In honour of that time of year when many people are snapping photos of parties and Christmas decorations, this week’s career memes poke fun at photographers.
What they do: Photographers create images for a range of creative, technical and documentary purposes, with many specialising in an area, such as PR, photojournalism, commercial photography, or portrait photography.
Professional photographers normally work to a brief set out by a client or employer. Photographers also work in different locations, setting up shots and using a range of equipment, including cameras, lenses, filters, lights and particular software.
What they don’t do: Use Instagram and call themselves a photographer.
Educational requirements: Although most photographers don’t require a post-secondary education, many take classes or earn a diploma or bachelor’s degree in a related subject.
Required skills: A good photographer will possess creativity/artistic ability, attention to detail, business skills, and good interpersonal skills, which include good communication and customer-service skills for working with clients and the public.
Salary: In Ireland, photographers can expect to earn €22,000 a year, according to PayScale.com, but as their experience increases and portfolio of work improves, their compensation can increase, too.
