Zooming in on the World of Commercial Photographer

IT COULD be the job of one’s dreams, but a lack of information about the job as a commercial photographer troubles many people interested in the profession and leads them to give up their dream. If you are one of those with a passion for being a photographer, then quit worrying and find out what kind of path and mindset is required to become a commercial photographer.
 
The Job
             Commercial photographers are photographers specialized in shooting photos of celebrities and models for magazines and advertisements. Contrary to many people’s conceptions that taking portrait photographs is simple, Kim Bo-ha, a professional photographer and the owner of Studio #3 does not agree. “The most important job for entertainment photographers is to capture the true character of the models, but considering that celebrities are always on the move, we only have a little time to work with the models. So figuring out the inner character of the person and capturing that character in a photo is challenging,” explains Kim.
 
The Way
             According to Yoon Hyo-jung (alias), an assistant photographer to Kim, there is no formal way to becoming a commercial photographer. She states, “The most common way is to build a portfolio of your photographs, and show them around as much as possible.” If major studios like it, then one will be asked to come and work as an assistant. Then one gets to spend a few years as an assistant. When the head photographer offers you a chance to shoot photos, it marks the start of a career as a photographer. According to another assistant photographer at the studio, However, seeing out the few years as an assistant is extremely tough,
 
The Needs
Though most people assume that a creative mind is the most crucial element for a commercial photographer, endurance is said to be most important quality needed. “Never say ‘I tried my best’. Do more than your best,” states Kim. Currently, technology is so advanced that learning the technical side of photography is relatively easier than in the past. So, if you can see through the hard times, then you can lead a life as a professional photographer.” Also, Kim commented on the need for a professional mindset. “Many rookie photographers seem to think their job is to imitate good photos as well as make ‘apparent’ good ones. But our real job is to create ‘real’ images that come from the heart.” Another quality needed is the ability to determine which photograph is of high quality and why through constant practice.
 
The Benefits and Disadvantages
             As a photographer, the most rewarding aspect is that one can meet many diverse people through a variety of photo shoots. Through the meeting, one can learn lessons while hearing about their life stories. However, meeting celebrities is only possible when one endures years without high pay along with physically and mentally exhausting chores as an assistant. Once a photographer becomes acknowledged as a professional, there can be other difficulties such as no set working hours or conflicts with clients regarding photographs. However, the money compensates the pains. According to Kim, an average photographer makes more than 100 million annually, and the top photographers make the same amount of money in less than a month.
 
*               *              *
 
             After listening to Kim, I realized one thing. That is, so long as one has the endurance, the youthful dream of becoming a successful photographer does not have to end just as a dream. Capture your dream! Kim said photographers have to take photos from the heart. Likewise, if one puts his or her whole heart into the dream, then the job will be all yours!
 
저작권자 © The Yonsei Annals 무단전재 및 재배포 금지