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By John Snyder


Photographer as a word is a term derived from the Greek language. Its translation into English means drawing with light. The person who makes photographs is referred to as a photographer. People who work in this industry are usually skilled in taking photographs of plants, landscapes, machines, and people among others. Any Orlando photorapher is highly skilled in taking photographs of virtually anything one may want. They are available for hire at affordable rates.

Thousands of photographers work in the United States and they work for employers in various industries. Among the industries they work in include photographic services, recreation, entertainment, universities, colleges, newspapers, television broadcasting, publishers, arts, and professional schools. Similarly, there are several hundreds of photographers who are self-employed. Statistics taken in the year 2012 indicated that over sixty percent of photographers were self-employed.

The kind of environment one works in is usually dictated by the area of photography they specialize in. For portrait photographers, studios are the main work environment. However, they may need to go out of the studio to meet with clients. They take photos of their clients in private as well as public places. Typically, aerial photographers work from elevated grounds or above the ground in aircraft.

There is a lot of travelling done by news and commercial photographers. They have to go to local and international destinations to work. The work schedule is highly irregular and may involve working for several hours. The work surroundings may be uncomfortable and dangerous at times. For example, photographers have to go to war torn areas to take photos of what is happening. Usually, short notices are issued for one to be available for work.

The job involves travelling for long distances on foot. Most of the work done by photographers is done while standing. There is a lot of heavy equipment that these workers have to bring along when they go on a job. They have to carry the equipment for long hours. As such, one needs to be physically fit to be able to carry such equipment.

According to statistical evidence, for every three photographers, one works on a part-time basis. Work schedules for photographers are very flexible. There are several different specialties in which photographers can specialize. Similarly, each specialty also differs in the season when it has the highest demand. For example, spring and summer months are usually peak seasons for wedding photographers.

Working as a photographer does not need any formal education. However, to secure better contracts, it is important to have a degree or other academic levels in photography. Having formal education increases the chances of securing employment and helps to improve skills. There are other routes that one may take to qualify to work. One may also have qualification in related fields and still qualify to work.

There are many academic institutions, including junior and community colleges, universities, private technical and trade schools, and vocational-technical institutes that offer academic courses in photography. Photography courses cover a wide range of techniques, equipment, and processes. To become effective in this field, one may also need to have additional skills such as accounting, business, and marketing.




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