Advertising on the portal

History of the photographer's profession. Who is a photographer through the eyes of a psychologist? And why not all photographers are geniuses

Thousands dream of being photographers, only a few become, despite the fact that modern cameras open up great opportunities. Thanks to their unique features, even the role of the photographer seems minimal. Turned on autofocus, set the mode automatic settings lighting, “charged” serial shooting and received a dozen full-fledged frames in a second. Fell asleep, woke up, are you Helmut Newton? Not the case. Even with smart technology, not everyone manages to become an outstanding or simply a good photographer. It is not enough to open the shutter curtain and press the shutter to capture that most beautiful moment that will become part of history. You need to have a special view of the world and, of course, special professional skills.

How photography developed

The art of painting with light - photography - arose, in part, thanks to Aristotle's powers of observation and the curiosity of Leonardo da Vinci.

An ancient Greek philosopher back in the 4th century BC drew attention to the fact that light penetrating through a hole into a dark room leaves a pattern on the wall in the shape of the object on which it falls. And the great Leonardo, known not only for paintings, but also for technical inventions, was the first to describe in his works the principle of operation of the so-called camera obscura. It appeared at the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries and became the ancestor of the modern camera.

The device was a box with good light insulation, a small hole on one of the walls and a white screen on the opposite. The light fell on an object placed outside and, passing through the hole, left its precise but reduced contours on the screen.

Figuring out how to save the image turned out to be more difficult than mastering the principle of projecting it. The first photograph depicting a person appeared only in the 19th century. A chain of accidents led to this event. Thanks to them, scientists came up with chemical compositions, which were used to create the first photographs and photo reagents.

The emerging achromatic lens improved image quality. Then the inventors came up with a way to ensure that the photographs were light-resistant. It was he who formed the basis of heliography technology, which before today used in photography.

The official date of birth of the profession of “photographer” can be considered January 1839, when at a meeting of the Academy of Sciences in Paris it was announced the discovery of the first technical method of obtaining a photographic image - daguerreotype. The historical photograph of “Boulevard Temple” was taken by one of the authors of the invention, Louis Daguerre. The shoot took about 10 minutes and captured a man whose shoes were being polished.

Since then, many artists have become photographers. With the help of a camera, they “wrote” family or single portraits, photographs for memory. The quality of those images is not ideal compared to the level of modern photographs, but the hands of masters of brushes and paints are visible in the construction of the composition.

With the advent of Kodak cameras in 1888, the profession began to develop rapidly. Black-and-white cameras were replaced by color devices by the middle of the 20th century, although the first photo in color was taken by the Scottish physicist James Clerk Maxwell back in 1861.

Thanks to enthusiasts, photography has turned from a hobby of citizens seeking entertainment into an industry. American photographer Alfred Stieglitz, known for his unusual techniques for creating photographic still lifes and photographic portraits, became the founder of the professional movement. Its participants insisted that photography is not just capturing an image with a camera, but, above all, creative work photographer

Another significant person in this profession is the famous French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, who is considered the founder of photojournalism. His work has influenced several generations of professionals around the world. It is curious that the master himself did not like to be photographed.

Description and specifics of the profession

A person who takes photographs using a camera is called a photographer.

Over time, this definition ceased to reflect the essence of the specialty and opened the doors to the profession to everyone who has phones, tablets, laptops and others mobile devices, which have built-in cameras. It has become easy to take a photograph, and the process of storing and replicating images is also not difficult.

Although modern technologies and smart gadgets allow you to take photos good quality, experts are in no hurry to equate amateur photographers with professional photographers. And all because the process of photography is not only the ability to use a camera.

Lighting of the shooting location and interior design, appearance the object and its angle, the location of the camera and the possibilities of its movement, the mood of the model and the photographer himself, the professional experience of both - everything matters.

This profession does not tolerate fuss and immediacy, a casual attitude to work and indifference to details. One moment often requires many hours of attention.

