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Professional Photogapher Career Q & A

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Photographer’s background

How would you describe the type of photography you do?

While somewhat unusual, I dabble in both commercial and retail photography. The work ranges from corporate, architectural, interiors, location, industrial, to babies and high school senior portraits.

How long have you been doing this type of photography?

Since the 1970’s….I started taking photos seriously in high school…before CD’s DVD’s and microwaves. Four function calculators and cassette tape players were the new technologies!

You had to manually focus the lens and actually determine what settings to choose, and the film was grainy.

What influenced you in deciding to become a photographer?

I wrote a paper in 5^th grade on how photos are magically printed in the darkroom. By high school I was photographing with 35mm slr, and I was hooked…Luckily, along the way, won a few scholarships towards education, and I have been on the ride ever since. 

Why did you choose this type of photography?

It chose me…Initially, I got a job out of school doing lab work and industrial photography, and doing primarily location work. Eventually, I realized a strong preference to wanting to photograph people and portraiture, which lead me towards retail photography.

Can you describe you career path up to this point?

After college, I felt the real photographers were on the corporate and commercial side of the business, and not the wedding and portrait photographers.

I landed a part time job at Rockwell International as eventually worked fulltime for 6 years…. It was my first real job…the work was varied…we did everything in house from shooting to lab work…also went back to school at night, pursuing a second degree.  Also worked as a contract photographer for Westinghouse, and spent another 6 years on staff at Mellon Bank. While at Mellon, I had the opportunity to work with other graphic designers and New York ad agencies doing photography and the annual reports. I wanted to eventually be a freelance…and in 1989, I felt I was ready to go out on my own. I had saved some money, established lines of credit, had a narrowly focused portfolio, no equipment, no marketing or business training as a freelancer, and had never worked as photo assistant, but I could shoot, and manage projects. At first, making the jump was challenging, difficult and different than anything I had done before. 

Do you have another job or source of income?

No. 

What type of schooling do you have?

Point Park University- BA in Photography

Art Institute of Pittsburgh-AS in Photography/Multi-media

What type of schooling would you recommend for someone entering this type of photography?

A major in Marketing, Business or Liberal Arts, and a minor in computer would be helpful. I would also recommend Art History, and Graphic Design and computer graphics classes.

Are you happy doing what you do?

Absolutely! I love it!….I get paid to take pictures and to make people feel good! It never feels like a job!

What do you like most about your career / job?

The flexibility, plus I still really enjoy creating images.

What do you dislike most about your job / career?

The acknowledgement and demand of self-discipline, the uncertainty of the marketplace, the worry that comes with it, and sometimes the feeling that you are always thinking about your business…it is very hard to get away from the business. You live it...even on vacation…

Also, calling a client that owes you money is never fun either.

On average, how many hours do you work per week?

Varies widely…there are some really long days, literally from the moment you wake till bed, and others where you have nothing scheduled and have the flexibility to do anything you want.

Shooting photos can be a small part of it.

How much vacation did you take last year?

We go away for a week, and also take some long weekends throughout the year. 

How many weekends did you work last year?

Not many….I charge a premium fee to work weekends…and really try to spend that time with family.

Is your work seasonal at all?

Sometimes…the high school senior photography has yearbook deadlines that are all close together making the deadlines and work concentrated.

How many people do you usually work with on a typical job?

It varies…depending on the needs of the job. Can be solo to a small crew of several people. I should use freelance assistants more….

What types of non-photography duties are you responsible for?

Everything! Project manager, bookkeeper, taxes, marketing, sales, order fulfillment, IT specialist, web person, phone duties, client meetings, location scout, inventory and ordering of supplies, maintaining the studio, research & development, housekeeping, you name it! Often, wearing all the different hats is what keeps it fun, never dull, and not like a real job.

What characteristics / skills make you good for this type of photography?

Skill of working with different types of people, and being able to adapt quickly to the situation. I have learned to disarm people and make them feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera, and often get great photos of them.

Describe your primary work environment.

Office and home based studio.

Do you do much traveling for your profession. 

