Some photographers hire an assistant solely for this responsibility. Portrait photographers often work in their own studios but may travel to take photographs at schools and other places and weddings and other events. Their work may put them in uncomfortable or even dangerous surroundings. This is especially true for photojournalists covering natural disasters, civil strife, or military conflicts. Some photographers and camera operators wait long hours in all kinds of weather for an event to take place and stand or walk for long periods while carrying heavy equipment.
Photographers often work under severe time restrictions to meet deadlines and satisfy customers.
Employment Photographers and camera operators held about 139,000 jobs in 1994. About 4 out of 10 were self-employed, a much higher proportion than the average for all occupations. Some self-employed photographers contracted with advertising agencies, magazines, or others to do individual projects at a predetermined fee, while others operated portrait studios or provided photographs to stock photo agencies. Most salaried photographers worked in portrait or commercial photography studios. Others were employed by newspapers, magazines, advertising agencies, and government agencies.