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My name is Alima and I am 34. I am French but currently based in Belfast, Northern Ireland where I moved to study a three year BA Hons course in Photography and video at Ulster University.

I am in my second year right now and through one of my module «  Professional practice «  I have to create a blog which enable me to present my career aspirations research which mean a few pages where I will go through and deal seriously with the so important questions « What, why and how ? » in regards of my career perspectives as a photographer.

 First of all my background. I am graduated from an A Level in Socials and Economics Sciences, a BTEC to work as a Personnal Assistant and a 1 year diploma in Photography.

 In regards to my work experiences, I am working since I am 17. I have worked as activity leader with kids during my studies and later on as a secretary, assistant and then many years in sales.

 Three years ago, I have taken the decision to quit my job as I was not fulfilled in my life and to give myself some time to think of what I want to do with my it. After a few months, I decided to go for an eight months course in photography. Photography had been a passion that I kept for myself for many years.

 To not live with regrets, I have decided to give a try and pursue that dream of mine to become a photographer. Here I am now, after three years. Since I have taken the decision to go back to study, take a course in photography and follow this path for a few years, the people of my surroundings are asking me the following questions and more : « What are you doing concretely ? What do you want to do in photography ? Do you think you are taking the right path ? Making the right choices ? » and a few days ago I had the comment « This is your level after 3 years ? and did you really think through all this and that …? » .

 I have introduced myself enough, so now straight to the point, my career aspiration as a photographer : « Artist Photographer ; Author-Photographer  ». My goal : make myself happy. I might never make money as an artist but my goal in life is to be happy so that is what I will be trying to pursue. So how to do concretely ?

 I need to be happy but also to face a few realities : paying the usual expenses such as rent and need to consider the price of photography equipment. A rich husband can be the solution to all my questions but I need faith in that and my pride, independant and feminist side will not agree on using something I didn’t earn on my own.

 My options :

1. Find a field I would enjoy working in photography to afford producing my own projects.

2. Go back to a sales job to enable myself to produce my own projects

 There are so many photographer careers options out there such as wedding photographer, baby photographer, studio photographer, laboratory photographer, fashion photographer, food photographer, sport photographer, photojournalist and so on.

  For this blog I have researched the possibilities that are relevant for my own case.

 I have previously mentioned wanting to become an artist photographer, author photographer and the difficulty of being one and earning a living out of it. So this is the right time to speak about the current photography market.

 In fact, the first thing to do when thinking about orientation, career path is to take a look at the field market and the target the one I want for my own work to succeed. Photography is a quite recent medium which had developped very fast and despite a few conservatists, it is also considered as an « art » which the value in international auctions have reached about 144 millions dollars in 2006 for 5 millions in 1980’s.  Among the artist photographers Gursky, Cindy Sherman who sells their pieces for millions. Seems to be very good to hear about the huge pricing and success of these photographers but the market has two side. No surprise when knowing the basis of economy, « supply and demand ». To resume, the current situation, the capitalism system we are living in, photography market had better days. Too many photographers, many requests from galleries and agencies but low income, low commissions. The agencies, galleries enjoy the work of photographers offering a visibility instead of an income which doesn’t pay the photographer expenses and doesn’t ensure opportunities, outcome from this visibility. Also, the era we are living in offers a large access to the medium which have an impact on the more people practicing and the lower extraordinary work, less extravagant perspectives with many similarities between photographers worldwide. Many competition = low wage globally. The more special, original competences, creativity will impact on an increase of the income of the photographer.

 On one hand, we have the matter from the capitalist society system but on the other hand, we have the consequences, impact of a few photographers choices on how much to charge their clients. I spoke with a few different photographers last year very upset about the matter which is quite virulent. In fact, among them a parisian photographer was upset about seeing new comers charging 15/30 euros a two hour photoshoot in a studio which should be about 100/150 euros depending of the studio. This has a bad effect on the market. I have encounter the case in normandy, France with a photographer offering his services for the price of 15/30 euros for a two people photoshoot and also in ireland with a girl providing family and baby pictures for about 40 euros (all these with post-production work included in the price).