Not as much, now. Stock photography and to some extent 911 changed the way much of photography is purchased.

Clients do not feel the need to send a photographer to a specific location, unless a particular style or look is needed.

If you didn’t do this type of photography, what other type of photography would you prefer to do?

Perhaps teach photography or digital imaging, editing and image manipulaton. With age, comes experience and depth of knowledge.

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Competition / $

Is your market local, or national?

Local. I used to market regionally/nationally source books. My preference now, is to not be on the road, so I can be with my family in the evenings and weekends. My web presence gets me out of town work.

How many people in your town do what you do?

I do not really track that or really worry about it.

Who is, or how would you describe your target markets?

Commercial – brochures for corporations, institution, and graphic design studios.

Retail- high school seniors, families, kids.

To what do you attribute your success?

Being resourceful and knowing and understanding a little bit about lots of different things of other businesses. Also being able to work with different types of people, and being able to adapt quickly to the situation. And truly… never being satisfied and constantly attempting to make better images and working on your craft. 

What would you say is the biggest mistake most photographers make in your type of business?

I have no regrets…well….perhaps not recognizing and identifying more quickly the things I really like to do, and focusing on those goals earlier in my career. 

What would you estimate as an income range for the type of photography you do?

It is like this---put your hand under a running facet…the water you keep in your hand is yours to keep, if you can hold it….and the rest just goes. J 

What would you estimate as the average income for the type of photography you do?

Varies.

What do you think of the future of your profession?

Overpopulated and challenging… everyone can take a picture! The newest cameras make it easier to do, so the competition for sustainable work will be great.

Technology will drive the market- in the fall of 1999(not that long ago), a digital slr camera body was $30,000. Today a similar camera costs about $700..so how do adapt and deal with these changes. There will always be a need for images, and the demand is greater than ever before. There will be overabundant supply of content providers (photographers) and the fees paid will stagnate or diminish…just look at the royalty free stock photos an the low fees.

Would you recommend a career in photography to your friend or child?  Why?

Very few make it…so it would be up to the individual…I would clearly give them the information they would need to decide. It is a great second job or hobby.

Is there any specific advice you would give to someone entering into your field?

First, get a decent education….Define your long term goals, be willing to adapt and change quickly, continuing education, invest in your business, and above all, embrace technology. Bottom line, adapt or die. J

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Continuing Education

What do you do to advance your skills?

Seminars, forums, and book stores.

What industry publications do you subscribe to? 

Currently none, just go to the bookstore or library… and the internet will keep you busy.

What on-line forums do you frequent?

Just do a search on your specific area of interest and there is probably several blogs or websites available.

My favorites are: 

http://www.pdngallery.com

http://www.dpreview.com/forums/

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/ 

Do you intend to continue your education in some way?

Seminars…to recharge now and then.

What trade shows / seminars have you attended or plan on attending?

Photo trade shows.

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Hobby questions

What’s type of cameras do you use most? 

Mostly Nikon DSLRS and lenses. 

What type of computer do you use most?

Why Mac or course. It’s both a pc and a mac. Seriously, get the fastest you can afford, load it with memory, and be prepared to upgrade regularly.

Does most or your work involve available light, on-camera flash, studio strobe, or hot lights?

Mostly Norman strobes,  Elinchrome, and some available light.

What type of computer software are you proficient with? 

Ok with Photoshop. I would recommend learning MS Office, and web developer program, as well as any graphic design layout programs.

Are there any photographers in your field that you particularly admire? 

Yes, many!

In high school, I first learned of Ansel Adams and the power and simplicity of black and white photography. This lead me to Weston, White, Evans, Strand, Frank, later to Penn,  Karsh, Avedon, Scavullo, Newton, Skrebneski, and many others. For color…many of the Life magazine photographers, and Turner, Meola, Muench, LaChappelle.

Today, my personal love is still black and white. Study the masters and grow from there.

Then visit www.comellaphoto.com    

Jeff Comella 

Jeff Comella Photography

www.comellaphoto.com

1626 Augusta Drive

Pittsburgh, PA 15237

412-369-8908

 

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