A wide array of services and opportunities are provided to members of professional associations which play an important role in the design profession. Through professional associations, designers come together to network, engage in continuing education and advocate for their profession. For more information about the benefits of membership in an association, visit the Web sites below.
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Interior Design |
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| National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) www.ncidq.org |
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| International Interior Design Association (IIDA) www.iida.org |
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Professional Photo Associations |
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| American Society of Picture Professionals (ASPP) www.aspp.com |
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| North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA) www.nanpa.org |
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| National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) www.nppa.org |
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| Professional Photographers of America (PPA) www.ppa.com |
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A career in photography can be in your future. There are many paths to take for a rewarding career in this very creative specialty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics web site (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos264.htm#outlook) in the US, competition is high for jobs that list photography as a requirement. You probably already know why - many people are attracted to making photographs. However, an attraction is not always enough. You'll need sharp technical skills, innate creativity, imagination and the ability to "keep on top" of new technologies. Think you have what it takes? Visit the career forums listed below to learn more. |
Photographer |
Since the invention of the medium, photographers have made their impact on society, offering a way to document anything imaginable, from everyday life, to moments in history or the marvels of science and medicine. Photographers use their special visual vocabulary to share images and communicate with others around the world. This section lists some of the areas you may want to specialize in as a photographer. This is by no means a complete list - photographers work in almost every industry segment. |
- Commercial
- Medical/Scientific
- Fashion
- Nature/Environmental
- Editorial
- Underwater/Marine
- Architectural
- Sports
- Movie Stills
- Photojournalist
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Fine Art Fine Art photographers generally make their photographic images as finished prints for sale. Fine art photography ranges from images of landscapes to surrealistic patterns to everything in between. The fine artist generally sells his or her work through local or on-line galleries, art shows, and from their own studios. Successful fine art photographers also use reps to promote their work. For further research visit the following site: http://www.photoshow.com |
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Commercial Commercial photographers usually specialize in advertising and corporate assignments. Subjects may range from basic product photography of consumer products to industrial sites and vehicles or aircraft. The commercial photographer must understand lighting, film, digital and analog cameras and must have the ability to multitask and work well with clients and models in the studio and on location. For further research visit the following site: http://www.mycpi.com |
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Fashion Photography is one of the most important elements of the fashion world. Who better to show off a new design or clothing line than a talented photographer? Fashion photography is hard work, requiring a lot of international travel and long hours. Sounds good to you? Having an excellent portfolio is important for getting an assignment. A distinct style and the ability to translate that into photographs are necessary for a fashion photographer. Work with a photo agency can help promote the fashion photograper's talents and get their work seen. For further research visit the following sites: http://www.asmp.org http://www.apanational.com |
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Editorial Editorial photographers can be found in many places, from local newspapers to glossy magazines with huge circulations. Editorial photographers work on story assignments, usually pairing with the writer of the story. The editorial photographer may travel with the writer, or independently. Editorial photographers work on human interest, culinary, travel, and all general interest stories. They travel to unusual places and need to be ready for anything, sometimes working for long periods of time away from their home base. A good portfolio, an interest in culture and current events, patience and the ability to work as a team player are important qualities for an editorial photographer. For further research visit the following sites: http://www.asmp.org http://www.nppa.org http://www.apanational.com http://www.editorialphoto.com |
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Architectural Architectural photographers are among the most technically gifted of all photographers. Knowledge of the view camera, excellence in lighting, exposure, and film and digital imaging are all requirements to excel at this profession.Architectural photographers also need a superb portfolio, knowledge of architecture, interior design, and the ability to work on location and apprenticing with a successful architectural photographer can be a helpful way to learn the tools of this trade.For further research visit the following sites: http://www.architecturalphotographers.org http://www.asmp.org http://www.apanational.com |
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Movie Stills Movie still photographers work on movie sets, capturing both behind-the-scenes images as well as still images during shooting. These images are used for movie promotion, record shots and for other applications. The movie stills photographer must have an outstanding portfolio showing people and their interaction, along with a great personality and the ability to be flexible in their work habits. For further research visit the following site: http://www.oscars.org |
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Wedding/Portrait The wedding or portrait photographer usually works out of a studio, but frequently works on location with clients. Capturing the big day for a bride and groom is a daunting responsibility. Wedding photographers need top notch equipment and the technical knowledge to make it work. Photojournalistic wedding photography has become quite popular. Making portraits of people and families requires great patience as well as creative flair. For further research visit the following sites: http://www.wppionline.com http://www.ppa.com http://www.wpja.com |
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Medical/Scientific Photographers that work in the medical or scientific communities work in research labs, hospitals, healthcare facilities and in the field. They use tools such as cameras, microscopes, video cameras and specialized equipment designed to capture biomedical images. Specialties include Ophthalmic photography, Forensic biomedical photography, Photomicrography, Dental photography and more. Since medical photographers frequently work with patients, physicians and researchers, good people skills are necessary. For further research visit the following sites: http://www.jbiocommunication.org http://www.opsweb.org http://www.bca.org |
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Nature/Environmental The nature or environmental photographer usually works on location, and may work in conjunction with a researcher, newspaper or magazine. Knowledge of the natural world is a must for photographers choosing this path, including a background in wildlife, botany, natural sciences and more. Great patience is required as well as a love for travel. For further research visit the following sites: http://www.nanpa.org http://www.nationalgeographic.com http://www.explorers.org |
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Underwater/Marine The underwater photographer not only needs excellent technical skills in photography but also must be certified as a diver and work comfortably in a marine environment. Diving, swimming and underwater safety, combined with a thorough knowledge of marine life, the ocean and boating are all requirements for this career. Underwater photographers also shoot many images for stock photography. For further research visit the following site: http://sio.ucsd.edu http://www.scubadiving.com |
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Sports The sports photographer records sporting events as they happen, and must have lightning fast reflexes, superb timing, knowledge of the sport and great technical skill with a variety of cameras. Some sports photographers specialize in only one sport, while others photograph many different sports. They travel extensively, and work nights, weekends and typically endure extremes of weather. Sports photographers generally own their camera gear, and work for several magazines or newspapers. For further research visit the following sites: http://www.sportsshooter.com http://www.asmp.org http://www.nppa.org |
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Photojournalist Photojournalists make many of the photographs you see on a daily basis in both newspapers and magazines. Photojournalism requires not only photography skills, but also the following: negotiating skills, knowledge of different cultures and physical and mental strength. Photojournalists frequently travel and may be away for extended periods of time covering conflicts or working on assignments. The National Press Photographers Association has a National mentoring program for students, which is an excellent way to work and learn from a professional photojournalist. For further research visit the following sites: http://www.nppa.org http://newslink.org/photo.html http://www.americanphotojournalist.com http://www.ap.org http://www.whnpa.org http://www.wpja.com |
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Graphic Design |
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