By: Rachel Landers

I interviewed Cathryn Griffin. She is a professional Photographer as well as a Photography teacher at Western Carolina University, and I learned quite a bit from her.

 There is no specific education for the career of being a photographer. There are some helpful things a person can do to be more prepared, a degree program, vocational training, or extensive work experience could help. There are also collages a person could attend if they desired to, such as, International academy of design and technology, Art institute of Chicago, and School of Communication Arts.

 Level 1: Assistant portrait photographer  Earnings: $15,000 to $25,000 a year.  Requirements: Previous photographic experience; self study  Responsibilities: carrying photographers equipment; helping at location shoots and in the studio; developing and printing photos; lighting subjects  Level 2: full time salaried photographer  Earnings: 30,000 to 50,000 a year.  Requirements: degree in photographic art and several years of experience in photography  Responsibilities: taking photographs in the studio and on location; possibly traveling locally or globally; developing photographs; setting up times and places to take photographs; and some administrative responsibilities.  Level 3: Freelancer  Earnings: 20,000 to 80,000 a year.  Requirements: further training in new photographic technologies and techniques. Start building a client base and possibly some business training.  Responsibilities: taking photographs in the studio and on location; developing photos; setting up times and places to take photographs; negotiating contracts with clients  Level 4: Experienced freelancer  Earnings: 50,000 to 150,000 a year.  Requirements: many years of experience in photography; reputation for professionalism and consistently good work and establish client base  Responsibilities: supervising staff; taking photos in studio and on location; setting up times and places to take photographs; and negotiating contracts with clients.

 The employment outlook for photographers in North Carolina in 2006, was 3,480 and in 2016, will be 3,940. The percentage of change is 13.22%.  North Carolina Outlook  Occupation  Photographers  Employment  2006  2016  3,480  3,940  Change  Number  %  460    Annual Average Openings  Total  Growth  Replacement  130  50  80 

 The national employment outlook in 2008 was 152,000 and in 2018, will be 169,500. The percent in change is 11.54%.  National Outlook  Occupation  Photographers  Employment  2008  2018  152,000  169,500   Change  Number  %  Annual Openings  17,500   4,800 

 Professional Photographers of America (PPA)  229 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 2200 Atlanta, GA |  No membership fees or dues.  National Press Photographers Association   3200 Croasdaile Dr Ste 306 Durham, NC  Phone:  There are no membership fees or dues

 News 14 - Photographer  Company: Time Warner Cable  Description: PURPOSE: Shoots and edits news video and operates microwave and satellite live newsgathering vehicles and transmitters on a regular basis covering live news…  Studio Photographer  Company: Olan Mills Description:  portraits and a soothing color scheme. We're looking for a Professional Photographer to work at our new location. You'll provide exceptional customer service...

 Career cursing  vidual/Home vidual/Home  Occupational outlook handbook   Careers local  ults. ults  National press photographers association  nts/ nts/  Professional photographers of America   O*Net OnLine   Interview by Cathyn Griffin  Western Carolina University 