John M. Setzler, Jr.

I have a friend who is a student in the photography program at the local community college. She is taking an online class with Denise Clay called “The Business of Photography.” I know Denise because she is in the Catawba Valley Camera Club, where I participate regularly. This particular student, for some reason, chose to use me as a photographer to ask a series of questions so she can write a brief summary of my line of work. I don’t think I’m a perfect choice of photographers for this type of interview, because the work I do is not your traditional photography in terms of the business. I’m a photo stringer for my local newspaper. This means I’m under contract with the newspaper to shoot assignments they give me. My primary function as a photo stringer for the newspaper is to shoot local sports. I get some occasional news and feature assignments, but not that often. I’m getting more of it right now because they are short a photographer, but in general, it’s sports for John.

The questions she gave me are as follows with my responses in italics:
1. What first sparked your interest in choosing photography as your career field?

My interest in photography as a career was sparked by a combination of my love for photography and working with people. There is no single event that sparked this interest. It was developed over time. My initial interests in photography were not commercial in any way, and still aren’t for the most part.
2. What services do you offer and how long have you been in business?

I offer freelance photojournalism services to the Hickory Daily Record. I have been doing this for 2.5 years

3. Do you specialize in any areas of photography?

Commercially, my specialty is sports photography. Personally, my specialty is fine art.
4. What equipment can you not live without on and off the photo shoot?

My personal computer. Without it, I would be useless as a digital photographer.
5. What skills do you think every photographer should have in order to be successful in this highly competitive field?

Besides the obvious skills of knowing your gear and how to use it, the recipe for success is based on your passion for photography along with your ability to use the tools involved.
6. What is your greatest achievement?

Getting out of bed this morning.
7. What schooling/training do you have?

None, as far as photography is concerned.
8. Are you a member of any professional organization? If so, which ones, and please give me their web link.

National Press Photographer’s Association - http://www.nppa.org
9. What advice can you offer to someone who wants to enter the areas of photography that you offer to your community/clients?

Do it because you love it instead of the money you will make doing it.

*** End of questions ***

As far as the business of photography is concerned, my role is far removed from the average photographer. Even if I was a full time photojournalist, I would not be working under the same guidelines as a regular professional photographer.  I’m not dealing with any clients other than my direct employer, which would be the newspaper.  My employer is much like a regular customer of photography though.  If they aren’t happy with my work, they will not continue to use my services.

The type of work I do for the newspaper is very challenging though.  I don’t have to worry about setting up strobes, posing models, dust specs on people’s clothing, getting proofs out, making a crying baby smile for a portrait, or any of those things.  I do have to work in difficult conditions though.  I don’t have the luxury of working in a studio environment, where I have total control of the lighting and subjects.  When I’m shooting sports, I often have to work in very poorly lit gyms and stadiums.  I have to push my camera gear to its limits to get action shots that aren’t too blurry or grainy for use in the newspaper.  My challenges aren’t any easier than a those of a standard commercial photographer.  They are just different.