What is your real occupation?

[NicD]

Hi all, Just wondering how many people on the forum have photography as there occupation, be it as a photographer, editor etc etc.

The reason i am bringing this up, is because i am approaching the senior years of high school and having to choose subjects and courses for future years. With this i became curious into how many people actually work in the business of photography.

So the things i would like to know are;

If your job is in photography please mention what aspect of photography.
If your occupation is otherwise please state what the occupation is.

Thanks everyone for your participation,

cheers, Nic

[MMD]

Mining...pays alot better than photography at this point and i get access to areas most people will never see.

[andrew748]

strangely enough ^^^

i deliver coal

[Michael_Lambert]

My full time day job is an IT Manager for a financial institution. Pays much better and gives me time during the day to process my shots from the evening before.

[Jim G]

Part time photography, part time surgical registered nurse.

Works for me! I'm intending on continuing with the nursing until it gets me overseas for a year or two and then come back to make a more serious attempt at doing photography - at the moment it doesn't bring in enough income to live off but I'm not able to do enough work to have it do so while I continue to do shiftwork! I'm in no great hurry.

[Maxxum5]

Active Duty Military. 18 years, 10 months....and counting. :D

[bieber]

Sort of limited options :/ Does Comp Sci student count for IT? :-P

[beezwax]

I am a Regional Hiring/Recruiting Manager for the largest Industrial Petrochem Contractor in North America.

Basically I hire people to work in Chemical Plants for shutdowns and turnarounds

[TTk]

AA Patrol 30 years,( like AAA in usa) retired at 50 turned to photography full time..

[jaybird]

I work in IT but in the Canadian Foreign Service. I get to travel to odd places to work in Embassies and High Commissions just to work in a dark, windowless, server room or underneath people's desks.

[doctorgonzo]

I'm an IT Analyst for the MN House of Representatives. Basically a Network Administator/Database Administrator and Programmer/Help Desk catch-all.

[jdev]

IT consultant for a software company. I mainly help out on every day to day decisions and issues regarding anything computer/IT related.

[sevillafox]

Spanish teacher and mom to three boys (hubby counts as one ;) )

[stathunter]

Partner/Executive Recruiter in a Sales Recruiting firm.

[kickmaster]

Martial Arts/Defensive Tactics

[cory1848]

Graphic Artist and Musician here...Looking to move to fulltime photography though, getting burnt out on the graphics side of things...

[jamesb84]

Sports and Entertainments Freelance Photographer...working for 2 sports agencies in the UK and freelancing doing entertainment work (which is how I started earning whilst at University).

[EveryMilesAMemory]

Magazine Editor/Travel Writer so the photography goes hand in hand, it just doesnt pay as well:(

[ceriltheblade]

physician and loving it (no, really....stop laughing!)

[Livinthalife]

Electronics Technician.

[Chet]

Branded diaper tester for large baby necessities company located in corporate America. Puts food on the table at least.

[SoaringUSAEagle]

I'm a full time photographer for FE Warren Air Force Base.

[joedlh]

Software developer on the PC platform. Web developer. I sometimes use photography in the course of web development, but it's not a major part.

[CanadianKitKat]

Writer and photographer. About 1/2 and 1/2 right now. Looking to reduce the amount of writing I'm doing (marketing mostly) and increase the photography. I started taking photography courses due to the demand for quality pictures to go along with my written work and decided that I really liked it.

[ericklim]

i've been on here a lot, but it's my first post here on POTN and I thought that this thread would be perfect to introduce myself..


I am currently a full-time student studying Mechanical Engineering at CSU Maritime Academy and a NROTC Midshipman at UC Berkeley.

[Chet]

i've been on here a lot, but it's my first post here on POTN and I thought that this thread would be perfect to introduce myself..


I am currently a full-time student studying Mechanical Engineering at CSU Maritime Academy and a NROTC Midshipman at UC Berkeley.


Welcome to POTN!

[audit]

I'm a CTO for a software development company. I change my title around based on what mood I'm in because I'm the only IT guy we have. Stay away from IT if at all possible, it's too stressful unless you can find the good companies to work for because job security is not there.

[Bishop Gideon]

web developer... getting burned out though, so I'm trying to change my hobby into a career.

[ericklim]

Welcome to POTN!


thanks! i love it here, lots of good information and really really genuinely nice people! :D

[Raivyn]

I'm a CPA.
I think that being "creative" in my profession might land me in jail.

