Expert: Don Wood - 5/9/2004

Question
How soes your career use math?
What types of Computers or other electronic devices do you use regularly?
How does the market work?
What kind of different clients are out there,and what does it take to get them?
What do clients expect from you?
If you could give some advice to a beginner, what would it be?
Any other information on photography that you could provide would be helpful.
Thank you!

Answer
All physical science will use math in some way or other. Photography is no different. Whether it's attempting to predict how the exposure will be affected by the setting you want to use, or measuring the distance from the subject for calculating the proper flash exposure. Also, the successful photographer must use math to calculate the expenses involved in bidding upon a photo job, paying the rent, utilities, and other expenses. These are all life experiences which you will face the rest of your life, regardless of your profession.
I'm going to consider that you know how to take pictures, to be a pro you must develop the sense of what position, exposure, etc will work to portray the scene you are taking a picture of.  With the point and shoot cameras of today, almost everyone will come back with a properly exposed picture. For the rest of your life in Photography you will be developing this sense of how to take the picture. I call this gift  "photographic eyes." Bear in mind that Photography is based upon sentiment, (weddings, reunions, babies, portraits), or illustrate an advertising concept, or creating the record shot. Especially in the small towns you will be working while others are playing, weekends, evenings, etc. If you are in a small studio, you will work when the job needs you. This makes it difficult for small studios to schedule vacations, etc. If you are the owner, if you aren't working, the studio isn't earning money. Photography is excellent as an extra job, weekend warrior stuff, etc so I suggest that you not quit your main Day Job, the one that brings in the rent, groceries, etc.
Photojournalism, newspapers or magazines are in need of photographers. You should get as much formal training in the field as you can afford. Employers view the training and accreditation as exemplars that you are able to learn.
Photography is very tied to the economy, if the choice is between buying pictures or eating, guess which will win. It will even affect the editorial publications. Your earning will be tied to the economy as a whole. If it is up, your earnings will be up, if down, you'll be scraping to make it.I would further add that you need to get as much training in the field as possible, whether it be college, technical school, correspondence etc. The degree you earn will show prospective employers that you can learn and that you have the proof of it. So don't just jump into the job without training. Having a successful photo studio is not just the difference in wholesale and retail but in your vision. How you've prepared yourself for your career will be a big factor in your success.
I hope I've helped you, if I need to speak further on a point, please let me know. Thanks for asking.
Don