Photographer
Quick Facts
Median Salary$45,032
Most Common EducationHigh school or GED
Projected 10-Year Growth+11.11%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Photographer uses digital cameras to take photographs for news organizations, commercial or individual clients. May specialize in photographing people, places and landscapes, or objects. Uses software for processing and editing photographs, and may also use traditional film cameras and film processing. Creates portfolios of work to exhibit or sell.
Core Tasks:
- 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.
- Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
- Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
- Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
- Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
- Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
- Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
- Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.
- Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.
- Perform general office duties, such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies.
- Review sets of photographs to select the best work.
- Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.
- Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.
- Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly.
- Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions.
- Direct activities of workers setting up photographic equipment.
- Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials.
- Mount, frame, laminate, or lacquer finished photographs.
What to expect as a Photographer
1Earn a High school or GED Diploma
15% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Photographer related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
2186 openings for Photographers
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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