Commercial photographers create the advertising images we see in newspapers, magazines, brochures, posters and other advertising media. They create illustrations for catalogues, manuals and brochures.
This wok is very technical. You may choose to specialize in areas such as food, fashions, consumer products photography, buildings and even medical specimens. You may prefer the variety of more general assignments.
One fairly common approach is to be self-employed and operate your own studio. Alternatively, you can work for advertising agencies, museums, governments, large corporations or for an independent photographer.
On the job you must study the requirements of each assignment and figure out how to solve its particular challenges. You must decide what equipment, background accessories and lighting are needed. You then determine the best composition and adjust the equipment accordingly. Afterwards, you may find yourself using computer technology to enhance or modify the image.
A good deal of your time is spent attending to clients and discussing their needs. In the case of corporate clients, you may spend time consulting with their artistic and advertising staff.
Commercial photography offers both variety and scope for self-expression. You may be attracted to it by the glamour, but it is as much a business as it is an art.
The market is very competitive; you need dedication and long hours to be successful.
You may find yourself working under a variety of conditions, in many different places. The job can be physically demanding, especially when the heavy camera and lighting equipment must be transported to the job. You must be flexible enough to meet the client's needs while producing work with artistic value. For many, the greatest satisfaction comes from solving the problems presented by each new assignment. Meeting many people and establishing satisfying professional relationships is also one of many rewards.
The self-employed commercial photographer is generally paid by the project. If you are employed by a photographer or and advertising agency, you will likely be paid on an hourly basis.
You need both visual sense and business sense. A "good eye" is essential but you must also know how to sell your services. And you need to work hard to get ahead. Self-motivated, ambitious and outgoing individuals make the best commercial photographers. You must also be versatile enough to deal with constantly changing work situations.
To deal effectively with clients you must be a good listener and strive to meet their needs. The challenge for photographers is to do this without sacrificing their artistic standards.
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