Photography

Description

Art and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.

Alternative labels

shooting
picture taking

Skill type

knowledge

Skill reusability level

cross-sector

Relationships with occupations

Essential knowledge

Photography is an essential knowledge of the following occupations:

Video and motion picture director: Video and motion picture directors are responsible for the overall production of a movie or television program. They edit and translate the script into audiovisual images. Video and motion picture directors supervise and manage the film crew. They convey their creative vision on the actors, audio and video equipment operators, lighting technicians, etc and direct them. Video and motion picture directors also supervise the editing of the footage.
Photojournalist: Photojournalists cover all kinds of news events by taken informative images. They tell stories by taking, editing and presenting images for newspapers, journals, magazines, television and other media.
Director of photography: Directors of photography are responsible for the visual interpretation of the script and all photography components of the film, including framing, colouring, lightning, style and locations. They create the visual look of the film or television programme and select the filming equipment, including the lens and filters. Directors of photography manage the visual equipment operators and lighting technicians. They work together with the video and motion picture director to achieve the desired effect.
Photography shop manager: Photography shop managers are responsible for activities and staff in a photography store. ​They manage employees, monitor the sales of the store, manage budgets and order supplies when a product is out of supply and perform administrative duties if required.
Camera operator: Camera operators setup and operate digital film cameras to shoot domestic motion pictures or television programs. They work together with the video and motion picture director, the director of photography, or the private client. Camera operators give advice on how to shoot scenes to actors, the video and motion picture director and other camera operators.
Picture editor: Picture editors select and approve photographs and illustrations for newspapers, journals and magazines. Picture editors make sure that the photographs are delivered on time for publication.
Fashion model: Fashion models help promote products such as clothes, cosmetics and appliances by posing for journalists, photographers and in front of an audience on catwalks. They have to make sure their appearance is always in order. Fashion models need to look good in front of a camera and strike the right pose.

Optional knowledge

Photography is optional for these occupations. This means knowing this knowledge may be an asset for career advancement if you are in one of these occupations.

Weather forecaster: Weather forecasters gather meteorological data. They predict the weather according to these data. Weather forecasters present these forecasts to the audience via radio, television or online.
Presenter: Presenters host broadcast productions. They are the face or voice of these programs and make announcements on different platforms such as radio, television, theatres or other establishments. They ensure that their audience is entertained and introduce the artists or persons being interviewed.
Stand-in: Stand-ins replace actors before the filming starts. They perform the actions of the actors during the lighting and audiovisual setup, so everything is in the right place during the actual shooting with the actors.
Actor/actress: Actors/actresses play roles and parts on live stage performances, TV, radio, video, motion picture productions, or other settings for entertainment or instruction. They use body language (gestures and dancing) and voice (speech and singing) in order to present the character or story according to the script, following the guidelines of a director.
Lighting director: Lighting directors determine what lights are needed during production, according to the video and motion picture director’s creative vision. They use the script to design the lighting requirements for each shot. Lighting directors oversee the lighting setup and operation.
Costume attendant: Costume attendant help dress actors and extras. They make sure everything is as the costume designer envisioned and ensure the continuity of appearance of the performers. Costume attendants maintain and repair these costumes. They store them correctly and safely after shooting.
Set builder: Set builders construct, build, prepare, adapt and maintain scenic elements used on stage and for filming movies or television programs. They use a wide variety of materials like wood, steel, aluminium and plastics. Their work is based on artistic vision, scale models, sketches and plans. They work in close cooperation with the designers and may build exibition stands for fairs, carnavals and other events.
Make-up artist: Make-up artists assist and support artists before, during and after the performance and filming of movies or television programs to ensure the make-up is in line with the artistic vision of the director and the artistic team. They create images and characters through make-up and prosthetics. They maintain, check and repair prosthetics and assist with quick changes.
 

