Photographers
Overview
Photographers combine technical skills with artistic vision to capture and create compelling images that tell stories or document important moments. They work with advanced camera equipment, lighting setups, and photo-editing software to produce professional-quality photographs for clients ranging from individuals to businesses. The job involves planning photo shoots, directing subjects, and using digital tools to enhance images before building portfolios to showcase their work. Many photographers enjoy flexible schedules and the opportunity to work in diverse environments, from studios to outdoor locations.
Did you know?
Photography work in America is often project-based and seasonal, leading to unpredictable income streams that require careful financial planning.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$43,302.86 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Judgment and Decision Making
Key Responsibilities
- Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
- Load and unload film.
- Send film to photofinishing laboratories for processing.
- Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
- Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.
- Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.
- Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions.
- Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
- Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
- Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
- Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.
- License the use of photographs through stock photo agencies.
- Develop and print exposed film, using chemicals, touch-up tools, and developing and printing equipment.
- Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials.
- Perform general office duties, such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies.
- Review sets of photographs to select the best work.
- Employ a variety of specialized photographic materials and techniques, including infrared and ultraviolet films, macro photography, photogrammetry and sensitometry.
- Produce computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories.
- Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- Direct activities of workers setting up photographic equipment.
- Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.
- Mount, frame, laminate, or lacquer finished photographs.
- Set up photographic exhibitions for the purpose of displaying and selling work.
- Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
- Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
- Write photograph captions.
- Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly.
- Develop visual aids and charts for use in lectures or to present evidence in court.
Career Considerations
Income Variability
Photography work in America is often project-based and seasonal, leading to unpredictable income streams that require careful financial planning.
Market Saturation
The accessibility of digital photography equipment has created intense competition among photographers, making it challenging to establish a unique market position.
Business Skills Requirement
Success as a photographer in America typically requires strong entrepreneurial skills including marketing, client relations, and self-promotion beyond just technical photography abilities.