 The question of the market differ by location and by type of photography. Obviously, some location will offer better conditions or worse due to low competition or low demand. By type of photography, wedding will be in high demand in summer time for example, commercial and fashion will depends on different factors but two areas in big needs with the consumption society we are living in. We can go on by exploring the different areas of photography but I will do it differently later on below by showing an explanation of tasks, skills requested and approximative income of the areas I am interested in. I also will use the opinions and experiences of a few professional photographers to optimize my research.

   In what consists the career of an Artist Photographer – ( Author Photographer )

 The artist photographer masters technique, creativity, originality and communication skills. It requires to be polyvalent as a photographer and as an artist. He can touch all different types of areas, from his own project as expressive work whatever they are,  fashion, commercial… He creates his artpieces but also create his network to sell his work and get commissionned. The artist can work as a craftsman, as an artisan-trader, an employee, a freelancer...

 An author photographer as an artist photographer needs to know his rights and responsabilities as he sells his own work and author rights so he needs to learn juridic skills for his field. An employee will not have the author rights as not his own business.

By being polyvalent, he needs to master his equipment (digital and analog), the lighting and the post-production tools.

The positions of artists photographers are very tough to get and are reserved for candidates with great talent. To start a career, the first step is to work as an assistant photographer.

 In regards to education, many artists are autodidacts. What makes the difference to the competition is experience and talent.

 Finally in regards to the income, it is very variable depending on the choosing path employee, freelancer …

  My plan towards this direction : Work as an assistant photographer but where and when ?

 Many photographers that I like are autodidacts and as the word means they have learned by themselves on the field starting by small jobs as freelancers or by being assistant to a photographer.

 I am 34 years old now as mentionned previously and I can’t be off work for longer than I have already. I also feel that I need to learn in a different way than what I do currently. The Erasmus program offered in second year at university will enable me to apply as an assistant as part of my studies and also continue university in the same time in another country closer to my culture and education.

 Unfortunately not too many options are offered for the Erasmus program in regards to schools exchange. After research in regards to the different school and exchange with a few students, I will apply to Hanover university and before that I am also currently looking for an internship / placement to start from May for five months as photographer assistant for a fashion or commercial photographer in Hanover or Berlin.  

 Why fashion or commercial photography ? No wedding photographs ot baby photographs will fulfill me. I wouldn’t mind doing a few commercial wedding photographs but being a photographer to the event itself no way. In regards to baby photographs, I love kids but again no… Fashion and commercial implies using your mind and creativity which correspond more to my vision of art.

 When looking for potential jobs as an assistant photographer and as a confirmed photographer in different location, countries, to evaluate the future and the present possibilities, offers and income,  I have noticed the position in commercial and fashion photography to be redondant but also many position for maternity photographers. Having worked in sales, I think a way of using a bit of my experience combined with my passion would help me start a career.

 During this first semester at university, three employability workshops were organised through our professional practice module. These workshops were supposed to help us see the different tools we have currently at university and what would be helpful to do now or during the degree in order to prepare our future graduation and professional life as a photographer or whatever direction we pursue in the field of photography. 15% of the content should be used in this blog but unfortunately, probably due to my age or my common sense, I did find the content not realistic or irrelevant to our / my situation.

A portal to research internships was presented to us during one of these workshops as a great tool and the so many contacts were impressive to hear but after doing many research and thinking I might have been doing wrong in my way of research, I have contacted the lady in charge and asked her about these many internship (paid or unpaid internship). Her answer, none for photography sorry. I am not surprised by the market to be that way as whoever does a minimum of research on the field knows or notice that the places are rare. The volunteer suggestion was also right but what about when no time for it. I have mentionned to the lady I’d love to but I am working for 40 hours plus the course so when do I have the time. Whatelse can we do. No real answer to that.

