Photographer
Comprehensive Sites
Bureau of Labor Statistics: PhotographerA day in the life of a photographer is described at the Princeton Review’s career site, where you can learn what you can expect in two, five, and after 10 years of employment. Links at the left side of the page also connect you to information on salary potential, employers, and majors to select at your choice of college if you are interested in becoming a photographer. You can also find out about related graduate degrees and internships.
Princeton Review: PhotographerA day in the life of a photographer is described at the Princeton Review’s career site, where you can learn what you can expect in two, five, and after 10 years of employment. Links at the left side of the page also connect you to information on salary potential, employers, and majors to select at your choice of college if you are interested in becoming a photographer. You can also find out about related graduate degrees and internships.
Occupational Titles
Photographer
Commercial Photographer
Digital Photographer
Freelance Photographer
News Photographer
Accredited Academic Programs
Princeton Review: Photographer, College MajorsIf you want to become a photographer, you might study in a variety of undergraduate degree programs, from photography to journalism. First, take a look at the list of potential majors here. After clicking on what interests you, click on “Schools Offering the Major” at the left of the page, to be taken to a comprehensive list of colleges that offer that major.
Professional Photographers of America: Affiliate SchoolsA contact directory of affiliated schools of the Professional Photographers of America is available to you from this site.
Salary Levels
Indeed.com: Photographer SalariesThe average salaries for photographers nationwide can be seen at this page, as well average salaries of jobs with related titles.
PayScale: PhotographerPayscale’s site for photographers provides the median hourly rate of a photographer by job type, years of experience, and in several cities across the U.S. The median salary charts by industry, employee age, gender, company, and many other variables can be searched at PayScale.
Professional Organizations
American Society of Media PhotographersYou will find an online resource for those interested in publication photography as a profession here. Community links take you to specialty groups, local chapter contacts, and industry links. In addition, the section on culture provides an exhibition listing, mentoring showcase, and online gallery of work. Features at this site offer young photographers important information on pricing, contracts, and copyright details, as well as professional publications to help you succeed as a photographer.
Professional Photographers of AmericaThis organization offers education and an online community to photographers, with business and personal protection, discounts, professional recognition, tools for success.
Job Opportunity Sources
Associated Press PhotographersThe AP job list may be of interest to you if you are looking for an internship or photography position. Click on the 12-week internship program, which is geared toward photographers, or look at opportunities and challenges for picture people. A list of current openings is available after a free registration process.
Licensing & Certification
Professional Photographic Certification CommissionBy connecting to the certifying home page, you can gain access to the information on the benefits and requirements of certification from a leader in certifying photographic professionals.
Publications
Photo District News: PDN OnlineA large selection of free online material is available to you at this page, if you want to learn about business and legal issues in becoming a photographer. Contests, a classifieds page, and networking tools are available at no cost. People in the news, interesting headline stories, and regular features are collected at this single source for emerging professionals.
Photographist ForumThis award-winning, quarterly publication helps to ensure communication among photographers and is specifically geared toward emerging professionals. With a subscription, available departments include digital photography, portfolios, and workshops.
Professional PhotographerProfessional Photographer magazine lets you select your specialty form a menu at the home page to access portrait features and related archived articles. Product reviews are available to you, as well as a comprehensive list of tutorial programs, from light control to creating the right mood in your photographs.
ShutterbugFor photography enthusiasts, this online publication offers you review on photography equipment, discussions of techniques, galleries, refresher courses, and a connection to an online forum. Other tools for creative artists include portrait tips, information on how to turn a hobby into a job, and feature articles and service providers.
Online Forums & Blogs
American Society of Media Photographers: Online CommunitiesThe online communities here are a resource for members across all 50 states to connect with each other and get professional advice. Students and emerging photographers will find an emphasis on the business aspects of photography as a profession. You can also access specialty forums if you are interested in architectural photography, fine art, culinary and food photographer, video, and underwater photography.
Shutterbug: ForumsThe threads at this page are active and address discussion of digital photography, different camera types, debates, feedback, and color management. Regular contributor forums are also available for technical information and chat about articles.
Career Videos
YouTube: Career Profile, PhotographerOne photographer discusses his unique path to becoming a creative professional. The education he received, challenging job aspects, and other ways of becoming a photographer are discussed, offering an interesting take on how one student broke into the field.
YouTube: Joe McNally, The Moment it ClicksSpanning his 30-year career as a photojournalist, this video describes a comprehensive life as a photographer. A mix of styles and approaches are introduced, as well as what initially interested this photographer to the field.
