by Joseph F. Galian
In jubilant mood, the latest workshop participants jump for joy after completing the International Cruise Ship Photography workshop Dec 3-5, 2009 at the FPPF. From left to right, Ahmed Almubarak, Redford Samson, Rheo Mendoza, Blesila Dellava and Tomasito Visey.
Ahoy there!
Here’s a question: What’s the easiest and fastest way to work abroad, earn dollars meet many people and visit exotic places around the world at the same time?
Answer: Be a professional cruise ship photographer!
Working away from our country as an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) has been a traditional way Filipinos seek “greener pastures” to improve their lot in life. Our government encourages such economic ambition and hail such people as modern-day Filipino heroes -due to their dollar remittances that positively affect our economy.
The international cruise ship industry can be an alternative plan for any Filipino intending to earn dollars without “breaking the bank” while preparing themselves with the necessary education, maritime training, medical check-ups, etcetera. Not everyone has the luxury of time, and economic endurance to prepare for some overseas industry demand like in nursing, dentistry, education and electronics for example. After all, the cruise industry is here to stay and continues to grow as more ships are being constructed. As long as people cruise there will be always need for workers to people these floating hotels. Photographers are amongst these privileged seamen!
Ready for cruise ship photography: (front) Ahmed, Blesila, Redford, (back) Tomasito and Rheo proudly display their FPPF certificates. At left, back, is Cruise Ship Photography Instructor Joseph Galian.
WHO CAN APPLY
If you are within the age bracket of 21-33 years old then you are qualified-provided you are fit and healthy, love people, have a passion for photography and posses an extroverted personality. There is a minimum height requirement so please consult your local recruiter. With these rules it can be said that exceptions can be made if the applicant can impress any recruiter.
Nostalgic and sentimental candidates don’t stand a chance being hired as a seaman-photographer with work contracts spanning six to nine months of hard work with (typically) no day-offs. In a way this is not for everybody-so it’s up to you to find out if you’re cutout to be. After your contract you will be given by your employer a 30-day (more or less) vacation till you are notified of your next cruise ship destination.
A cruise ship.
HOW TO APPLY
The first step to be a cruise ship photog is to hook up with a legitimate recruiter in good standing with the Philippine Overseas Emplyment Administration (POEA) by checking the POEA’s website. Prestigious recruiters like www.magsaysaycareers.com can refer you to the greatest photo concessionaires like The Image Group, or to impressive ships with in-house photo departments like Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises-just to name a few.
Your recruiter will ask you to enrol in their 5-day Basic Safety Course (BSC) program to train you to save lives at sea in case of emergencies. This investment will cost up to Php 10,000. You cannot get your seaman’s book from the MARINA Department without your BSC certification. Your seaman’s book will be attached to your passport in tandem. So get a you travel passport beforehand plus NBI clearance, authenticated transcript of records, birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), letter of employments, resume, workshop certificates for starters.
As a prospective ship photog, you must compile at least 24 impressive photographs of people’s portraites-as individuals or in groups. Your portfolio must be 8” x 10” in size in a black album to look professional. Owning your own camera gives your recruiter the right impression. Be prepared for a basic photography written exam covering camera parts to fill-flash. There will be a paid and scheduled test (worth around Php 1,000) covering I.Q. test, personality test and high school arithmitic, fractions, problem solving, English comprehension and vocabulary.
If you have all these documents submitted and tests completed to your agency (recruiter) then you can hope to leave the country within less than six months. Just wait for your turn to be interviewed via teleconferencing or an actual visit by the official recruitment officer abroad. The interview can be as simple as question and answer forum or can involve practical demonstration with role playing.
Cruise ship photographer Custer Cano.
WHERE TO GET CRUISE SHIP PHOTO TRAINING
The Federation of Philippine Photographers Foundation (FPPF) is offering a 3-day International Cruise Ship Photography Workshop for any Filipino intent to work abroad as a professional ship photographer. Joseph Galian will conduct the said workshop with hands-on, role playing photography exercises. The purpose of this unique workshop is to increase your chances of being hired as a pro ship photog.
For queries about the next ship photo workshop please call the FPPF at telephone no. 524-7576. Look for Karen. E-mail is fotoatwork@gmail.com. Visit http://photoworldmanila.com/workshops/cruise-ship-photography. Sea ya’ all soon!
International cruise ship photographers: (L-R) Joseph (Philippines), Marcos (Chile), Christian (Peru) and Steve (South Africa).
Commented: February 3, 2010 at 3:00 am
Well? Can we have an answer?
Commented: February 1, 2010 at 12:06 pm
HI! How much does a cruise ship photographer earn??