building your skills and your repertoire. Don't limit yourself to one certain type of photography; having a variety of photographs for your portfolio can increase your chances of landing a job.

7. Talk with other photographers. Most photography associations include forums on their websites. These can be invaluable places to glean information and gather feedback on your photography. Look at the websites of professional photographers, and compare your work to theirs. Always be thinking of how you can improve your technique and make your work more marketable. Staying abreast of industry trends will keep you in the loop.

Tips & Warnings

• Always carry several business cards on you, including your contact information and web address, if your work is online.

Resources

• Professional Photographer Associations
• Getting Started in Photojournalism
• Get Photography Jobs