Job shadow: Sharp Photo and Portrait
Maja Petersen
Issue date: 10/1/07 Section: Money/Health
When junior Margie Berg arrives at her job as a photographer at Sharp Photo and Portrait, 3306 Mall Drive, she starts by setting up the studio and checking her appointments for the day.
Berg takes all kinds of portraits, from senior pictures to family photos and pictures of pets. Berg said portrait sessions with children can be fun, but sometimes challenging.
"I just have to read the kid when I meet them," she said. "If they're really shy I take a different approach than if they are really smiley and outgoing."
She said she has the most fun with high school seniors because they actually want to be there and they usually bring their own ideas.
The most rewarding part of her job is when people like the finished photos, Berg said.
"I love the feeling I get when a parent comes up to me after they get their proofs and says, 'Oh you captured my child so well,'" she said. "It's a good feeling to know they are proud of what I did."
After Berg finishes her job, senior Jeremie Carlson helps out behind the scenes. He prints the photos and works with Photoshop. He does everything from restoring old photographs to getting rid of red eyes.
Carlson also develops pictures straight from film and said he has seen some pretty interesting things.
"Sometimes I see weird pictures," he said. "But actually, legally I'm not supposed to talk about it. We have to sign a confidentiality form."
Carlson said a lot of people still want their photos printed, even when they have digital cameras.
"People still like to have pictures in their hands or on a wall," he said. "Not just on their computer."
Berg takes all kinds of portraits, from senior pictures to family photos and pictures of pets. Berg said portrait sessions with children can be fun, but sometimes challenging.
"I just have to read the kid when I meet them," she said. "If they're really shy I take a different approach than if they are really smiley and outgoing."
She said she has the most fun with high school seniors because they actually want to be there and they usually bring their own ideas.
The most rewarding part of her job is when people like the finished photos, Berg said.
"I love the feeling I get when a parent comes up to me after they get their proofs and says, 'Oh you captured my child so well,'" she said. "It's a good feeling to know they are proud of what I did."
After Berg finishes her job, senior Jeremie Carlson helps out behind the scenes. He prints the photos and works with Photoshop. He does everything from restoring old photographs to getting rid of red eyes.
Carlson also develops pictures straight from film and said he has seen some pretty interesting things.
"Sometimes I see weird pictures," he said. "But actually, legally I'm not supposed to talk about it. We have to sign a confidentiality form."
Carlson said a lot of people still want their photos printed, even when they have digital cameras.
"People still like to have pictures in their hands or on a wall," he said. "Not just on their computer."
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