Expert: Don Wood - 2/26/2009

Question
I'm doing a project in school, about any career we want, I chose photography.

i was wondering if you could help me, by answering a couple questions





What makes Photography important, or interesting?
What is the responsibility of the photographer.
What are the most important skills for photography,
and
Would you recommend becoming a Photographer to anyone?

Answer
Photography is important because it enable one to preserve a slice of history. Inside that picture time is frozen, later on in one's life, you can look at the picture and remember what it was like then. Example, look at Matthew Brady's work with the Civil War. It was the first time that people who weren't there could actually see the horrors of war. There are many other examples of why photography is both interesting and important.
The photographer must develop his sense of what is important, and where to take the picture. I call this, developing his photographic eyes. Two people taking the same picture from the same spot will come up with different renditions of the scene. One will be spot on and capture what is necessary, the other will have another slant and may miss the boat entirely.
People skills are very important, since the photographer must interact with people all his career. You must also have a sense for business, being a photographer is not just taking pictures but using them for your livelihood, providing the rent, gasoline, food, etc.
If one is interested in a career that is tied to the heartstrings like photography is, then this is for you. Bear in mind that in a down-economy like we're experiencing now, buying pretty pictures is not as important as paying the mortgage, buying the food, car, etc. Things come in cycles, right now we are in a down-cycle, soon it will change and the photography industry will rebound.
This is not to say that it's a bad time for photographers, it's just that this time will weed out the worst people and only the strongest will survive.
Are you interested in preserving history, if yes, then you are right for photography and you need to start planning how to attack the field. I'd start by going to a school, maybe college, community college, or specialized school and learning the trade. I would also include some business and accounting courses in that equation. The more knowledge you have the better able you are to succeed in your plans for the future.
Do the best you can with your future studies, don't just slide by with the minimum. You never know what subject may help you the most while you are in that class. Do your best.
Thanks for writing. I enjoy talking about a field I've been in for more than 50 years in one fashion, amateur, or another, professional.
If I can help further, please ask in this medium. I will answer.