As a high school junior, where can I find a photography-related job?

J

Jenni

New member
I am planning on studying photography in college and becoming a professional photographer, so I would like to get as much work experience in as possible now, both to develop as a photographer and to add to my resume. I live in Wexford (a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA) but I spend my summers in Chautauqua, NY, so if anyone knows of job openings in those areas specifically that's even better!
 
Look for an internship or a photographer's assistant position at a studio or publication (depending on the field in which you have interest). In the fall, ask at your career counselor's office about work experience internships. Shoot for your campus newspaper or yearbook to get your first clips. You could also call around yourself to different photographers and/or studios to see if they're willing to take you on as an assistant. Be prepared, though, to be paid solely in valuable life experience (ie- no $$$). Have your portfolio ready and show up at your local newspaper and ask the photo editor would be gracious enough to critique it for you (or set up an appointment to do so). If your clip book is good enough, maybe you could finagle an (unpaid) internship out of the experience. Or maybe they'd be willing to take you on as a stringer. Keep in mind that this is a very competitive industry and that positions in some organizations and publications are very coveted by many struggling (and talented) photographers. Learn as much as you can about your craft, keep shooting, don't let a few set-backs and no-thank-you's keep you down. If one studio or editor doesn't have a need for your talent, keep looking for one that does. Be persistant. Good luck.
 
The problem with working under a professional photographer's care is that you have to know what you're doing first. Most professional (a busy one especially) is far too busy to be teaching you about shutter speed v.s. aperture. So you need to have mastered the skills to operate the camera -- then he will teach you the tips and tricks that you need to know on the job.
 
Check the age restrictions in your state(s).
Try to find a camera/photo shop that is looking for an intern in your area.
Even a part-time flunky job at a box-store photo processing place should teach you something and make you some money at the same time.
 
glad you are starting early. go to all the photography studios in the area and just ask. its a numbers thing, ask and u will finally find someone who wants to help. Have some examples to give them. some may pay you nothing, some a little bit. Learn to do post production, photoshop and color correction. Best thing I learned is to just go and shoot around town. I have learned more by shooting than all the photo classes ive sat through.
 
glad you are starting early. go to all the photography studios in the area and just ask. its a numbers thing, ask and u will finally find someone who wants to help. Have some examples to give them. some may pay you nothing, some a little bit. Learn to do post production, photoshop and color correction. Best thing I learned is to just go and shoot around town. I have learned more by shooting than all the photo classes ive sat through.
 
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