A commercial photographer often works in the marketing department of product companies, ad agencies, or design firms. They spend their time in photography studios, producing photographs used for wholesale and retail purposes, as well is the field, capturing photos of marketable people or events. Paparazzi fall under the category of commercial photography, as well as photojournalists.
Commercial photography is a fairly broad industry. It encompasses sub-fields such as food photography, landscape photography, wildlife photography, editorial photography and much more. Commercial photographers are compensated for their images as opposed to “works of art.” They’re more focused on presenting products or scenes as they are, rather than applying creative twists. Commercial photographers also need to know how to edit their images to a professional grade using advanced photo editing computer software. Popular programs include the Adobe Photoshop suite, Apple’s Aperture, GIMP, and PhotoFiltre.
Commercial photographers who work in studios are often required to collaborate with a team during an advertising campaign. They need to be able to work together with copywriters and other artists to create enticing ads that meet their clients’ demands. Going to school for photography can significantly help individuals become employed as a commercial photographer. Most companies, both in photography and outside of the field, require a bachelor’s degree for employment. Coursework in art and photography will teach students the various technical aspects involved with photography, including variables such as light, lens selection, angles, filters, etc.
Commercial Photographer Salary
Commercial photographers utilize their photography skills for commercial media pieces, such as product displays, instructional manuals, business pamphlets, etc. They spend a large portion of their time traveling on assignment and shooting from various locations, and can be self or corporately employed. On average, commercial photographers earn $76,000 per year.
*According to Indeed.com
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