So I've turned to photography for that outlet. :)

[gjl711]

Engineering manager but photography plays a big part in my job. I manage several systems integration and test teams and one of my responsibilities it to put together the training manuals for our field guys. I have been tapped on the shoulder to do that photography for those manuals mainly because I can and we are too cheap to hire a pro photog. It’s a bit boring as our product is telcom equipment so it’s a lot of product photography and engineers showing how to perform certain procedures but it’s fun none the less.

[cdifoto]

Gynecologist.

[Mark1]

I used to make artificial DNA. No, I am not kidding!

Now I make kits to crystallize proteins. But am making the switch slowly to full time Photo.

[ibdb]

Gynecologist.
Occupation, not preoccupation. ;)

Former IT person, did Computer Incident Response, Security, Firewalls, Intrusion Detection, etc.

Now I'm a stay-at-home dad for three boys which means I'm also a classroom volunteer, sports coach, parent activist, and education lobbyist.

[wyntrsnyte]

Quality control manager for a dietary supplement manufacturer and the unofficial photographer for company events.

[kurban]

I've been in IT and website and database development, and currently working on two websites so I take a (very) few pictures in support of that effort.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kathyu/2440082180/in/set-72157604714228912/
I'm currently having fun with night paving, which is dramatic and a technical challenge because of the light plants and reflective vests.

[DunnoWhen]

IT. Oracle DBA.

[SoaringUSAEagle]

Gynecologist.

As another one said.... not dream, but occupation :D Good one though DON.



Inside joke on why the name is bold.

[cdifoto]

My title is my dream. Gynecologists have to deal with the good and the bad.

[_aravena]

Stocking @ Target! I'm finishing my degree to teach English with, of course, photography part time.

[bryank930]

IT - Help Desk for Wisconsin's 2nd largest privately held company

[Kafn8td]

Regional Sales Director for the only national waste handling equipment manufacturing company...and boy can I talk trash!


...sorry, I had to do it.

[Flashstan]

Stay at home dad for the last three years, my back ground is Aviation Petroleum and Fire Safety.

Would like to be a professional photographer about the time our three year old starts school (another two years).

[AndreaBFS]

I'm on online entrepreneur... really. I own a web-based business that is actually profitable. :lol: I've been self-employed for 8 years, the first 3 as a freelance web/flash designer and the last 5 running my own business.

[Gamb]

professional geek.. I head up a team of software developers. CAD software and landbase software for the phone company. Mechanical Engineering degree though

[shavedaccord]

Web/graphics designer by profession. Semi-Pro/Hustler billiards player by choice, that extra $$$ is nice lol

[ignutzz]

Graphic Designer

[Flashstan]

professional geek.. I head up a team of software developers. CAD software and landbase software for the phone company. Mechanical Engineering degree though


gamb, it can pay to be a geek. My dad had the same job with a local telephone company. He retired at the end of 2006.

Here is his retirement gift to himself.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2842896579_a380e8df29.jpg

[_aravena]

Web/graphics designer by profession. Semi-Pro/Hustler billiards player by choice, that extra $$$ is nice lol

Don't think you're suppose to include the hustler part but I understand about the extra money. Although mine typically went to my car, before photographer. Ah yes, can you guess?

I didn't mean to rhyme.

[urger]

I'm a geographer actually.

[superdiver]

I have an original one so far, at least I am the first to admit it... I am a ....


wait for it


wait for it














DENTIST!

[kaptureit15]

IT intern. Looking to get into the field. Currently a student at UC Irvine

[FlyingPhotog]

Freelance broadcast technician...
Documenting my day job at: http://www.pbase.com/flyingphotog/scenes_from_the_road

[Chip Andrews]

Auto CAD Drafter/Estimator by Day!!
Photographer by nights & weekends!!

[_aravena]

I have an original one so far, at least I am the first to admit it... I am a ....


wait for it


wait for it














DENTIST!

Psh! I'm original. But I should have kept mine a secret.

[Thomasxx]

Retired because of cancer (cancer free now).. used to be a CPA/Controler.

[stathunter]

Retired because of cancer (cancer free now).. .

Welcome. And congrats. Will pray that it stays that way for you.

[holrd]

I'm a CPA.
I think that being "creative" in my profession might land me in jail.

So I've turned to photography for that outlet. :)
Im working on my CPA and photography is certainly a much better outlet for creative thinking

[arnie12]

I am dabbling in IT security (especially SAP). Otherwise doing stuff like cryptography, digital signatures, encryption and so on.

[Gamb]

gamb, it can pay to be a geek. My dad had the same job with a local telephone company. He retired at the end of 2006.

Here is his retirement gift to himself.


VERY NICE... I dig it. ya it's got it's perks. Pays well but stress level can be through the roof. I think I need a sugar mama :D:p

[sevillafox]

Branded diaper tester for large baby necessities company located in corporate America. Puts food on the table at least.

