STILL PHOTOGRAPHER JOB DESCRIPTION, CAREERS, SALARY, EMPLOYMENT, DEFINITION, EDUCATION AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

Duties: Take pictures (called “production stills”) during production for later use by the publicist in press kits; maintain a photographic record of the production
Salary Range: $300 to $463 per week or $1,500 to $1,700 per week, depending on whether it is a studio or distant location
Education and Training – Bachelor’s degree, with a major in photography is helpful but not required
Experience – Working as a news photographer or for a magazine; working in a photo studio
Special Skills and Personality Traits – Talent for photography; a “photographer’s eye”; organized; reliable

Position Description
Whenever you see a photo from a movie in your local newspaper or in a magazine, chances are it was shot by the film company’s Still Photographer, whose job it is to take pictures during production of all principal cast members, important action sequences and special effects, key crew members, as well as the director, producer, writer, and director of photography, plus any other aspect of the film that could be used in promotion. The Still Photographer reports to the producer and the financing entity or studio.

The Still Photographer works in and around the actors and set without getting in the way or affecting the shot or actors’ performances. He or she will sometimes use a special device called a “blimp,” which is soundproof housing fitted to the camera to silence the sound of the shutter and motor drive, although newer digital cameras are silent.

Since it would be impossible to shoot every part of every take, the Still Photographer has to use his or her judgment as to what to shoot. Also, not every picture will lend itself to promotion, even if it captures a wonderful moment. Sometimes, an actor might feel that these moments are too private to be made public; in fact, many actors have in their contracts the right to destroy any still photo they do not want released.

The Still Photographer works most closely with the publicist, who will often request certain photos that he or she thinks will have the biggest impact in terms of marketing. These are the photos the publicist uses in press kits, which are sent to the media to begin promoting the movie.

A member of the same union as the director of photography, the International Photographers Guild, the Still Photographer is supposed to be the only person on the set allowed to take actual photographs.

Besides publicity, the Still Photographer has other responsibilities. They take pictures of the set each day so that if it must be re-created for later reshooting, the crew can refer to the stills to make sure everything is placed in its proper spot. There will be some people from various departments shooting Polaroids from time to time, but these are used to maintain continuity in day to day shooting.

The Still Photographer’s photos are also used as documentation of the production, which means every member of the crew will appear somewhere in a photo. If a star or celebrity visits the set, the Still Photographer may be asked to take his or her photo, unless he or she refuses. Sometimes, photos of actors in the movie are needed as props in a scene. It would be up to the Still Photographer to take those pictures as well.

Salaries

Salary minimums are set by the International Photographers Guild at $360 to $463 per day or $1,500 to $1,700 per week, depending on whether work is at a studio or at a distant location and whether one is hired as a Schedule B-1 or C-1 weekly employee. Since rates vary based on other factors, including holiday or vacation pay as well as the negotiation of a new contract, check with the International Cinematographers Guild for the most recent salary rate card.

Employment Prospects

This is not an easy position to break into. Though demand is steady, competition is heavy, and it can take time to build a reputation.

Advancement Prospects

There are only a few advancement prospects for a Still Photographer. One can strive to become a publicist, a camera operator, or even a director of photography

Education and Training

It would help to be a photography major in college or to train as a photographer’s assistant. On the job training at a newspaper, magazine, or television studio is useful.

Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits

Any job as a photographer at a newspaper, magazine, or ad agency is helpful. Build a portfolio. Have a photographer’s eye. Be able to move quietly and remain still for long periods of time. Be trustworthy and sensitive. Know the latest equipment. Be creative.

Unions and Associations

Membership in the International Photographers Guild Local of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) may be beneficial.

Tips for Entry

1. Be patient, yet persistent

2. Work on student or nonunion films.

3. Work as a photographer’s assistant.

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