Why Photography is a Jeopardized Career

Photographers are finding it more and more difficult to make a living selling high quality images. There has been a lot of debate as to why photography is being devalued in the workplace. I believe it all comes down to the idea that photography doesn't require skill, training, or talent. There are lots of folks with apparently inborn natural talent for photography that take great images without training. Many more have studied hard on their own to learn photography skills and are virtual wizards with a camera. Others have been trained to create technically good images even if natural talent isn't present. However, there aren't any photographers who take great photos without at least one of these traits.

Unfortunately, the corporate world sees the camera as more important than the photographer. Case in point is the following text taken from two real photography job advertisements. One doesn't even mention photography experience as a requirement. That company considers owning a van more important. The other considers photography experience preferable but selling experience a must.

Olan Mills Photographer Adfor their fundraising services division
Text from ad:
"Candidates must:
# possess the self-discipline to regularly work unsupervised
# have the ability to travel overnight and out of town regularly within a 150 mile radius
# have the ability to work evenings and weekends
# have safe and dependable transportation (as described above)
# be able to stand for 7 hours and lift/carry up to 50 pounds "
The transportation was described as: "Applicants must have a reliable van, SUV, pickup truck with canopy or station wagon with rack to haul photography equipment. One of these types of vehicles is a must - no exceptions."

Our365 Photographer Ad (group that take newborn photographs at hospitals)
Text from ad:
"Qualifications:
-Strong communication and time management skills
-Maturity, dependability, and independence
-Enthusiasm, and a high level of energy
-Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
-At least 6 months of sales and customer service experience
-Photography experience preferred"

While there may be some very talented photographers working in this type of situation to make ends meet, it is indicative of the corporate view on photography that two "photography" companies consider their own specialty to be at the bottom of the job requirement list.