Selecting the correct career path is a crucial decision with far-reaching implications. It is a choice that will shape your future, underscoring the importance of making an informed decision.
Over the next few weeks, The African Reporter will engage with business people, professionals, and other role players, focusing on a specific career field every week.
Through this, we aim to provide valuable guidance to our younger readers navigating their career choices.
This week we give a platform to a career in photography. Tsakani resident Siyabonga Mnyakeni has been a photographer for the past two years.
He said he was not into photography when he started, but it was a way for him to make extra money.
“After I bought my own laptop and camera, I started learning how to edit the pictures, enhance certain features and from there onwards I was hooked. And I’ve been a photographer ever since,” said Mnyakeni.
What is a photographer?
A photographer captures and creates images using a camera. Photography is both a science and an art, requiring technical skill and artistic vision.
Photographers use their knowledge of light, composition, and perspective to create images that convey emotions, tell stories, or simply capture moments in time.
What does a photographer do?
The duties and responsibilities of a photographer can vary depending on their specialisation and the specific context of their work, but some common responsibilities include:
• Capturing images: The primary responsibility of a photographer is to capture high-quality images that meet the needs and expectations of their clients or employers.
• Preparing for shoots: Photographers often spend time preparing for photo shoots by scouting locations, co-ordinating logistics, and planning shot lists. They may also prepare equipment, such as cameras, lenses, lighting, and props, to ensure they have everything they need to capture the desired images.
• Directing subjects: In portrait, fashion, or commercial photography, photographers may be responsible for directing subjects and guiding them through poses and expressions to achieve the desired look and feel for the images.
• Editing and retouching: After capturing images, photographers typically edit and retouch their photos to enhance colours, adjust exposure, and remove imperfections.
• Managing workflow: Photographers are often responsible for managing the workflow of their projects, which may include organising and cataloging images, delivering final products to clients, and maintaining archives of digital files for future reference.
• Marketing and promotion: Freelance photographers or those running their own photography businesses are responsible for marketing and promoting their services to attract clients and generate business.
• Continuing education: To stay current with industry trends and technologies, photographers often engage in continuing education and professional development activities.
Are there different types of Photographers?
Photography is a diverse field, with a wide range of photographers specialising in different areas of the industry. Each specialisation requires a unique set of skills, equipment, and techniques.
Types of photographers:
• Commercial photographers: A commercial photographer specialises in creating high-quality images for commercial purposes, such as advertisements, marketing campaigns, and promotional materials.
• Event photographers: An event photographer is skilled in capturing candid moments and key highlights during various events, such as weddings, corporate gatherings, concerts, or conferences.
• Fine art photographers: A fine art photographer is an artist who uses photography as a medium to create expressive and visually captivating artworks.
• Landscape photographers: A landscape photographer specialises in capturing the natural beauty of landscapes, including mountains, forests, oceans, and other scenic vistas.
• Portrait photographers: A portrait photographer is specialised in capturing individuals, groups, or families in visually appealing and expressive photographs.
• Sports photographers: A sports photographer is dedicated to capturing dynamic and impactful images of sporting events, athletes, and sports-related activities.
• Wildlife photographers: A wildlife photographer captures compelling images of animals, birds, and natural habitats in their natural environment.
Where can I study to become a photographer?
These days anyone can become a photographer. One can learn through YouTube tutorials and TikTok videos. The important part is knowing how to set your own camera.
There are a number of public and private institutions that offer courses in photography such as:
• Tshwane University of Technology offers a diploma in commercial photography.
• University of the Witswatersrand offers BA course in Fine Arts
• Damelin offers a diploma course in photography
• College SA offers a certificate in digital photography
• Cape Peninsuala University of Technology offers a diploma in photography
Which high school subjects do I need?
Contact each institution for their specific requirements, but these subjects are recommended:
• English is compulsory
• Visual arts
• Mathematics
• Physical science
• Design
What skills do I need to become a good photographer?
• Photographic eye: This is a skill that will surely develop over time.
• Photoshop: Taking a well-framed image is one thing but processing it can turn it into something special.
• Time management: This is especially important in journalistic photography. Whether you are shooting a sporting event or stalking celebrities, you need a good sense of when a subject will move in such a way to create the best photographic opportunity.
• Attention to detail – Must pay necessary attention to the background, the subject and working space.
• Technical: Every photographer needs to master the fine balance between ISO, shutter speed, and f-stop. You will also need to know how your specific digital camera handles these things and understand your device’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Communication skills: You need to be able to communicate efficiently with your clients and execute everything they want as explained.
• Patience: As a photographer you get to deal with different personalities, it is important to always remain patient.
Where do photographers work?
The workplace of a photographer can vary greatly depending on their specialisation and the nature of their work. They can work in a multitude of environments.
• Photographers may work indoors or outdoors.
• Portrait photographers may work in studios, but they also travel to take photographs at a client’s location.
• News photographers may travel locally or internationally and must be prepared to work in uncomfortable or dangerous conditions.
• Photographers can also work privately, by owning their own studio.
• They can work for magazines, newspapers or at art galleries.
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