Facts for Kids

A photographer is someone who makes pictures with a camera. Some people take photos for fun. These people are called amateur photographers and they keep pictures to remember places, friends, or pets. Other people take photos to earn money. Those are professional photographers; they may be paid per picture, have a salary, or sell prints.

Photographers can be workers for a company or work on their own as freelancers. One important fact is that, by law, the person who takes a picture usually owns the copyright to it. That means they control who can copy or sell the photo.

Photographers do different jobs depending on what they like and who hires them. Some take portraits of people, others shoot weddings, sports, nature, or products for stores. A photographer who works with moving pictures might be called a cinematographer or videographer. Photographers for newspapers and magazines take pictures to tell a story.

Some people use photography as part of another job. For example, scientists, police, or reporters use photos to record events or show how things work. The price a photographer asks often depends on the kind of job and how the photos will be used.

Some photographers make art prints to sell in galleries or online. Others sell or license photos for magazines, ads, websites, greeting cards, or products. A license is permission that says how someone may use a photo, and it usually costs money. The price can change depending on where and how long the picture will appear.

There are big collections of photos called stock photo libraries where companies buy images. Famous companies like Getty Images do this, and many new online sites now let photographers offer pictures to lots of people. This changed how photographers sell their work.

Because photographers usually own the copyright, they decide how photos are shared and used. A contract is a written agreement that explains what a client can do with pictures. Contracts say where the photos can be used, how long they can be used, and whether the client is the only one who can use them. They also list fees for making and using the images.

Contracts may be exclusive (only one client) or non‑exclusive (many clients). They can include extra payment called royalties if a photo appears in many places, or rules about territory and print size. Often, photos taken while working for a company belong to that company unless the contract states otherwise. For portrait or wedding photos, photographers often keep copyright and sell reprint rights to customers.

Becoming a professional photographer can include training. Some study in school or learn from mentors. Many keep learning to try new tools and styles. Professionals may join clubs or groups where they share tips and meet clients.

Working conditions vary. Some photographers are freelancers who set their own hours and find clients. Others work for companies like newspapers, studios, or ad agencies. When photographers run a business, they often need a business license and insurance, especially for large events like weddings.