Lesson 9 & 10 - Assignment 2

Lesson 9 & 10 - Assignment 2

The task for assignment 2 is in small groups we are required to research and area of photography. My group, consisting of Tess, Sue and myself, looked at portraiture and the difference between domestic and commercial. What I found interesting is that there really is no specific career path for a photographer to take. There is such a variety of ways that you can get into the business. Some study where others just have a passion and go for it! Below is our findings.



Careers in Photography
Portraiture (commercial + domestic)

Intro
A portrait is an artistic representation of a person or group of people where the focus is predominately on the face as well as the expression. Photographic portraits can range from a family snapshot to a carefully composed image. A portrait can often allow the viewer an insight into the subject’s mood or personality.


Definition
The use of a portrait can range from domestic to commercial use. Domestic photography is usually intended for private use and viewing. This is most commonly seen as family portraits but also includes weddings and other special occasions. These images can be produced professionally or often vernacularly.


Commercial photography differs to domestic photography where the intent is for the photographs to be publicly displayed for a wider audience. This can vary from editorial and advertising to company portraits and other promotional portraits. These photographs are usually taken professionally with the purpose to promote or advertise a business, product or person.


Career path
- There are many ways to become a Portrait photographer and they range from:
- studying photography at university, tafe or through a private organisation
- studying another profession and making a decision to move into photography
- starting with a hobby that slowly starts to earn you money until it becomes a full time profession.


Educational Requirements
- Every state in Australia has courses on photography and they can be run by government or private organisations.
- Some organisations may specialise in a particular genre such as photojournalism or advertising however they are usually very general.
- The type of qualification the organisation delivers is varied from a nationally recognised qualification such as a Degree or certificate to something that is a certificate delivered by a private organisation that no one recognises accept the body issuing it.
- Courses can be completed full time, part time or by correspondence.
- Fees vary depending on the organisation with Universities being the dearest.
- A directory of Photography courses can be found in Australian Photographer August 2010.
- They list 50 organisations that offer photography courses.


Way of finding work
There are many different methods that portrait photographers may market themselves or their business to find work. This includes online marketing such as; websites, blogging and other forms of social media and networking such as facebook, twitter and other online profiles. Other forms of marketing include promotional flyers, business cards, photographic awards, portfolios, publications, yellow pages, advertisements, markets, and especially word of mouth.


Pay ranges
- Varies greatly depending on experience, notoriety, subjects, where the images will be presented.
- Domestic portrait photographers tend to charge an upfront sitting fee and then the client pays an additional price for each print they want.
- Commercial portrait photographers usually present the client with a total cost of the job upfront. This fee generally covers: time spent on shoot, time spent editing, output costs (eg. Printing), copyright usage, travel time.

Example of Photographers

Lisa Maree Williams
- www.keystonephotos.com.au
- Primarily does editorial and commercial portraiture.
- Has worked in the photographic industry for 17 years.
- Passionate about exploring social, cultural and humanitarian issues in her photographs.

Career Path
- Began her career as a photo assistant at the age of 21.
- Went on to study a Bachelor of Photojournalism at Griffith University in Brisbane.
- Was then offered a cadetship with The Sunshine Coast Daily newspaper.
- Learnt to work fast with an ability to cover a variety of projects, which are vital skills to be successful in press.
- Worked there for four years.

Her Work
- Currently based in Sydney
- She now does work as a freelance photographer for Getty Images, The Australian, various magazines including Vogue, Rolling Stone and Harpers Bazaar and a number of other commercial and independent clients.
- Lisa’s work schedule is unpredictable and her pricing varies from project to project.
- She has photographed many celebrities, sporting stars and political leaders including The Dalai Lama, George Bush, Kylie Minogue, Steve Irwin and Layne Beachley.
- A large portion of her portrait work explores cultural and social issues.
Important characteristics to have as a portrait photographer
- A love of people and telling stories
- Having respect for your subject
- Technical abilities

Marketing
- Online marketing is very important for her business.
- She is currently in the process of launching a new website and blog.
- She also has printed folios and promotional cards.
- Most of her clients come to her via word of mouth.
She recommends
- http://www.aphotoeditor.com/
- PDN
- Capture Magazine


Questions that were asked.
- What do you like most about your career / job?
- On average, how many hours do you work per week?
- How do you go about pricing your jobs?
- What characteristics / skills make you good for this type of photography?
- Describe your primary work environment.
- To what do you attribute your success?
- What would you say is the biggest mistake most photographers make in your type of business?
- What do you think of the future of your profession?
- What do you do to advance your skills?
- What industry publications/organisations do you subscribe to?