I've recently read up on careers in photography and one recurring theme is that it's not the most lucrative job and there's easier ways to earn money. However, whenever I see photographers on the sidelines at a football or basketball game, or when I see photojournalists in the news and other photos, they always seem to have high end equipment (Canon "L" lens series, Mark II N camera bodies, etc.). Do they pay for their own equipment or do they get their employers to back them? What about freelancers?
If you are on staff at a major publication, your employer might pay for your equipment or arrange for rental or loan. Some of that high line equipment is gladly loaned by the manufacturer just so they can get their equipment out there in a highly visible setting. They would only deal with major publications or extremely well-known photojournalists who would add prestige to their market position.
MOST photographers are hired with the expectation that they will already own their equipment. It's like all those ads you see for carpenters who "must own tools."
Freelancers are totally independent and totally supply their own equipment - to themselves. |
