>> Welcome to YouniversityTV. Hey, guys; I'm Ferrari St. Paul and today we're shadowing a photographer. I hope you brought your imagination. 

>> This way [inaudible], just a hair. There you go, right there; perfect. 

>> Kim Fontaine's [assumed spelling] job as a photographer is to capture images that paint a picture, tell a story, or record an event. 

>> So, I do a lot of family portraits. 

>> Okay. 

>> I don't do that many models, per se. You know, I do get calls and like, sweet sixteen and quinceaneras are really big in this area. 

>> Photography is more popular than ever due to the accessibility and ease and use of digital cameras. 

>> With the advent of digital cameras, everything has changed and now I am the darkroom again, and I'm processing everything on my computer. 

>> Your schedule will vary, depending upon what field you're working in. Since Kim is self-employed, her schedule is more flexible. Do you have, like a typical workweek or what are your hours like? 

>> They are whatever I want them to be. 

>> Yeah? 

>> Yeah. I can do anything I want, and that's what's great. But, my calendar is usually filled. 

>> Yeah. Even though modeling is not my thing, Kim made me feel comfortable and guided me through it. 

>> Just like that, nice and smooth. Turn your shoulders a little bit away. 

>> Depending on the type of photography field you're interested in, a college degree is not necessary but is helpful. Kim also suggests getting real world experience. 

>> Probably the biggest thing that they could do, and that's what I did, is I had a mentor. 

>> Once you've got the education and skills behind you, then you can decide what area you want to work in. 

>> When I decided to be in photography, like eons ago; a long, long time ago, I decided I wanted to specialize in women. And that meant weddings, maternity portraits, sensual boudoir, and executive portraits like this. 

>> Although Kim is self-employed, you can get a job through the government, advertising studios, or the news. 

>> A lot of people are now starting to work out of their homes, because everything is like downsizing, you know. We're in an electronic age now, so we don't need as much space. 

>> Due to the ever-changing world of technology, the need for internet versions of magazines and newspapers requires more photographers. 

>> In fact, I think the job market is getting better for younger talent because of the fact that it's the fresh, new ideas. 

>> Having all this fun has got to pay off. The average salary for a photographer is roughly $50,000 a year. A photographer needs to be patient, detail oriented and have the ability to make people feel relaxed in front of the camera. So, you're directing the whole photo shoot the whole time, right? 

>> Exactly, yeah. I'm posing them through it, or you, so that, you know, the people aren't up there going; what am I going to do? 

>> What do I do? 

>> What am I going to do; what am I going to do? 

>> I know I had fun pretending to be a photographer today. Hopefully, we've sparked some interest into this exciting career for you. I'm Ferrari St. Paul; later.