Still photographers take photographs for the purposes of promoting film, television shows and events. These photographs are known as promotional stills, promotional still images, promo stills, or promotional photos. Still photographers are a key part of any production or promotional event, and need to be diplomatic, professional and respectful, mainly because their presence is felt on the film set, as they are required to capture the actors and director in action. Many of their shots involve photographing actual scenes as they are being filmed.

Traditionally, still photographers were abhorred on the film set because in the older days of Hollywood, after the filming was complete, the still photographer would have the crew recreate the scene for photographing purposes. This meant the actor and crew had to stay later, and this caused resentment. Today this is not a problem because still photographers use the sound blimp, which allows them to take photos without their cameras making any sound.http://www.shutterbug.com/features/1104sb_hollywood/ Although becoming a still photographer is not easy, if you have a passion for the entertainment industry, and enjoy taking photos, it may be the career for you. This guide will provide you with information on how to become a still photographer.

• Still Photographers shoot with digital cameras, and must have a sound blimp to block out any camera noise

• To work on big budget Hollywood movies, you will need to be a member of the union

• Must be willing to work hard and network, as still photography is an extremely small niche

All aspiring photographs should first learn their craft. This means you should:

1. Read about photography, both books on the subject and websites discussing it. Look at photography books that feature shots taken by well known photographers.
2. Get to know production stills. The internet provides a wealth of information for aspiring still photographers. You can look at production stills taken for upcoming movies, or those that have already been released.
3. Take classes. Some people go to photography school, but this is not a requirement. You can take local photography classes by a professional in your area, or classes at a community college.

Still photographers need to have the proper gear for promotional stills, the most important one being the sound blimp, which can be purchased through Jacobsen Instruments of North Hollywood. The sound blimp allows still photographers to take photos while a production crew is filming. The blimp prevents the camera from making noise.http://www.shutterbug.com/features/1104sb_hollywood/

Still photographers also need to have a digital camera, as most all sets today prefer digital. Also look into purchasing several different types of lenses. Do some research to determine the ones that will work best for your purposes.

Once you have all your equipment, start building your portfolio. You may want to offer to take still shots for free on a student film, as you will be able to put these in a portfolio to use when you apply for non-union, independent films jobs. Every job you get will be a chance for you to build up your portfolio, and make connections. Connections are one of the most important aspects of a career in still photography, especially if your goal is to be taking photos on a big budget film or television show.

In order to work on big budget hollywood films, you will want to join the union. For still photographers, this is the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 600 Cinematographers Guild. To join, you must qualify in one of three ways:

1. Work and get paid 100 days on a non-union show where you earn at least $50 a day.http://www.shutterbug.com/features/1104sb_hollywood/
2. Work on a non-union show that goes onionhttp://www.shutterbug.com/features/1104sb_hollywood/
3. Get "grandfathered" in by a director or producer that will only work with you.http://www.shutterbug.com/features/1104sb_hollywood/

Step 4: Join the Union

In order to work on big budget hollywood films, you will want to join the union. For still photographers, this is the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 600 Cinematographers Guild. To join, you must qualify in one of three ways:

1. Work and get paid 100 days on a non-union show where you earn at least $50 a day.http://www.shutterbug.com/features/1104sb_hollywood/
2. Work on a non-union show that goes onionhttp://www.shutterbug.com/features/1104sb_hollywood/
3. Get "grandfathered" in by a director or producer that will only work with you.http://www.shutterbug.com/features/1104sb_hollywood/