Job description
Photographers are trained professionals who focus on the art of capturing good images with a digital or film camera. They do this by using their creativity and technical expertise to take and produce unique pictures. Some photographers focus on studio work, while others explore nature or select a niche industry to work in, such as magazine shoots or wedding images.
Duties
- Use technical equipment including lenses, lighting, cameras and editing software
- Take unique images of objects, landscape or models
- Arrange props and make any necessary arrangements for shoots
- Communicate with clients to arrange bookings
- Guide and instruct models during shoots
- Edit and retouch images
- Prepare albums, framed prints, videos and electronic images
- Promote business and update online portfolio
- Prepare invoices and perform general administrative duties
Skills, qualities and knowledge
Working hours and environment
Average working hours
40hweek
Typical schedule
Unpredictable
Nights, weekends, holidays occasionally
Many photographers work from their own private studio, but they also travel to other locations or counties to take photographs, including schools, client’s houses or designated locations.
The nature of a photographer’s work schedule is unpredictable. You may be required to travel overnight and can receive last-minute bookings. You can also be expected to work long hours, especially during peak seasons such as Christmas.
Salary
Bottom 10%
$20k
Median
$34k
Top 10%
$76k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Qualifications and training
Education level
High school
DVM / VMD degree
Study time
None
While postsecondary education is not a formal requirement, many photographers take short classes or earn a bachelor’s degree to improve their skills including photography techniques and business marketing.
On the other hand, professionals looking to become a photojournalist or scientific photographer will usually need a bachelor’s degree in photography or a related subject in creative arts.
Job outlook
Projected growth
-6%
No of new jobs
-8.3k
Automation risk
2.1%
Career progression
Many photographers progress to set up their own photography studio or become a partner in an existing one. Others choose to focus in a niche area and become well known in that field. For example, you could aim to work as a photographer for your favourite publication or TV channel.