LIARPANTS!!!!

My title is my dream. Gynecologists have to deal with the good and the bad.

Ummm....I'm sure there is some fetish porn that could be qualified as "bad."

[superdiver]

All I can say is that as a dentist the last thing I wanna see when I get home is more teeth, glad I am not a obgyn or proctologist.


I'm just saying....

[_aravena]

VERY NICE... I dig it. ya it's got it's perks. Pays well but stress level can be through the roof. I think I need a sugar mama :D:p

Don't we all to feed out lens buying habits? OH, that kind. ;) :D

[Stocky]

Currently the Army pays me to coach an Iraqi army plans officer, public affairs officer, and engineer. I am out of here in 3 days though!!! :)

[gjl711]

LIARPANTS!!!! Wouldn't that be LIARDIAPIES?

[sevillafox]

Wouldn't that be LIARDIAPIES?

Hmmmm.....could be.....

[saravrose]

Bartender... Been at it through quite a few 'false starts' in college. It pays the bills, and most of the time more than the bills. Let's me live my life as I want, when I want, where I want.

Sari

[Chet]

Hmmmm.....could be.....


HEY don't I get a say in this? I do have a little 7 month'er in the house, so part of my occupation description is true.

[Tigershark]

Own my own IT company, I specialize in Healthcare, Small Business Support and Data Recovery

[gary88]

Full-time business student majoring in Management.

[S.Horton]

Pharma analytics.

[Wazza]

Retired photographer

[OEH]

I'm an artist, mainly pet portraits, but also insects...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2272/2476353260_2d35ae48a0.jpg

[ncognet0]

Currently a Detective Sergeant, wanting to retire and move on.

[airfrogusmc]

Full time professional photographer. Over 30 years pro over 20 years full time...

[GregSteer]

IT Network Engineer - primarly Windows servers/boxes with a tiny smidgeof linux/bsd leaking in these days.

Hoping to move into photography.

[tcphoto1]

I shoot food, product and lifestyle.

[highbarger]

I build fuel injection pumps for John Deere Reman.

[shooter mcgavin]

Student/Whatever I can do for a little cash on the side between classes and shooting :)

[W.T. Jones]

My first Post here at POTN as well. I am a self employed welder & machinery repairman.

[SlowBlink]

Free lance circumcision. Not really good money but I get to keep the tips.

[SOK]

Electrical Engineer.

Currently working for Canon on the 5D replac....opps! I've said too much!

(Sorry...had to do it! :p )

The first line is true though...and MMD's statement basically sums my current situation up;

Mining...pays alot better than photography at this point and i get access to areas most people will never see.

[s8langwo]

I support the manufacuring of bulk pharmacueticals as a chemical engineer.

Kevin

[FlyingPhotog]

Free lance circumcision. Not really good money but I get to keep the tips.

<RIMSHOT>

He'll be here all week .. Don't forget to take care of your waitresses and try the veal...

LOL...

[spkerer]

I just put in my IT vote. I'm a systems programmer.

[alabama1980]

I install, sand, and finish hardwood flooring....:rolleyes:

[SlowBlink]

re: <rimshot>

Perfect come back considering the first time I heard that one it was a Jackie Mason joke. :)

[tim]

I'm a full time wedding photographer for between three and nine months of the year, depending on bookings. This year i'll be full time for about six months. There are very few weddings in winter here. In winter I do software development on contract.

[aram535]

I have 3 jobs.... and 1 main hobby.

1. 9-5 (which is rarely 9-5, more like 7a-6p) is in IT, I'm a technical Architect for a Global Company. Which means I solve problems, design around issues, or come up with creative ways of doing a Project.

2. I co-own a company (free plug, I hope its ok, if not linked): hidfoglight.com. We sell upgraded Kits Xenon/HID Headlights and truck lights that came with the standard headlines - over the internet. This is mostly handled elsewhere but it requires bookkeeping and management. I also do a lot of web site management for a bunch photographers, this isn't really a job, more like keeping an eye on things once a half hour a week. And I get to see all of the raw images. :-)

3. I do Photoshop work, mostly scripts and automation, touch ups, fixes of old photographs, etc. It started as more of an excuse to get a nice tablet, but than it actually brought in a lot more than the tablet was worth.

4. I do photography which brings in a little money, no where near what it costs. This is more so I get myself out of the house.

[Vascilli]

Student. Grade 10.

[aaskyscrapers]

Full time property photographer

[MikeT]

I work on Aircraft communications and navigation systems in the US Air Force. I have been in for just over 10 years.