A photo shoot includes a whole range of events. It depends on them whether you get a frame that catches your eye, or a routine photo that no one will pay attention to. There are three main stages: preparation, shooting, selection of images and editing.

Before starting work, the photographer must understand why he is taking photographs, what idea he wants to convey through the photograph, what details of the created image he plans to draw attention to. A professional photographer, as a rule, thinks through the composition of the photo in advance, imagines a key frame, and highlights important accents. You should be careful while filming because it is a live process. In a matter of seconds you can catch a moment or miss it forever.

Intuition, taste, sense of beauty and style, of course, have not been canceled either. They need to be actively used, developed and improved.

Much attention professional photographer devotes time to setting up equipment. The master, as a rule, knows the capabilities of his camera well and knows how to use them in right moment. The photographer is interested in new photographic products, regularly tests them and tries to use them in his work.

A professional in the field of photography must have a good knowledge of the specifics of processing and editing photographs. Often a not-so-successful photograph can be “pulled out” using modern computer photo programs. True, in this field of activity it is desirable to have good taste and, most importantly, a sense of proportion.

Why do you need the profession of a photographer? In addition to applied tasks - creating photographs for business purposes, this profession carries a great aesthetic and emotional load. Beautiful, tastefully taken photographs can inspire new successes and become an incentive for. In addition, photographs are witnesses of our lives, keepers of history, and a means of communication with future generations.

Rating of the TOP 10 best online schools



International school foreign languages, including Japanese, Chinese, Arabic. Computer courses, art and design, finance and accounting, marketing, advertising, PR are also available.


Individual lessons with a tutor for preparation for the Unified State Exam, Unified State Exam, Olympiads, school subjects. Classes with the best teachers in Russia, more than 23,000 interactive tasks.


An educational IT portal that helps you become a programmer from scratch and start a career in your specialty. Training with guaranteed internship and free master classes.



The largest online school English language, which gives you the opportunity to learn English individually with a Russian-speaking teacher or native speaker.



English language school via Skype. Strong Russian-speaking teachers and native speakers from the UK and USA. Maximum conversation practice.



Online school English language of the new generation. The teacher communicates with the student via Skype, and the lesson takes place in a digital textbook. Personal training program.


Distance online school. Lessons school curriculum from 1st to 11th grade: videos, notes, tests, simulators. For those who often miss school or live outside of Russia.


Online University modern professions(web design, internet marketing, programming, management, business). After training, students can undergo a guaranteed internship with partners.


The largest online education platform. Allows you to obtain a sought-after Internet profession. All exercises are posted online, access to them is unlimited.


An interactive online service for learning and practicing English in a fun way game form. Effective workouts, translation of words, crosswords, listening, vocabulary cards.

What should a photographer be like?

We see that good photographer combines the abilities of “physics” and “lyrics”. He is well versed in technical devices and, at the same time, has an artistic gift. Unconventional thinking, good imagination, and the ability to see the unusual in ordinary things will not hurt in this work. And, of course, without love for the profession, the owner of the camera may not even get a passport photo.

Qualities required for a photographer:

  • aesthetic taste;
  • creative restlessness;
  • fantasy;
  • desire for improvement;
  • interest in everything new;
  • broad outlook and wide range of interests;
  • curiosity and curiosity;
  • attentiveness;
  • scrupulousness;
  • patience;
  • tolerance and good endurance;
  • stress resistance;
  • communication skills;
  • ability to work in a team;
  • good health.

To create your own masterpieces, it is useful for a photographer to get acquainted with the best examples painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, cinema and other forms of art. You can look for objects for photography in nature, on city streets, among people, interesting things and unusual objects.

Photographer's specialization

The scope of application of a photographer's abilities is extremely broad. Having good professional skills, taste, experience and the ability to go beyond generally accepted standards, you can not only secure permanent employment, but also make a name in the profession.

