Resources for Careers in Photography
Are you someone with a passion for visual imagery and telling a story with pictures rather than words? If so, a career in photography or photojournalism may be for you. Entering the field is likely to be a challenging and competitive process. You may have to start as a photographer’s assistant, in a special internship, or by building a portfolio through your own freelance work. Working for a newspaper or magazine as a staff photographer is less common than working freelance, so learning how to promote yourself and your work will be critical to long term success. It is also important in this field to make connections with individuals in the industry because many opportunities are not advertised. Use the Alumni Careers Network to begin making connections.
Alumni Careers Network
Alumni have VOLUNTEERED to have students contact them for advice and information about majors and careers. The Alumni Careers Network (ACN), with 4,500 volunteers worldwide, is a searchable on-line database of Princeton alumni who are willing and eager for you to contact them so they can provide you with advice and assistance about their industry or career field.
Selected Online Resources
Photography and Film Career Guide - http://www.khake.com/page45.html - Explore careers in Photography and Film with links to job descriptions, which include information such as daily activities, skill requirements, salary and training required.
A Day in the Life of a Photographer -http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/profiles/dayInLife.asp?careerID=113 - Princeton Review’s career web site provides an overview of the job, as well as links to information about internships, graduate school, and other job search resources for photography.
Photographers - http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos264.htm - Profile of the profession from the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Excellent information to use when initially exploring the profession.
Occupational Information Network (O*NET) – Photography http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/27-4021.00 - Excellent site that outlines the skills, abilities, and qualities a person typically must possess as a photographer.
Freelance Photography Job Board – http://www.freelancephotojobs.com/ - Freelance photography jobs for freelance photographers.
Selected Professional Associations
A professional association is an organization of people who have similar career interests. These membership- based organizations often offer a reduced rate for students that allow access to the many resources they provide. Often professional association websites offer job/internship databases as well as opportunities to find mentors or other contacts.
Professional Photographers of America -http://www.ppa.com/ - Professional Photographers of America (PPA) is the world’s largest nonprofit association for professional photographers, with more than 20,000 members in 54 countries. This association seeks to increase its members’ business savvy as well as broaden their creative scope, advancing careers by providing all the tools for success.
Photographic Society of America - http://www.psa-photo.org/ - The Photographic Society of America is a worldwide organization founded in 1934 to "Promote the Arts and Sciences of Photography and to further public education therein". There are members in all 50 states as well as 60 other countries of the world. PSA Headquarters are located in Oklahoma City, OK.
National Press Photographers Association - http://www.nppa.org/about_us/ - The National Press Photographers Association is dedicated to the advancement of visual journalism, its creation, practice, training, editing and distribution, in all news media and works to promote its role as a vital public service
North American Nature Photography Association - http://www.nanpa.org/ - NANPA promotes the art and science of nature photography as a medium of communication, nature appreciation, and environmental protection. They provide information, education, inspiration and opportunity for all persons interested in nature photography
American Society of Media Photographers - http://www.asmp.org/index.php - The American Society of Media Photographers (originally the Society of Magazine Photographers and later the American Society of Magazine Photographers) is the leading trade association for photographers who photograph primarily for publication. ASMP promotes photographers' rights, educates photographers in better business practices, produces business publications for photographers and helps buyers find professional photographers.
Wedding & Portrait Photographers International - http://www.wppionline.com/pages/aboutwppi.aspx - An organization devoted to serving wedding and portrait photographers. Hold an annual convention in Las Vegas.
American Society of Picture Professionals - http://www.aspp.com/ - AASP is a community of image experts committed to sharing their experience and knowledge throughout the industry. They provide professional networking and educational opportunities.