[NicD]

Wow thanks everyone for your replies. I checked after 12 hours and was amazed how many people have replied! thanks all.

There is a large variety of different occupations here, its great to see that photography really isnt just for the pro's!

cheers all!

[michaelanthony]

I am a staff photographer for Hot Topic Inc. (explains my mohawk), as head photographer for their plus size women's retailer, Torrid.com

Salary, full health benefits for me and family, retirement, get to shoot all day long, and still get to do my freelance photography since i get weekends off...

I got lucky to land a steady photography gig, especially considering I have never set foot in a photography class...

[Familiaphoto]

Pay the mortgage by implementing labor tracking software. Photography is much more fun. ::pouting::

[fortisi876]

<RIMSHOT>

He'll be here all week .. Don't forget to take care of your waitresses and try the veal...

LOL...Pass on the calamari. :lol:

[The_Janissary88]

I'm studying medicine in the University of Copenhagen ^-^

[Aszental]

Student... studying commerce/law

[Keduf]

Airline employee

[PAFC2004]

I'm currently doing my honours year at uni in Animal Science. Working on Echidna behaviour.

[fishfoto]

I am a former full-time photojournalist, turned magazine photo director.

Now I am a self-employed photographer working with private commissions (weddings) and corporate clients around the globe......while still working with some news outlets on a more limited basis.

I also run a site for traveling photogs, www.flyingwithfish.com (http://www.flyingwithfish.com), that has become popular enough for me to start a non-photo related off-shoot venture for B2B travel, The Travel Strategist , www.thetravelstrategist.com

But really.....I'm a photog. I have been shooting full-time for more than half of my life.

[laurielozano]

Branded diaper tester for large baby necessities company located in corporate America.

So how does that work? Do you actually wear them to test for leaks? :lol::rolleyes:

[Avalanche]

I'm a design engineer.

[geoffpowell]

IT support and my own company selling software & graphics tablets to students, teachers & education.

[laurielozano]

I'm in IT. I'm a self employed (Independent Contractor). I'm a Lotus Notes/Domino Systems Administrator and Application Developer. I'm also starting to dabble in a bit of web development. Photography is a side job, since I just started out, its not enough to pay the bills yet. I know it will never pay as much as I'm making in IT, but that's okay as long as it eventually brings in enough to pay the bills.

[laurielozano]

Free lance circumcision. Not really good money but I get to keep the tips.

EEEWWWW!!!

[40Driggs]

I am currently a full time student and work at Starbucks. When I am finished, I will be a social worker.

[adblink]

currently a millwright apprentice

[Tandem]

Professional Web Surfer - until I can retire 112 days from now. No, really. For the rest of my duties look up "sysadmin from hell" (SAFH). :D

They're going to miss me when I'm gone. :p

[12mnkys]

Civil Engineer/Land Surveyor...

Have worked on jobs in Arizona, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Louisiana... I learn something new everyday!

[ruchad1]

Bartender/Student/Stringer. I haven't worked in the bar for about a month. It's sad that i make more as a Stringer then i do as a bartender. It is odd that $4 a gallon gas will keep people sober well from tipping anyways.

[imager993]

Digital Visual Effects Compositor for feature films and commercials (currently doing commercials) www.electricreality.com

And a side business doing motorsports photography. www.motorsportlens.com

[renegade]

Contract Manager
Plumber & Gasfitter 21 or 22 years.

[yerem xti]

IT / Network Administrator

[Roy Webber]

Real Estate...and sports photographer part ime
http://roywebber.zenfolio.com/

[Thunderp]

Electrician... But I try to keep current on photography, it sparked my interest.

got two puns in, not bad.

[wyofizz]

Technical Services Mgr. and Computer Forensics

Dave

[SOK]

Electrician... But I try to keep current on photography, it sparked my interest.

got two puns in, not bad.

Ha ha - love it! :D

[maytay20]

Bartender/Student/Stringer. I haven't worked in the bar for about a month. It's sad that i make more as a Stringer then i do as a bartender. It is odd that $4 a gallon gas will keep people sober well from tipping anyways.

Ugh I so feel you on the tipping. :evil: But I have to ask what is a stringer??

As for me....
1. I am a soccer mom, preschool helper, elementary classroom mom, part time maid and cook.

2. I do all of the paper work, web design (and this is why my site sucks), handle bookings and most of the phone calls for my husband and I company's. (You notice I said "Company's" I have a fully legal photography business that covers equipment. :lol: and DH's has a DJ company that at this point covers his equipment costs. ;))

3. But not least I work as a server on the weekends at a brew pub in a German tourist trap called Frankenmuth, MI. Right now this pays the bills.

