Job 1: Automotive Inventory Photographer Location: Culver City, CA Starting Pay: $24–$26 per hour Do you meet the qualifications: Yes, the job only requires a driver’s license, reliability, and basic camera or iPhone skills. Skills needed: Basic photography, attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work independently. Why you would want this job: It offers full-time hours, benefits, paid training, and helps you build photography experience. Would you be able to support yourself: Yes, if you budget and live with roommates.

Job 2: Mobile Dealership Inventory Photographer Location: Chino, CA Starting Pay: $24–$26 per hour Do you meet the qualifications: Yes, the requirements are similar to Job 1. Skills needed: Basic photography, reliable transportation, consistency, and the ability to follow instructions. Why you would want this job: It’s close to Fontana, has a Monday–Friday schedule, and includes benefits. Would you be able to support yourself: Yes, with shared housing and budgeting.

Job 3: Part-Time Automotive Photographer Location: Anaheim, CA Starting Pay: $24–$26 per hour (part-time) Do you meet the qualifications: Yes, no prior experience is required. Skills needed: Basic photography, reliability, and the ability to travel to dealerships. Why you would want this job: It has flexible hours and helps you build a portfolio. Would you be able to support yourself: Not fully, because it is part-time, so you would need another job or live with family.

Job 4: iPhone Vehicle Porter Photographer Location: Long Beach, CA Starting Pay: $24–$26 per hour Do you meet the qualifications: Yes, you only need a driver’s license and willingness to learn. Skills needed: iPhone photography, organization, and the ability to move vehicles safely. Why you would want this job: It offers full-time hours, benefits, and hands-on experience. Would you be able to support yourself: Yes, with careful budgeting.

Job 5: Photographer – Hrly/Int Pool (University) Location: Long Beach, CA Starting Pay: Not listed (estimated $20–$25 per hour) Do you meet the qualifications: Possibly, since they prefer some experience or a small portfolio. Skills needed: DSLR knowledge, lighting, editing, and the ability to work on-call. Why you would want this job: It helps you build a professional portfolio and gain university-level experience. Would you be able to support yourself: Probably not, because the hours are temporary or on-call.

Estimated Monthly Expenses if Living on Your Own Rent (shared apartment): $900–$1,200 Utilities: $120 Phone: $40–$70 Groceries: $300–$350 Gas/Transportation: $150–$250 Car insurance: $150–$220 Internet: $60 Personal items: $100 Emergency savings: $50 Total estimated monthly cost: $1,870–$2,320

my actual career goal is to become an ultrasound technician and move up from there.

David Griffin’s TED Talk explains how photography helps people connect by telling stories in a single moment. He uses examples from National Geographic to show how powerful images can be, especially when they capture real emotions or important events. Griffin argues that good photography isn’t just about having a nice camera — it’s about paying attention and caring about the people or situations you’re photographing. His message is clear and inspiring, though he focuses mostly on professional photography, which makes the talk feel a little idealized.

What I got from the video is that photos can bring people together, but they can also leave out parts of the truth. Griffin talks a lot about the positive side of photography, but he doesn’t really mention how pictures can be misleading or used to push certain narratives. Even so, the talk made me think more about how much responsibility photographers have, and how every photo we take, or share affects how others see the world. It left me appreciating photography more, but also questioning who gets to decide which stories are shown.