Composing a picture includes choosing a subject, presenting a subject to achieve a particular effect, and selecting equipment to accomplish the desired goal. By creatively applying the technical aspects of light, lens, film, filters, and camera settings, photographers and camera operators produce pictures that capture a mood or tell a story. Many photographers develop and print their own photographs, especially photographs requiring special effects, and photographers may enlarge or otherwise alter the original image. Most, however, send their film to laboratories for processing. This is especially true for color film, which requires very expensive equipment and exacting conditions for processing and printing.
Most photographers specialize in commercial, portrait, or journalistic photography.
Some specialize in weddings or school photographs. Portrait photographers take pictures of individuals or groups of people and often work in their own studios. Portrait photographers who are small-business owners also arrange for advertising, schedule appointments, set and adjust equipment, develop and retouch negatives, and mount and frame pictures. They also hire and train employees, purchase supplies, keep records, and bill customers. Some self-employed photographers sign with stock photo agencies.