Photography
With the increase in online advertising, digital publication, and social media, the need for quality, professional imagery is strong and in demand. While some photographers will work with corporations, most will establish themselves as freelancers in the commercial, editorial, and event industries.
What it Takes
- Strong, cohesive body of work. You will need both a Print and Online Portfolio
- Have your Elevator Pitch (30 second speech of who you are & what you do) ready
- The right branding: Branding/Logo, Business Cards & Leave Behinds/Promo Pieces
- Listings of your work on free resource sites like PDN, Workbook, Behance, etc.
- Internships will help you build relationships and learn the ropes
-
Sample Job Titles
Commercial Photographer: Beauty, Fashion, Stilllife/Tabletop, Lifestyle, Portrait, Location, Editorial, Architectural
Business to Business Photographer: Corporate, Industrial
Direct to Consumer Photographer: Portrait/Family, Wedding/Special Event
Supportive Photography Roles: Producer, Digital Tech, Assistant, Stylist, Retoucher
-
Key Companies
Freelance Photo Studios – full listing at CreativeDir.com
-
Chicago Area Resources
Creative Dir: Resource of photographers and production info
APA Midwest, Midwest Chapter of the Advertising Photographers of America: local events, support, and resources
Progear Rental:Rental Studios and Equipment, events
Chicago Photographic Society: This is a Closed Group on Facebook - Must be logged into Facebook to access
Photo Community Night: This is a Open Group on Facebook - Must be logged into Facebook to access
-
National Resources
ASMP – American Society of Media Photographers
APA – American Photographic Artists Photoshelter
NPPA – National Press Photographers Association: Resource for Photojournalists
Workbook:Sourcebook, directory, marketing, and list service
Agency Access: Marketing & List Service
-
Job Boards
-
At Columbia
Ad Club (Collegiate Chapter of American Advertising Federation)
-
Events
-