Publicity Still Photographer

Photographers who capture film stills and still photographers mainly for publicity and marketing are known as the Publicity Still Photographers. They capture images with the intent to have various shots in an archive which can be used later. Also, these photographs are used to ensure continuity in the sets- that is the directors, and the production design team use the photographs which they capture apart from the shoot for future reference. The photographer stores pictures of the set, props and also the crew members- the pictures of the set, costume wardrobe and props can be used at a later stage to recreate similar shots, and the crew members’ pictures are used for the recognition of people who work behind the camera.

They are aware all the camera equipment and their knowledge of the photo-chemical and digital processes are phenomenal. They also have the skills of image- manipulation and image-management software. Their pictures record particular scenes of the film which are, often, instrumental in the success of the film. There is something known as a kill factor which means that a particular percentage of photographs of an actor can be straight away rejected and stopped from a public release. The release of these still images depends on the actor’s approval. Hence, a lot of patience is required and also, they must be prepared for rejections.