Career Project Eric Smith
Transcript of Career Project Eric Smith
Contents/Quick Links
• As an Area of Communication
• Description
• Required Education & Skills
• An Interview with a Professional (Bruce Shannon)
• Example Photographs
• Summary
• References
As an Area of CommunicationPhotography can function as a form of communication in the following areas:
• Mass Media/Communication: Advertisements (for film, television, magazines, etc.)
• Public Relations: Photographs taken of a person, action or consequence of an action to highlight the character
of a person or group in an effort to garner support for or against a cause.
• Personal/Social Media: Individual pictures taken primarily for limited personal or social gain.
I’ve selected these three because I felt they overlapped with each other strongly and provided different perspectives
of this career.
Description• A photographer is often present to record events and/or people in action for future use either professionally or
personally.
• A photographer can be employed by a specific person, organization or work freelance.
• Photographers are required to ascertain the value of an image or event before taking a picture of a person,
object or event.
Required Education & Skills• Education: A bachelor or Master’s degree in Photography are required by most employers.
• Experience(s): Photography can be taught at various vocational or technical education schools. Some
photographers often learn from professionals or are self-taught.
• Skills: Photographers have to be able to operate equipment such as cameras and their various attachments, as
well as being able to recognize the value and artistic merit of a photograph. Use of computer programs to aid in
the quality and appearance of a picture (such as Photoshop or GIMP) is also recommended.
An Interview…I conducted an 5-10 minute interview with Bruce Shannon (shannonphotoart.com), a professional photographer
with 30+ years of experience in this field on Sunday April 6 at 6:15 PM. After coming up with five questions of my
own, we discussed the following:
• What is your favorite thing about a career in photography?• Capturing a moment in time that represents people at their very best.
• What is the biggest challenge of a career in this field?• Mastering the craft and building a reputation.
• How long have you been involved in this (as a field of communication)?• 20-30 years. (10 years professionally)
• What turned you on to this field?• A medium of art that employs a unique skillset.
An Interview… (continued)• What would you say is the most difficult part in this field?
• The first years of getting work.
• Would you recommend it?
• Absolutely, if you have a passion for it.
• Do you believe this is an important form of communication?
• Yes, absolutely, for communicating in motions.
• What would you say has been your best accomplishment?
• Surviving and doing a great job, being able to work under crazy and changing dynamics.
Example PhotographsThe following are photographs taken by myself that I believe demonstrate that I recognize and have utilized the
qualities I described as a photographer:
Summary• Photography can function in the mass media, public relations and/or social media areas of communication.
• Use of photographic equipment and computer programs are vitally important in this field.
• Bachelor’s degrees are most recommended by employers.
• Photography requires a unique skillset for people with a passion in this field.
References• Bruce Shannon, Shannon Photography. Wordpress.org. June 2013. Website. Sunday, April 6, 2014
• Photography. Education Portal.com. Website. Wednesday, April 2, 2014
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition,
Photographers. Website. Friday, April 4, 2014