Let's name the main areas of activity of the photographer:

  • Photojournalism - shooting for print publications and electronic media. Advertising - photographs commissioned by advertising agencies.
  • Photodocumentary - work on documentary chronicles, recording significant events, which may go down in history.
  • Fashion photography - servicing fashion houses, shooting fashion shows and other events in the field of modeling business.
  • Food photography - photographing products and prepared dishes commissioned by specialized media and catering establishments. As a rule, a food photographer works in tandem with a food stylist, who creates the style of the dish.
  • Industrial design - work in specialized art studios and advertising agencies. Creation of photographs of enterprises and technical equipment.
  • Forensics - work in investigative agencies, filming at the scene of an incident in order to solve a crime.
  • Gossip chronicles - usually covert filming famous people: politicians, movie and show business stars.
  • Specialized laboratories in scientific institutions- filming the process and results of laboratory research.
  • Photo studio - creating photographs commissioned by the public.

In addition, the photographer can photograph weddings and corporate events, festive events in kindergartens and schools, create artistic photographs with elements of painting techniques.

Where to study to be a photographer

Education in the field of photography is not very widespread in Russia and is mainly paid, since it is offered as a second additional education.

Initial professional skills can be acquired after grades 9 and 11 in specialized college groups. Photography is studied, for example, at the College of Cinema, Television and Multimedia at the All-Russian Institute of Cinematography (VGIK). Photojournalism departments are located in the corresponding faculties at universities. The most famous university that produces photojournalists is M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University.

The basics of photography are also studied at the camera departments of universities that train specialists in the field of film and television. So in St. Petersburg, photo specialists are trained by the St. Petersburg state university cinema and television.

You should find out about admission conditions and tuition fees directly from educational institutions. But we can say that getting a photography profession in Moscow colleges costs from 40 thousand rubles a year. Some educational institutions have budget departments.

Future photographers are offered numerous courses on teaching the art of photography, video lessons on the Internet, books and specialized periodicals. Experienced photographers recommend finding a good mentor who will teach you all the intricacies of the profession.

Advantages and disadvantages of the profession

Photography, like any creative activity, is quite unpredictable. You may be in great demand or, on the contrary, you may spend a long time looking for work. Therefore, professional experience and useful acquaintances It is recommended to purchase at the same time. And, of course, you should constantly work for the future - engage in self-education, keep abreast of changing trends in the field of photography, get acquainted with new photographic equipment and photographic technologies.

« Pros» photographer's works:

  • suitable for both “techies” and artists;
  • lack of monotony;
  • there are opportunities for self-development;
  • You can independently regulate your employment and income level.

« Cons» professions:

  • Greater dependence on customer requirements;
  • significant emotional and physical costs;
  • the need for a large amount of special skills;
  • irregular employment, unstable income.

Resume

Photography is created for those people who do not like standard solutions, cannot stand monotony, are constantly looking for new forms of self-expression and never stand still. The photographer's work provides unique opportunity to be where others don’t even dream of going.

However, like everything, this specialty is very dependent on chance, luck and other unregulated factors. The only thing a future photographer should count on is his talent, acquired knowledge and constant professional growth. With proper prioritization, this should work.

16.12.2016

A photographer is a person who is able to capture amazing moments of life with a camera and preserves a piece of his entire inner world in his works. You can become interested in photography at any age, but this requires time, effort and desire. The required qualities of a master are good photography skills, imagination and aesthetic taste.

This activity includes the following stages: preparation for photographing, the process of photographing itself and finalizing images using graphic editors.

The emergence of the photographic profession

This specialty dates back to 1839 - the first acquaintance of society with the photographic process. It was then that Louis Daguerre presented his invention at a meeting of the Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Arts in France.

Although photographers put a lot of effort and imagination into making their photographs look extraordinary, they were not perceived as art for a long time. They often used editing and printing from multiple negatives.

Louis Daguerre

Popularization of the profession of photographer

At the end of the last century, equipment became smaller in volume and easier to use, and methods for recording photographs on paper developed. The field of photojournalism has gained popularity. Since that time, this specialty has become in demand.

