Researching Editorial photography

Researching editorial photography

Before i carried on taking photo's i decided to research not only other peoples work in editorial photography, but what the job is itself and find out all the ins and outs. I've started with researching editorial photography as a job, i used skills set to gather information and i have come up with some notes on the subject which i am going to talk about now. 

http://creativeskillset.org/job_roles_and_stories/job_roles/373_advertising_and_editorial_photographer

Advertising and editorial photography

Industries: advertising and marketing communications | Photo imaging | Publishing

Summary of the jobs

• Taking photographs for advertising purposes is primarily to help describe and sell products and ideas. 
• Taking photographs for editorial purposes are primarily to go alongside an article in various media formats. 

To do the role

To do either role you need to be able to do and have the qualities listed below:

• Be willing to travel and meet people to solve visual challenges, not only that you have to want to do so and actually enjoy it. 
• Be able to interpret a story through original photographic images. 
• Understand the principles of compassion, appreciate shape, form, colour and tone. 
• Be organized practical and creative.
• Calm and friendly attitude you need to cope well with busy and stressful situations.
• In order to promote yourself you need to be very motivated and self driven as well as self confident.
• Good communication skills.
• Know how to use image manipulation and image management software.

What roles does an advertising and editorial photographer do?

• Advertising photographers want to capture well lit photographs that capture the essence of the product they are trying to sell and promote. Usually in a specific area such as food, furniture, engineering, cars or financial services. 
• On the other hand editorial photographers produce images that will accompany featured articles in newspapers, magazines, websites, chapters of book and also text in company brochures. They could be working both in studios or on location. The photographer is usually briefed by the publications editor or the picture editor. They are then expected to meet the brief or exceed the expectations. 

Any qualifications needed for the job?

Officially no qualification is needed to do this job, its all about having a strong portfolio, track record and a good reputation. 

You can get established in this work through selected college schemes that give you the technical grounds and also some work placement opportunities. 

What is the best route in?

You can either enter into this industry by becoming a photography assistant or even just learning on the job.

Working as an assistant photographer means you will gain invaluable experience like learning from and already established photographer, meeting clients, models and also art directors.