Production designer: Production designers are responsible for the complete look (style, colouring and locations) of television programmes, series, motion pictures and commercials. They create the visual concept for the entire production such as set design, lighting, costumes and camera angles. Production designers work together with the director, designers and oversee the art department. They also create sketches, drawings, do colouring and location research and advise props and stage settings to the director.
Casting director: Casting directors select actors for all roles in a motion picture or television series. They co-operate with the producer and director to determine what they are looking for. Casting directors contact talent agents and organise interviews and auditions for the parts. They determine the fees and contracts for the actors and extras.
Post-production supervisor: Post-production supervisors oversee the whole post-production process. They work together with the music editor and video and motion picture editor. Post production supervisors help plan the production workflow to make sure the post production phase is included and budgeted for. They ensure that the final product is delivered and distributed.
Graphic designer: Graphic designers create text and images to communicate ideas. They make visual concepts by hand or using computer software, intended for publishing in paper or online media such as advertisements, websites, and magazines.
Audio-visual technician: Audio-visual technicians set up, operate and maintain equipment to record and edit images and sound for radio and television broadcasts, at live events and for telecommunication signals.
Prop maker: Prop makers construct, build, prepare, adapt and maintain props used on stage and for filming movies or television programs. Props may be simple imitations of real life objects, or may include electronic, pyrotechnical, or other effects. Their work is based on artistic vision, sketches and plans. They work in close cooperation with the designers involved in the production.
Broadcasting programme director: Broadcasting programme directors make the programme schedule. They decide how much broadcast time a programme gets and when it is aired, based on a few factors like, ratings, viewer demographics, etc.
Hair stylist: Hair stylists wash, dry, cut and style the hair of singers and presenters and various types of actors, including stage, movie, tv and music video actors. They work together with the art director to design the look of every person. Hair stylists also dress wigs and hairpieces. They standby during these artistic activities to touch up the actors’ hair or wigs.
News anchor: News anchors present news stories on radio and television. They introduce pre-recorded news items and items covered by live reporters. News anchors are often trained journalists.
Stunt performer: Stunt performers execute actions that are too dangerous for actors to perform, that they are not physically able to do or require specialised skills such as fight scenes, jumping from building, dancing and others.
Miniature set designer: Miniature set designers design and build miniature props and sets of motion pictures. They build models used for visual effects that meet the look and requirements of the production Miniature set designers cut material using hand tools to construct three-dimensional props and sets.
Location manager: Location managers are responsible for procuring locations for filming outside of the studio and all the logistics this includes. They negotiate site use, and manage and maintain the site during shooting. Location managers manage the safety and security of the film crew on site.
Set buyer: Set buyers analyse the script in order to identify the set dressing and the props needed for all individual scenes. They also consult with the production designer and the prop and set making team. Set buyers buy, rent or commission the making of the props. Set buyers make sure sets are authentic and believable.
Design and applied arts vocational teacher: Design and applied arts vocational teachers instruct students in their specialised field of study, applied arts and crafts, which is predominantly practical in nature. They provide theoretical instruction in service of the practical skills and techniques the students must subsequently master for an applied arts and crafts profession, such as graphic designer or interior designer. Design and applied arts vocational teachers monitor the students’ progress, assist individually when necessary, and evaluate their knowledge and performance on the subject of applied arts and crafts through assignments, tests and examinations.
Journalist: Journalists research, verify and write news stories for newspapers, magazines, television and other broadcast media. They cover political, economic, cultural, social and sport events. Journalists must conform to ethical codes such as freedom of speech and right of reply, press law and editorial standards in order to bring objective information.
Video and motion picture editor: Video and motion picture editors are responsible for the assembly and cutting of raw footage into a logically and aesthetically either for movies, television series, or domestic purposes. They reorganize scenes that have been shot and decide which special effects are needed. Video and motion picture editors work closely together with sound editors and music directors.
Storyboard artist: Storyboard artists draw out the scenes of a motion picture or television series according to the script in order to see what will be possible during production. They work together with the producer and video and motion picture director.
Broadcast news editor: Broadcast news editors decide which news stories will be covered during the news. They assign journalists to each item. Broadcast news editors also determine the length of coverage for each news item and where it will be featured during the broadcast.
Service manager: Service managers are responsible for the supervision and coordination of the provision of different professional and technical services to customers. They ensure a smooth interaction with clients and high levels of satisfaction post-service. This occupation includes the provision of policing, correctional, library, legal and fire services.
Art director: Art directors shape the visual layout of a concept. They create innovative designs, develop artistic projects  and manage the cooperation between all aspects involved. Art directors may perform creative work in theatre, marketing, advertising, video and motion picture, fashion or online companies. They ensure that the work performed is visually appealing to audiences.
Editor-in-chief: Editors-in-chief oversee the production of news stories for newspapers, magazines, journals and other media. They manage the day-to-day operations of a publication and make sure it is ready on time.
Costume buyer: Costume buyers work with the costume designer in order to identify the materials for the costumes. They buy and rent fabric, thread, accessories and other items needed to finish the wardrobe. Costume buyers may also purchase clothing items “off the peg”, ready made. They base their purchases on the sketches of the costume designer.
Art model: Art models pose for visual artists as reference or inspiration for their creative work. They stand model for artists that perform figure drawing, paint, make sculptures or create photographic art. Art models are professional models that use their body to become the object of the artist’s creation.
Costume designer: Costume designers develop a costume design concept for a performance, a movie or a television program. They supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. Costume designers develop sketches, design drawings, patterns or other documentation to support the workshop and performance crew.
 
Extra: Extras perform actions in the background or in crowds during filming. They do not contribute to the plot directly but they are important to create a certain atmosphere.
Critic: Critics write reviews of literary, musical and artistic works, restaurants, movies, television programs and other themes for newspapers, journals, magazines, radio, television and other media. They evaluate theme, expression and technique. Critics make judgements based on their personal experience and knowledge.

 


 

References

  1. Photography – ESCO

 

Last updated on September 20, 2022