Two distinct directions in photography have emerged: realistic and form-creative.

The Danish Union of Press Photographers is formed - the first professional organization, created by several photographers. Specialists in the field of reporting often reflected in their works social problems, such as inequality of different sections of society, poverty, use of child labor, etc. At first, information about the authorship of the photographs was not printed.

In the first half of the twentieth century, a method of “instant photography” appeared, which did not involve processing photographs. In this regard, the profession began to be perceived as a very simple and even primitive occupation. But photography has moved further and is on par with works of art.

Photography as a modern activity

Now this specialty is considered prestigious and profitable. The main feature of this work is its demand in various fields of activity, such as journalism, modeling business, shooting various holidays, etc.

This is a very creative and interesting field of activity that requires constant self-improvement. A specialist needs to be able to find an approach to any client, have great patience, because sometimes, in order to get good result requires a lot of effort and time.

Interesting publications on the site

What is a professional photographer? What kind of person is this? How to identify it? Even my friends often ask me this question, adding: this is probably the one who makes money from photography?

I have been thinking about this post for a long time, and in it I will tell you what mandatory criteria must be met a real professional a great photographer, in my opinion.

Today photography is constantly being infused huge amount ambitious youth, this is due to the accessibility that the digital era has given to the photographic process. DSLRs are selling like hot cakes in hardware stores. Some of the already mature masters are even afraid of the current situation. And in vain. Firstly, many of those who today are urgently interested in photography and even began to earn money from it will burn out tomorrow, lose interest and get carried away with something else. That is, there are a lot of random and very temporary people now in photography, we can say that this is a kind of natural selection. Only the most interested and devoted remain. And secondly, if you are a true master, you have nothing to fear, the one who doubts his abilities is afraid...

Meanwhile, there are many people who have been making quite successful money from photography for a long time, but are not professionals (in my opinion). These are artisans who, having reached a certain level, happily stopped there, realizing that this was enough to earn a normal income, and their clients were satisfied. And there is no point in moving further.

There are also advanced amateurs. They are well armed both technically and theoretically. These people are close in spirit to true professionalism (in my understanding of the issue). They are also passionately and deeply immersed in photography and are ready to spend a lot of effort and energy to obtain nice photo. But these people have more freedom compared to professionals. Photography does not bring them money; they have no obligations to the client, no deadlines for issuing orders, they work selflessly to satisfy their spiritual and aesthetic needs.

So who is the real master then? I believe that this is not the person who is engaged in photography, makes money from it, or is interested in photography. This is a man who lives by photography. Almost everything he does is in one way or another connected with “his life’s work.” He globally understands the essence of the work he does, looking for powerful social, spiritual and artistic meaning in it.

In addition, a professional must have such mandatory qualities as punctuality, efficiency, friendliness and commitment. Without which it is impossible to work with a client. He must have a lively and extremely restless mind. He must constantly want creative growth. He should not rely on the fact that his clients like his work, he must first of all like (and not like) himself, he must constantly strive for the best, setting himself a higher and higher bar. A photographer who suddenly decides that he has achieved perfection immediately begins to degrade; he cannot be achieved, and that’s the whole point.

In addition to commerce, a real master must be creative and have some ideas and projects not aimed at making money. And of course exhibitions. A master must sometimes look back and try to look at himself from the outside, best way to do this - a personal exhibition. When you collect works for a certain period of time, print, design, and put together an exhibition. And you invite everyone to see what you are like inside. This is a very exciting and delicate moment for every master, because not only your friends will come and tell you, well done. And your colleagues, art historians, critics and simply strangers will come. To whose judgment have you submitted your whole soul? The exhibition is an inevitable process of creative growth of a photographer.

So, a true professional photographer works, creates, lives and grows in a coordinate system called “photo art”. He rushes forward, trying to reach an unattainable peak, knowing that he will never reach it....

Perhaps this is happiness...