Working Beyond The Lens: 8 Photography Careers Worth Considering

I know. It’s been two weeks since our last post, but before you say anything - let me explain. 

Team Free Juice has been busy working behind the scenes to kick off our upcoming programming this spring. Free Juice University is back and we’re so excited about welcoming our next cohort. There are so many moving parts in the works and if you know us, you know that we don’t do anything half-way. 

Every year, we get a lot of applicants asking us what to do if photography just isn't doing IT for them. The thing is, although these highly-talented, aspiring creatives have a great passion for photography, they often express hesitation about diving into a full-time photography career because the field doesn’t seem to offer enough innovative avenues to explore opportunities beyond traditional photography. So what do we do? 

Team Free Juice is adamant about building intentional programming to be a resource for all who come through our doors. The mission of our organization is essentially structured around addressing these career concerns. So, After countless discussions and fielding numerous questions on this topic, we’ve specifically narrowed down the 8 core trajectories our programming supports with relative transferable photography skills worth exploring as you figure out which avenues make the most sense for your artistic skills.

1. Photo Editor: If you have a keen eye for composition and conceptualization, then a path into Photo Editing may be for you. Photo editors are crucial in shaping the overall narrative conveyed through images. They curate selected images into suitable layouts that best align with the desired storyline or message. Effective photo editors lean into their  research skills to source captivating imagery that appeals to and resonates with the intended audience.
2. Photo Director: Much like a captain of the ship steers its course, the photo director serves as the visionary leader of a creative team, overseeing the full execution of visual concepts. They possess a strong understanding of the technical and administrative requirements along each step of the production process. Their creative leadership ensures seamless coordination and implementation of all creative components, while guiding the artistic direction while managing logistical details to bring concepts to fruition.
3. Producer: If you consider yourself a meticulous planner with exceptional organizational skills, you may want to consider a career as a Producer. In this role, you are essentially the backbone of every successful photo shoot. Producers plan and coordinate the various components of production to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow. From scheduling and coordinating logistics to facilitating communication among team members, producers streamline behind-the-scenes activities necessary to bring creative visions to life. 
4. Retoucher: If a picture is worth a thousand words, your skills as a retoucher will add the defining touches to tell a vivid story. As a post-production role, retouchers specialize in advanced editing skills that enhance and manipulate photographs to achieve the final desired aesthetic outcomes. Whether it’s color correction, image compositing, or refining specific details, retouchers add the magic touch to prepare and optimize visual assets for various purposes, including e-commerce, advertising, and key editorial content.
5. Photo Researcher: Photo researchers are the go-to creatives, or plugs, for sourcing and selecting relevant images to complement creative concepts. They are highly resourceful with great attention to details and an innate ability to combine their visual creativity with meticulous, and varying research skills - sometimes it's metaphorical, sometimes it's building the vision from a pre-existing direction. They put these skills to work as they scour various sources like the outstanding Getty Image catalog, to locate uniquely compelling image options that best align with a given narrative and contribute to the overall storytelling process.
6. Creative Director: As a master visual narrator, Creative Directors blend their expertise in graphic design with their captivating storytelling capabilities to shape powerful visual narratives. Depending on the industry or company, this role can be extremely nuanced with interchangeable artistic, leadership responsibilities, experiences, and requirements. In a given project or campaign, they are the leads who work cross-functionally to conceptualize the overarching themes that serve as a framework to guide the artistic direction. As a creative director, you’ll create the strategic vision to ensure that all visual communication remains cohesive, consistent, and impactful across various platforms.
7. Art Director: Art Directors collaborate closely with Creative Directors to translate conceptual visions into tangible visual assets, ensuring consistent alignment with brand identity, messaging, and aesthetic. They craft visuals that resonate with audiences and innovate within design boundaries. Acting as strategic visual marketers, they inspire collaboration and guide teams to produce captivating narratives. In essence, Art Directors are the architects of perception, shaping how we interact with the world through creative storytelling.
8. Photo Rep or Agent: As advocates for photographers, Reps specialize in discovering and promoting talent within the industry. They undertake a range of responsibilities on behalf of their clients, including public relations, client vetting, contract negotiation, and even financial management. With a keen eye for emerging talent, they effectively communicate the unique strengths and stories of photographers to potential clients. Photo representatives play a crucial role in connecting photographers with opportunities that align with their artistic vision and career objectives.

The photography industry offers a multitude of lucrative opportunities beyond the usual aim, shoot, and capture option. Understanding just what you bring to the table - unique artistic flair and strategic thinking - can help you find your perfect career fit. Whether you’re into enhancing visual narratives as a photo editor, orchestrating productions as a producer, or leading the artistic direction as a creative director, there’s a niche awaiting for your creative touch. By exploring these different paths, you may just uncover a world of fulfilling career paths where you can leverage your skills and passions to leave a real mark in the field.

And if you’re already a leader in one of these roles, consider joining our program as a mentor to the next generation at www.freejuice.info/mentorship.  Did we miss anything? If so, drop us a comment below and share some insight on additional key skills needed for any of these roles. Know some emerging roles? Let us know too. It’s a community effort and we’re all about sharing Free Juice.