Career Profile: Freelance Photographer
Name: Fiona Quinn
Age: 31
Job: Photographer
Salary range: Varies 40 k +
Dress code: Optional
Describe a typical day at work? My work days are really varied as I’m self employed – sometimes I will have a seven day week with no day off, and other weeks can be a lot quieter. I shoot mostly digital so when I’m not shooting I’m processing files or doing admin. I also do a wide range of work including fashion, portrait, product and food photography.
Best perks of the job? Meeting lots of different people and being able to set my own hours.
Mundane aspects of the job? Shooting catalogue shots can be pretty mundane but that pays the bills! Also the book keeping side of being self employed is not the most fun.
Most memorable moment since getting your job? Setting up my own studio was pretty awesome and also seeing my work published.
What do you enjoy about your job most of all? I love the fact that I can make a career from something I love doing, I see photography as having such creative scope.
Qualifications and previous experience that got you the job… I have a Diploma in Fine Arts (photography major) and a Diploma in Advanced Photography. I also did some assisting when I finished my study, then worked for an advertising company as their photographer.
What personality traits/skills/attributes help a person to get a job like yours? It really depends what area you want to get into. The industry is very competitive so determination and drive are big factors, as well as creativity and a good basic skills base. Also the ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines. Good people skills are important as is forward thinking – sometimes on shoots things can change that are out of your control (like the weather) and you need to be able to come up with alternative solutions and still take great shots.
Advice for people wanting to get into your industry…Be persistent – work experience with a photographer which will usually be free for a start is invaluable and will get you known in the industry. Don’t be afraid to call them up – we are used to it. Take lots of photos and find out what areas and techniques you like the most. Experiment lots. Read books, look at magazines, talk to people in the industry and ask them questions. Try to meet other people just starting out like makeup artists, designers, stylists etc and work with them to build your portfolio.
What sort of job could you go to from here? Most photographers are self employed.
See examples of Fiona’s specialist photoshoot photography in the nzgirl May photoshoot ~ live on site 14th May
