According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than half of all photographers are freelance, a significantly higher ratio than almost every other occupation. Photographers produce and preserve images that paint a picture, tell a story, or record an event. To create commercial-quality photographs, photographers need technical expertise, creativity, and the appropriate equipment for each individual job.
Most photographers face the same challenge early on in their professional career; what kind of photography should I specialize in? Today more than ever, employers are more interested in individuals who appear to know a lot about a specific area of expertise rather than those who know a little bit about several different areas. When you choose a specialty it may seem as though you are receiving less contract offers initially, however, specialization will not only give you a more rewarding career, but will also pay more per assignment.
As a veteran of the freelance photography business, you may already know all about the different areas of specialty, but for those shutterbugs just breaking into the field, here is a list of the major money makers:
- Commercial and industrial photographers take pictures of various subjects, such as buildings, models, merchandise, artifacts, and landscapes. These photographs are used in a variety of media, including books, reports, advertisements, and catalogs and are commonly used as “stock photos” which are sold in bundles or per photo. They are used on everything from nearly 90% of websites to presentations, advertisements and brochures
- Scientific photographers take images of a variety of subjects to illustrate or record scientific or medical data or phenomena, using knowledge of scientific procedures. They typically possess additional knowledge in areas such as engineering, medicine, biology, or chemistry
- News photographers also called photojournalists, these individuals photograph newsworthy people, places, and sporting, political, and community events for newspapers, journals, magazines, or television
- Fine arts photographers sell their photographs as fine artwork. In addition to technical proficiency, fine arts photographers need artistic talent and creativity
In addition to carrying out assignments under direct contract with clients, you may want to license the use of your photographs through stock-photo agencies or market your work directly to the public. Stock-photo agencies sell photos to websites, magazines, ad agencies and others a license to use photographs, and pay the photographer a commission on each sale. These agencies require an application from the photographer and a sizable portfolio of pictures. Once accepted, photographers are usually required to submit a large number of new photographs each year. It is a good idea for freelance photographers working in this area to have a thorough understanding of copyright laws in order to protect their work.
The Skills
Employers typically seek applicants with a good technical understanding of photography. Additionally, photojournalists or industrial or scientific photographers generally need a college degree. Entry-level freelance or portrait photographers need to at least have technical proficiency although many have completed a college degree or vocational training programs.
Photography courses are offered by many universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, and private trade and technical schools. Basic courses in photography cover equipment, processes, and techniques. Learning good business skills is important and some bachelor’s degree programs offer courses focusing on these skills. Art schools generally offer useful training in photographic design and composition.
There are currently over 125,000 people who consider themselves professional photographers, but of those people, how many really understand the job? How many are true photographers? Because of this, if you have the skills, photography is an excellent field to be in right now, especially freelance photography. Some of the best photographers can easily earn upwards of $60,000 a year and that includes all of the freedom that typically comes with a freelance job. No matter what area of photography you specialize in, you are going to find competition. The most important thing is to unlock your imagination and let it do all the work. If you take it as seriously as some of the best in the business, you can be among them in no time.
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Source: U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics
