This document summarizes an interview with Krista Blythe, a portrait photographer. She owns her own studio called Melody Street in Milwaukie, Oregon. As a portrait photographer, her duties include taking photos of people and sometimes pets, both in the studio and on location. She also edits photos, adjusts lighting, manages her budget and bills, and supervises assistants. The career requires skills in photography, computer programs like Photoshop, business management, and creativity. While Krista enjoys aspects like meeting new people and being creative, she finds the business requirements, long hours, and unreliable pay difficult.

1. +
Careers in Portrait
Photography
An Interview with Krista Blythe
By Lorraine Stratton
05/14/14 Short Version

2. +
Career:
Portrait Photographer
 Photographs people
 Some times pets
 Photos may be taken
 In a studio
 Outside
 Owner, Krista Blythe
Photography
 Melody Street
 Milwaukie, OR
Career Description Person Interviewed
05/14/14
2
Short Version

3. +Job Skills
 Take photos
 Edit photos
 Adjust lighting
 Manage budget
 Pay bills
 Supervise assistances
Duties General Skills
 Math
 Budgeting
 Computer Use
 Troubleshooting
 Writing
 Creativity, Art & Composition
 Dependability
 Attention to detail
 Flexibility
 Decision Making
05/14/14
3
Short Version

4. +Job Skills
 Computer
 PhotoShop
 LightRoom
 Data Transfer (sending
images to lab)
 Spreadsheet
 Digital Camera — Canon
5D
 Electronic Studio Lights
 Flash Meter
Technology Skills
05/14/14
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Short Version

5. +Job Skills
 Bachelor Degree
 Apprentice
 On the job training
Education Additional Qualifications
 Professional Associations
 Professional Photographers
of America
05/14/14
5
Short Version

6. + Reflection on
interview/research
 Using camera
 Meeting & working with people
 Adjusting lights
 Using props
 Editing with computer
 Creativity limits (what customer
wants)
 Business requirements
 Unreliable pay checks
 Long hours
Likes Dislikes
05/14/14
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Short Version

7. +
Reality Check
My living expenses
Annual Total:
$30,468
With Taxes:
$37,150
Total
Monthly
Expenses:
$2,539
05/14/14
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Short Version

8. + Salary
 CIS Oregon median — $31,230
 Indeed.com — $44,000
 Simply hired.com — $42,000
 General range — $14,800 to $50,000
05/14/14
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Short Version

9. +
Conclusion
 Portrait Photography career
 Demanding
 Competitive
 Creative freedom limited by
clients
 Training Required
 Technical
 Artistic
 Business
 High overhead
 Salary generally equal financial
requirements
 Not always dependable income
 Would rather work for company as
 Photojournalist
 Cruise Photographer
 Public Relations Photographer
 Product/Commercial
Photographer
 Reasons
 Less overhead
 More reliable paycheck
 Working with professionals
05/14/14
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Short Version

10. +
Questions?
05/14/14
10
Short Version