Hey Guys, I’m 17 and looking for recommendations for photography related job ideas, as I’m just finishing school and studying photography next year. So far I’ve been looking out for studio and camera shop jobs but haven’t found much. Any advice is appreciated.
Knowing what I know now: ASSIST. As early as you can. You will only be better for it.
I studied photography for 4 years (earned a BFA) and I loved it. It was great. But it wasn’t until I was a photo assistant after college that I really learned what I needed to become a photographer. Obviously I learned a lot in school, but seeing it done in the real world made it click.
The internet is your friend. Find working photographers in your area. Assisting will teach you so much:
Be available, be an asset, and learn to be a sponge and just soak up info on jobs. You will be a better student.
One caveat: be aware that to work in photography doesn’t mean you have to take pictures. You can be a retoucher, producer, stylist, camera tech, or any number of other things. That is yet another thing to be learned while assisting and/or studying photography. Working in the business early will help you decide sooner.
Good luck!