 In this regards, I am very happy that we had the opportunity this semester to receive the visit of different photographers and share their experience on the field which is more relevant and provide real tips.

 In order to do this blog, my idea was to go around europe and meet a few photographers that I like and follow on the web. The goal was to exchange about their work and also to create a piece of work combining both identities. I think this might be a great idea for the future students.

 Due to the impossibility to realize this idea this semester, I have instead created a questionnaire that I have sent to a few photographers in order to collect experiences and  advices. I have also used the experiences collected from exchanges I had last year and the visit of a few photographers that i come to visit us this year.

 To present the answers collected, I have created seven portraits below.

    Portrait 1 – Aisling McCoy, Photographer based in Dublin, Republic of Ireland

 Aisling McCoy is a photographer that we can classify as Artist photographer. She is polyvalent in her work as a photographer and touches to different styles such as  architecture, fashion, commercial,editorial, book edition …

Aisling was present to one of our workshop. It was amazing to have her explaining her journey, from her architecture background, education who lead her to her current path which is photography. Graduated from a master degree in Photography she have manage to combined her love for architecture and her love for photography. During the workshop, Aisling was telling us about each steps to be important, and each project to be a way of growing your own person, projects, art. During this inspirational talk she gave us, I have written down a few of her words « You learn along the journey » ; «  I didn’t know what to do, but I have tried a few things. Sometimes it does work sometimes not ». Aisling has expressed her worries when finishing her master degree, once you have your diploma and once you are out there in the professional world and have to go with the reality. It did work slowly for her by starting by using her architecture network and slowly she evolved through art by taking the opportunity she could on creating her own project when working for her clients (when it was possible). She also gave us tips on how to get free models for fashion shoot for example.

It is not easy facing the tough competition but slowly you make yourself a place in the world of photography whatever size it is. In regards to the competition, she told us about the market in Dublin and Ireland ( so the market by location that need to be reviewed to be able to offer the righ supply and answer the demand to help earning a living).

A young, impressive, and inspiring photographer to my point of view. I will continue to follow her work as she has manage to inspire me and create envy to work in fashion and commercial photography combined with art photography.  

  Portrait 2 - Fergus Jordan, Photographer based in Belfast, Northern Ireland

 Fergus Jordan is a commercial photographer. He was present to one of our workshop at university to explain us his work as a commercial photographer and also show us live the complexity and way of creating and building up an advertisement.

Fergus is a 36 years old young and experienced photographer who graduated from a BA Degree in Photography. By his original, creative mind, he is currently at the head of the successful « White Cloud » which supply big brands like famous irish wiskey brands among others.

A few quotes I have taken during the workshop : « You need a creative mind and time. Once you are in a shooting, you forget about time, sometimes I spend the night over one single shot » ; «  You need constant creativity to keep your clients and you need to know the market » ; « Every little thing, object you have around you can be used » (example with the slime or a wire).

It can take time to create a network but being, staying motivated and going to potential clients to present them what you can do for them and not just wait and despair will help.

Fergus has talent by his creativity, technique in photography but he also has communication and sales skills which are also very important in photography. Commercial photography enable to have a good way of life, the money is good but it take a lot of time.

 Portrait 3 – ISS, Photographer based in Paris

 Iss as I will call him here is an amazing fashion photographer with whom I have exchange over the phone about his experience in the world of photography. He was working as an engineer and wanted to change career. Iss entered a two months intense technical photography course in a well known school in France. After the course it took him a few years to manage to earn a living out of photography. « Perseverance and Work » were the two words he has insisted on when speaking about the needs when facing the current tough market of a photographer where he mention that the supply is higher than the demand.

Iss told me that by travelling for a few years being settling back in Paris helped  him to meet and practice with different photographers, types of photography, help on culture of photography and vision.

A very important quote showing the beauty of the field and the reality : «  It is not because you shoot Chanel that you live or it Chanel but it enables you to see beautiful things and practice your creativity on a higher level that you can with your own personal finance ».

