News photographers must be decisive in recognizing a potentially good photograph and acting quickly to have it published. Commercial photographers must be imaginative and original. Portrait photgraphers need the ability to help people relax in front of the camera. Photojournalists must not only be good with a camera but also understand the story behind an event so that their pictures match the story. This requires journalistic skills and explains why employers increasingly look for individuals with a 4-year degree in photojournalism or journalism with an emphasis on photography.
Camera operators can become directors of photography for movie studios and television programs.
Magazine and news photographers may head up graphic arts departments or become photography editors. Photographers and camera operators may become teachers and provide instruction in their own area of expertise. Job Outlook Photography, particularly commercial photography and photojournalism, is a highly competitive field. There are more people who want to be photographers than there is work to support them. Only the most skilled and those with the best business ability are able to find salaried positions or attract enough work to support themselves as self-employed photographers.