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Freelance Banquet Photographers advance by adding more
ating wide-screen images of large groups and entire rooms.
staff photographers to their studios, expanding into other areas
Some Banquet Photographers also offer on-site printing, so
of photography they may not already be servicing (i.e., sports,
that people can take the prints home immediately. Photogra-
weddings, etc.), and opening more studios in new locations.
phers can add company logos to the prints and offer various
Staff Banquet Photographers can advance to become senior
print options to clients, such as color schemes and photo
photographers or owners of commercial studios.
borders.
Banquet Photographers also work closely with conven-
Education and Training
tion center and hotel managers and crew. These facilities are
A two- or four-year degree in photography, with training in
usually run by unions and have set job descriptions for their
digital photography and design software such as Adobe
employees. Banquet Photographers may not be authorized
Photoshop and Illustrator, is usually a solid foundation for
to move certain objects or set up certain electrical wires if
Banquet Photographers. Sales is an important part of the
these tasks fall within an employee s domain. Photogra-
position, and Banquet Photographers will do well to take
phers will contact employees throughout the location shoot
workshops in promotion, marketing, advertising, and small
to bring cartons and cases, provide and install electric wires,
business ownership.
set up or move ladders, adjust and control overhead lights
(not photographic lights, though), and more.
Freelance Banquet Photographers are also responsible for
Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits
running and maintaining their businesses. They handle the
Most Banquet Photographers have at least several years of
promoting and marketing of their services and work with
prior experience in commercial photography. A background
graphic designers on advertising campaigns and Web design-
in portrait and wedding photography is especially helpful to
ers on the creation and maintenance of their company Web
the position. Banquet Photographers are outgoing, confident,
sites. They either have a bookkeeper and accountant handle
and adept at working with a wide variety of people, from
the books, tax payments, and accounts receivable and
clients of all ages to banquet and convention center employ-
payable, or they do it themselves, and they make sure their
ees. They are professional and firm, able to manage and
office equipment works and office supplies are stocked.
instruct groups and individuals about when and where to
pose to ensure the best images. They take photographs both
Salaries indoors and outside and are skilled in lighting and composi-
tion. Banquet Photographers need to have strong communi-
Banquet Photographers are usually freelancers who charge
flat fees or day rates for their services. They may charge any- cation and organization skills and be comfortable promoting
their services and selling photographic packages. They must
where from $500 to $1,500 or more per event or per day. Fees
be energetic and have great stamina because they may work
depend upon number of shots and locations involved in the
project, location of the banquet or event, and the photogra- long days or nights and will have to travel to locations.
pher s years of experience in the field. Successful Banquet
Photographers who are well known and in high demand will
Unions and Associations
secure higher salaries. The few Banquet Photographers who
Associations such as Wedding and Portrait Photographers
are full-time employees at commercial studios will usually
International and Professional Photographers of America
enjoy such benefits as discounted group health insurance and
provide Banquet Photographers with educational resources,
paid vacation and sick leave. Depending upon their agree-
employment listings, and networking opportunities.
ments with clients, Banquet Photographers may augment
their earnings by selling images to stock photography houses.
Tips for Entry
Employment Prospects 1. Find Banquet Photographers in your area by doing an
Internet search on Google or another search engine.
Chances of finding work in the banquet photography field
Review their Web sites and online galleries. Read
are good. The growth of group travel to resorts and to year-
their biographies and familiarize yourself with their
round convention and trade-show cities has increased the
client lists. Contact those studios you are most inter-
demand for on-site photography services in hotels and con-
vention halls everywhere. The increasingly affluent middle ested in working for and ask about employment
class and the substantial growth of the senior citizen market opportunities. If nothing else, see if you can set up
has led to new and improved retirement and resort commu- informational meetings to learn more about the field
nities. New hotels, convention centers, and the development and their work.
and expansion of seashore communities have contributed to 2. Contact hotels, catering halls, and convention centers
the continual demand for Banquet Photographers. to learn the names of photographers who cover ban-
60 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN PHOTOGRAPHY
quets and events. Contact these photographers to see for the coming months. Contact these groups to see if
if they need assistance with upcoming projects. If you they have photography needs and schedule a meeting
can afford it, volunteer to help at a shoot. It will give to discuss your services with them. Prepare for the
you the chance to see if this type of work is for you meeting by tailoring your portfolio to include images
and learn all the steps that are involved. that best represent the style and content the prospec-
3. Visit the Web sites of corporations, associations, tive client will prefer.
sports leagues, and others to see their event calendars
EVENT AND TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY 61
CRUISE PHOTOGRAPHER
CAREER PROFILE CAREER LADDER
Duties: Provides photography throughout a cruise, from the
moment passengers board to the activities of the final Senior Cruise Photographer
night; handles sales and print orders during the voyage;
keeps records of all photographs; may work with an
assistant
Cruise Photographer
Alternate Title(s): None
Salary Range: $1,000 to $2,000+ per voyage, plus bonus
Employment Prospects: Good
Portrait Photographer /
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