Iss is also teaching photography. Many photographers combined two jobs to earn a proper leaving or to enable them to construct their own personal projects. It is also a pleasure to see new comers and learn from them.

Finding a way to do thing you love, you are passionate about but being in the same time down to earth is the key of success.

  Portrait 4 - WE, Photographer based in Paris

 WE as I will call him here is an Author-Photographer, Documentary Photographer I have met during a festival last year and who nicely answered my questionnaire over the phone.

WE is 50 years old. He starting his career 25 years ago. He is an autodidact as it was the case for many photographers in the 1980’s, 1990’s. He has learned the job straight in the field and not at school. To do the job, it required to have communication skills and a good culture of medias ( news, locals and internationals) and also writing skills. Technique is something you learn on the way he mentionned. It is important to be polyvalent (portraiture, landscape).

Depending of the job, the equipment is different, sometimes analogue sometimes digital. The format will be taken into consideration for the choice of equipment. The no cropping is important in his work compared to the new generation he said smiling over the phone.

In regards to the current market, WE advised the difficulty for new photographers who needs to fight to earn a living from photography due to the heavy competition out there. WE is also teaching in a few schools and is at the head of a platform agency of 500 photographers, online platform that help on creating visibility to the photojournalists. Developping different activities is important for him, the photographer is an actor and can’t stand one way as the market is constantly changing. To create his own projects, there is the network created along the years but no private finance need to be used for projects. To avoid private finance, he recommend going to potential clients, think about partnerships, sponsors, and specialize if needed. The creation of a synopsis is highly recommended for him to help get an order. The work of a photographer is a work of the present, the now, the tomorrow and the next day when speaking about the how to earn a living ? It is a constant work as the contracts, jobs are never sure and the market is so variable. Communication is a tool to sell your work, your person. Being original is the key to face the competition and the work on the visibility. In regards to visibility and network, the current advise for him is to have an Instagram account and be up to date with your work to be seen by the world and also not wait and meet as many people in the field during events,night openings, festivals and do some portfolio reviews. We learned about our mistakes so we need to go with the flow and not stress in this field.      

 Portrait 5 - JP, Photographer based in Paris

JP as I will call her here is a young photographer (artist photographer classified by the world as conceptual, fashion photographer) who nicely took some of her time to answer my questionnaire. Photographer since seven years but professional since only 4 years. I am glad that she has shared her experience with me. Autodidact, she has won a well known price in photography a few years ago. Despite the visibility she had with the price and her talent, to fully work as an artist photographer is very hard for her and she has to work in the photography edition to earn a living. She mentionned that the competition is very tough and that due to the changes of the market she targets, having a chance to earn a living from it is very hard right now. In fact, JP ‘s work has for target galleries, museums but now instead of money, galleries and museums offer visibility which doesn’t help life expenses. JP has also mentionned that Paris is a tough place to work as many photographer are priviledge not by they work but by their contacts. Talented artist, she is creating her own scenes manually and does self-portrait but has rarely the use of a model only exceptionnaly. Being autodidact, she has noticed that many schools are formating their students and she can see from her own work experience in edition which photographer went to which school only by looking at their pictures / portfolios. Famous or not famous, photography is a passion that you make for yourself and offer to the rest of the world. Many people like her work but unfortunately it is a market that cannot afford her work. But she will continue doing what she loves and keep her second work in the same time.

 Portrait 6 - NM, Photographer based in Paris

NM as I will call him here is a photographer based in Paris. I cannot thank him again on taking time to answer my questionnaire. When reading his answers, I couldn’t agree more on everything he is saying. It is very difficult to resume all his answers so I will only copy and paste his answers to not miss anything.