But if things keep going the way they are the photography and DJ will start paying them soon. (Crossing my fingers and working damn hard for this)

[danielc118]

I am a communications and electronics tech for the aussie air force...

(AND P.O.T.N. Lurker!)

[TeeQ]

Maybe you should have added a graphic design option to your poll...

[kyleturbo]

Subaru service advisor

[venkatesan_h]

software development

[canonnoob]

student....

[gymell]

Computer programmer consultant. Between that and not having kids, I can afford my photography gear!

[rhurley]

Software development. Part time photographer (read as hoping to make enough to pay for equipment).:D

[maxloxton]

Currently a banker, previously a software engineer...

[lukeap69]

MEP Engineering Team Leader
Now designing metro system, airports, hospitals and other buildings

[DoomMan]

Full time student and part time Costco Photo Center Employee/Night Stocker! Currently working towards becoming a pharmacist and continuing with the company, but im 18 so we will see what happens. Couldn't live without photography though =]

[JasonW]

Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager. Currently venturing into the Medical Equipment field after doing time in Automotive and Telecommunications Product Development...

PS. Did I get the job?

[smorter]

I'm a Head Tutor (Uni Teaching Assistant) at the University of Melbourne in Commerce/Business. Also a Uni student

[scotthidley]

Mechanical Engineer, photography has just been a hobby for me so far.

[CamDiver]

Freelance Underwater Cameraman

http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/CamDiver/MarknGates.jpg

Cheers,
Mark

[nickLee123]

computer science student

i do club photography and photo stuff for school orgs/frats from time to time

[Chet]

Freelance Underwater Cameraman

http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo235/CamDiver/MarknGates.jpg

Cheers,
Mark


Awesome!

[JWright]

Retired... Formerly a US Navy Chief Petty Officer, hard hat diver, and aerospace worker.

[tomace234]

Customer Service Team Leader for Publix Supermarkets.

[Mike30D]

Full time GM Assembly line worker, part time wedding photographer. One day this will be full time wedding photographer.

[digitalh3lix]

Full time electronics engineer, hobbiest photographer

[MJPhotos24]

90% photographer in sports, mostly pro baseball as I'm a minor league lifer...other 10% is coaching....0001% chance of error for being insane at this point of the season.

[fubarhouse]

Electrical Assembler, once I finish my apprentiship, I'll be getting lots more than a real sparky, the work is real easy and I can't really get fined or jailed for anything like a sparky that stuffs up, but I'll become a sparky later in life.

[CannedHeat]

I shut down a resume, desktop publishing, website design business and was going to rest for a while (not retire). Took a bunch of money and bought a bunch of camera crap intending to explore a lifelong hobby while resting. Didn't work out - it morphed into a profession. Now making 100% of income from photography and working longer and harder than I ever have.

[sunbeast]

Retired juvenile corrections warden :evil: , now school security chief :confused:.

[woodfrogs]

Forester for New York State...
went into event photography last year(to help pay college bills for my 2 sons),
and if it could stay as busy as it is this week(3 weddings and a portrait shoot), I would quit my day job! But it's still alot of fun, and a lot more work than I thought it could be. My years of retail experience and other jobs has helped alot with the customer service and small business aspect of the photogrpahy business.

[charger912]

I sell insurance... anybody jealous? :p It's not exactly a dream job.

[JustMyLuck]

I see dead people! Not all the time. Just only with juicy cases. I am tech support for a law firm in VA. Sometimes print out evidence pictures for the attorneys and that would include dead people.

[sfaust]

I see dead people! Not all the time. Just only with juicy cases. I am tech support for a law firm in VA. Sometimes print out evidence pictures for the attorneys and that would include dead people.

I recently took images of a deceased person as evidence for a possible lawsuit. It's not something I normally do, nor would I do it again, even though I do some legal work. But I was in the position to help the family, and they were desperate in their search to find someone quickly. It needed to be done between the autopsy and burial which was a short window. I still don't know why I said yes, other than the sister of the deceased being very persuasive! They will have to be very very persuasive next time, and bring boat loads of cash. And even then, I'll say no ;)

[pads69]

Ill bet not a lot of these
My wife and I are live in house parents for a group home for girls 12-18 years of age that have lets say
"some problems". we have 6-10 girls at a time.
I also ref high school boys baseball and football that money is what I pay for my gear with.

[Kronie]

Very interesting to see all the different jobs.
I am a blacksmith and a realtor and a broker for mobile home loans.....thinking of adding "Wedding Photographer" to the list

[CannedHeat]

I am a blacksmith

My gosh, what an unique and rare trade! You should be the subject of us shooters!