There are advantages and disadvantages to a photography career.
Photographers are highly skilled professionals who can tell a story through scenes they capture through their camera lenses. Although photography is often viewed as a glamorous profession, it has a variety of pros and cons. Many professional photographers are trained at universities or in vocational programs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary of salaried photographers in May 2008 was $29,440.
Pro: Choice of Specialties
Photographers have a wide area of available niches to choose from. Some photographers specialize in taking baby and wedding photos, while others work in fine arts or the world of fashion. Media and sports photographers cover news and sporting events, while others take photographs for businesses and institutions.
Pro: Action and Adventure
Some photographers work in interesting and adventurous environments. A wildlife photographer may travel to remote areas of Africa or Australia to photograph wild or exotic animals in their native environment. Others may get a thrill from attending major news or sporting events or being able able to photograph famous people.
Pro: Autonomy
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over half of professional photographers are freelancers. This provides them with a great deal of autonomy and some freedom when choosing assignments. Freelancing can also allow for greater creativity since the photographer may have more freedom over the choice of setting and the types of photos that she takes.
Con: Unpredictable Hours and Conditions
Some photographers may work long, irregular hours and spend time away from family and friends. A photographer who works for a news organization may be "on call" and have to be at an accident scene in the middle of the night. Outdoor photographers often have to face difficult weather conditions.
Con: Uncertain Income
Freelance photographers are not guaranteed a salary or regular income. In addition to being skilled at their craft, they must also be good businesspeople and be able to market their services. Some freelancers may be forced to accept assignments they do not want in order to earn a living.
Con: Possible Danger
Photographers who work in certain settings may put themselves in harm's way. A wildlife photographer may run the risk of being attacked by a dangerous animal or slipping and falling in rugged terrain. A news photographer covering a live crime scene or war zone could become caught in the crossfire. Photographers who cover football games run the risk of being hit by a player on the sidelines.
