What does a photographer do?
If you ask your friends and acquaintances: “What does a photographer do?”, you will get the answer in case of doubt: They will take pictures of my application photo and my wedding. Well, the profession of photographer is much more diverse. We are surrounded by images every day. News pictures are needed everywhere in the traditional print works with daily publication, the daily newspapers or in the news channels on the Internet or television. This is where the photojournalist comes into play. A photographer is also needed to illustrate advertisements and brochures. In science, a photographer is needed who can document and accompany research and development. For the family picture, the photographer often works in the classic shop, who also takes the application photos and accompanies private celebrations. Many photographers also deal with the decorative and artistic pictures that we might hang in our living rooms or offices as decorations. As a photographer, you must of course be able to use your technology (camera and light(, correctly. You should always be curious about new things. Always try something new. In fact, everything has been photographed before. Virtually all events have happened in one form or another. Nevertheless, there are further developments.
Whether it’s new imagery, new skills or new technology, everything is in flux and lifelong learning is required. In addition, other requirements are also made of a photographer. Regardless of whether you are employed, a freelancer or a self-employed business person – your creative streak is also required for image composition, lighting design and set construction. A certain level of craftsmanship is also an advantage here. A set needs to be built, a wall painted, curtains and fabrics draped properly, the iron used. Lots of manipulations have to be done. Before the job and at the end of a job there is also business administration. An offer should be prepared beforehand, with all the necessary details, and at the end there is a transparent invoice that the customer can understand. Your task is not only to know and comply with the regulations, but also to calculate correctly so that you end up earning something from the job! Even as a freelance photographer or artist who takes his or her pictures without a commission and only wants to sell the pictures afterwards, you cannot ignore the financial framework. Advisors can help here, but you cannot avoid basic knowledge.