« I want to preserve a status of photographer in the broad sense. I really have a lot of trouble with the boxes in which the current society is trying to put away the photographers. One may very well be interested in fashion and landscape photography. I find it healthy to maintain different interests and to make them communicate. And then artistic photography does not mean much, does it? Fashion photography, for example, has revolutionized photographic practice in a wide sense, at all levels and has always had an important place in galleries. I will also specify that currently we take less risk than before when we chose to work a photographer. There are fewer and fewer creative freedoms left and it is often the marketing people who have the last word and who like to have exactly what they ordered from you. In the 90s, for example, the photographer often assumed the artistic direction and was trusted with his interpretation of the command. Now if you always do the same thing, you have more chances to work because we know exactly what we will have if you order and it's reassuring.

I started when I was twenty, I think. And now I'm thirty-one.

I work in digital for orders (question of cost and time) and in film for my personal projects. The film allows me to have a workspace outside the incessant digital image flow. A workspace with a different temporality, where you can work in a traditional way, in a more meditative way.

I was a student at ENS Louis Lumière, in Paris, for three years. I have no regrets, I learned a lot and I was passionate about my classes and my teachers. I would say that the main advantage of a photography school is the network it brings to the end of studies.

I live (somehow) from my work as a photographer. It is a daily struggle, made of many uncertainties, dead times and challenges. But I live correctly. 

I finance my personal projects with my orders. I have rarely been able to benefit from funding.

For my part I think it is only through my work that I arrived where I am (ie not very far either). On the other hand, around me, I see a lot of photographers who have opportunities through influences and connivance. I'm starting to get to know the Parisian network and it's quite depressing to see that many things only work by contact, and it's the best solution to stand out.

I think that I have my place, as small as it is.

I think I still have a lot of work and effort to do before I can be happy with anything. I had of course hoped that it would be faster after school, but I learned that it is a job where you have to be patient. I would obviously like to have more orders to be comfortable financially and to be able to carry out my personal projects in good conditions. I am currently working on a new series that will be the subject of a book, this will be the next important step in my journey.

I chose to remain independent and not succumb to the attractiveness of a permanent position on permanent contracts. I did not want to give up my dreams of freedom and fulfillment in my personal work. It is a difficult choice, which I constantly re-evaluate, especially when it comes to stability, buying an apartment, building a family, etc ... For the moment, there is nothing of that, and I it would be part of the sacrifice but I trust the future and I have no regrets. If I have any advice to give to current students it is to do things with passion because if there is not this passion that burns in you, it will be a job too difficult to support because too precarious.

I think you have to know how to be worldly, go to all openings. Go to the meetings of photography, in Arles, especially. Many things are happening there. It is necessary to be insistent, to know to play elbows, to know how to take one's telephone when one does not have answers by mail.”

 NM said it all with perfection from my point of view. 

 Portrait 7 -  DA, Photographer based in Normandy, France

DA as I will call him here is a photographer who does many types of photography ( architecture, food photography, fashion photography in his free time but mainly photography 360 in many different types of companies.  DA is an autodidact. He has changed his career path only three years ago when he has lost his job. DA took the opportunity to turn his passion into a real job and it did work. After studying the market, he has specialised himself in 360 photography where he has many customers through France and thanks to that it did open him a few a doors for other types of photography services in his new network. No art photography, he is not an artist but only a photographer as he is saying. He is not interested to be an artist but interested to enjoy life working with what he likes doing. My goal is the same but differently. I wanted to show with this portrait that many photographers are also that way and it is sufficient for them which is the matter of all a career perspective being happy and afford, earning a living.

 I am glad to have gone through this blog that is like a journal of my thoughts and that made me assume my choices and career perspectives. I want to be an artist photographer and be happy in life so whatever happen in the future, whatever people are saying as long I am happy. I will continue looking for that internship and see what life brings me along. It is nice to have a bit of a plan but we never know what tomorrow is made of, the way. The final words for me be happy with photography for your own person and then there is always a solution on the way. So I will be working as an assistant for a fashion or commercial photographer as soon as possible, create my network and then I will see what I want and how things goes.