PhotographyEric 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:

Example Photographs

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