What does a photographer do?

I'm interested in photography and thinking about pursuing it as a career. Can anyone tell me more about what a photographer's job involves and the skills I would need to succeed in this field?

A career in photography involves more than just taking pictures. It requires a deep understanding of visual aesthetics along with technical acumen. A photographer's job can be wide-ranging and immensely creative depending on their specialization. They can work in multiple sectors including but not limited to weddings, fashion, sports, photojournalism, wildlife, and more.

Daily duties often involve setting up and using photographic equipment, planning and executing photoshoots, editing and processing images, and even marketing one's own services or pictures. Cooperation with models, clients, or other professionals is also part of the job. If you're working for a newspaper or a fashion magazine, you may be scheduling shoots, managing equipment, scouting locations, and adjusting photos after shooting them.

As for skills you'd need, here are a few that successful photographers usually possess:

Technical Proficiency: An understanding of cameras, lighting, and editing software is crucial. This doesn't mean you need to know every technical detail, but understand enough to create the shot you need.

Artistic Eye: The ability to see a scene and know how to capture it in a way that conveys the desired message or feeling is vital. This can be honed over time with experience and experimentation.

Communication: You often work with people (clients, models, customers), so being able to communicate your ideas clearly, understand the vision for the shot, and make people feel comfortable is key.

Persistence & Passion: Photography can be a competitive field. You'll need persistence to build your business or land a job, and a true passion for the art to keep learning and improving over time.

Patience: Some kinds of photography require a lot of downtime, waiting for the right light or the decisive moment. Learning to enjoy these quiet times will likely improve your shots and reduce job stress.

Moreover, the business aspect of work will likely require you to negotiate contracts and copyright issues, billing customers, scheduling appointments, and purchasing supplies. These aren't the 'romantic' parts of the job but are just as crucial for your success. Hope this gives you a detailed look into the life of a professional photographer!