Photographer
1. OVERVIEW
Photographers use their technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images. They capture moments, tell stories, and record events through photographs, working across a wide range of industries from journalism to fine art.
2024 Median Pay: $42,520 per year ($20.44 per hour)
Job Growth (2023–2033): 4% (As fast as average)
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent
2. Role Breakdown by Level
Entry-Level Role
Job Titles:
Assistant Photographer, Junior Photographer, Freelance Photographer, Portrait Photographer
Education & Experience:
High school diploma (Some may have a postsecondary certificate or coursework in photography)
Basic understanding of photography equipment and composition
On-the-job training or assistant roles
Certifications (Recommended):
No formal certification required, but gaining experience with professional equipment and post-production software is encouraged.
Core Duties:
Assist senior photographers in photo shoots
Capture basic photographs for events or portraits
Organize and maintain digital photos
Use editing software for photo enhancement
Set up and maintain camera equipment, lighting, and props for shoots
Salary Range:
$30,000–$45,000 per year
Work Environment:
Primarily indoors in studios, with occasional outdoor shoots
Some travel for photo assignments may be required
Work Schedule:
Often freelance, requiring flexible hours depending on assignments (weekends and evenings may be needed for events like weddings)
Mid-Level Role
Job Titles:
Commercial Photographer, Industrial Photographer, Event Photographer, Freelance Photographer
Education & Experience:
High school diploma or equivalent; many photographers complete a postsecondary certificate or a degree in photography
2–5 years of professional experience
Portfolio showcasing a wide variety of work
Certifications (Preferred):
Certification in specific photography areas (e.g., digital photography, portrait photography, commercial photography)
Core Duties:
Independently handle client photo shoots (weddings, events, product shoots)
Manage photo-editing, retouching, and post-production processes
Consult with clients to understand their needs and preferences
Develop and maintain a professional portfolio
Manage business aspects of freelancing (contracts, pricing, invoicing)
Salary Range:
$45,000–$60,000 per year
Work Environment:
Work in diverse settings such as clients' locations, studios, or events
Can be self-employed or work with agencies
Work Schedule:
Flexible but can involve long hours for special events or deadlines
Senior-Level Role
Job Titles:
Senior Photographer, Studio Manager, Photography Director, Director of Photography
Education & Experience:
Extensive experience (5+ years)
Formal education, such as a degree in photography, fine arts, or a related field
Leadership roles or management experience in photography studios or teams
Certifications (Recommended):
Specialized certifications in areas like commercial or fashion photography
Ongoing education to stay updated with industry trends
Core Duties:
Lead a team of photographers or manage a studio's operations
Plan, organize, and direct complex photo shoots (e.g., large events, advertising campaigns)
Teach photography courses or workshops
Handle high-profile clients and projects
Develop creative concepts and oversee post-production processes
Salary Range:
$60,000–$90,000+ per year
Work Environment:
Primarily in a studio, with travel for on-location shoots
May also involve teaching at educational institutions or photography workshops
Work Schedule:
Full-time with the possibility of weekend, evening, or holiday work depending on client needs
3. How to Become One
Education:
Entry-Level: A high school diploma is typically required. Many photographers enhance their skills by taking specialized photography courses, which are often available through community colleges or online platforms.
Mid/Senior-Level: A postsecondary education, such as a certificate or a degree in photography, can enhance job prospects. Art schools or technical institutes also provide more specialized programs.
Training:
Entry-Level: Learning from established professionals through on-the-job training or internships.
Mid/Senior-Level: Further formal education or work experience that enables mastery of technical skills and equipment. Many successful photographers also learn self-promotion, client interaction, and business management through hands-on experience.
Certifications:
While formal certification is not typically required, it is beneficial in some niches. Specializations in areas such as digital photography or commercial photography can add credibility.
Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) through the Professional Photographers of America
FAA Drone Certification for photographers who use drones for aerial shots
4. Skills & Tools
Core Skills:
Artistic Ability: A "good eye" for composition, lighting, and the creative aspects of photography.
Technical Proficiency: Knowledge of camera equipment, photo-editing software, and post-production techniques.
Communication: Ability to interact effectively with clients to understand their vision and make recommendations.
Attention to Detail: Precise when capturing images and editing to ensure quality.
Business Acumen: For self-employed photographers, handling marketing, client contracts, invoicing, and scheduling.
Tools & Platforms:
Cameras: DSLR, mirrorless cameras, and specialized equipment for specific types of photography (e.g., drones for aerial shots)
Editing Software: Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One
Portfolio Platforms: Websites, social media platforms, or portfolio software like Behance, 500px, or Squarespace
5. Work Environment
Industries:
Freelance Photography: Many photographers are self-employed, managing their own schedule and clients.
Studio Photography: Photographers who work for photography studios or firms.
Media & Entertainment: Including fashion photography, photojournalism, and commercial photography for ads, magazines, and digital media.
Fine Arts: Photographers who create art pieces for galleries or exhibitions.
Work Schedule:
Flexible, often project-based, with peak periods for wedding photographers or seasonal demands in commercial photography.
Weekend and evening work is common, especially for event photography.
6. Job Outlook
Growth Rate: Employment for photographers is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Annual Openings: Approximately 5,800 job openings are expected each year.
Factors Influencing Growth: While smartphones and stock photography may reduce demand, professional photographers remain essential for high-quality, creative, and commercial images, especially in areas like portraiture and advertising.
7. Related Occupations
Art Directors: Oversee the visual aspects of advertising, publications, and media.
Film and Video Editors: Create and edit video content, often involving camera work.
Graphic Designers: Create visual content for print and digital media.
Journalists/Reporters: Combine writing with photography in news coverage.
8. Resources for Learning & Advancement
Books:
Understanding Exposure by Bryan Peterson
The Photographer's Eye by Michael Freeman
The Digital Photography Book by Scott Kelby
Courses & Certifications:
Coursera & Udemy: Photography courses on digital photography, editing, and lighting
Professional Photographers of America (PPA): Certification and workshops
FAA Drone Certification: For photographers working with drones
Communities & Forums:
YouTube Channels: "Tony & Chelsea Northrup", "Fstoppers"
Reddit: r/photography
LinkedIn Groups: Photography Pros, Photography Enthusiasts
9. Regional Data & Employment Trends
Top-Paying Industries:
Publishing & Content Providers: $28.62 per hour
Advertising & Public Relations: $24.50 per hour
Photography Services: $18.08 per hour
Hot Markets:
High demand in metropolitan areas, with growing markets in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.
Emerging Trends:
Increased use of drones in aerial photography
Growth in online portfolios and social media for self-promotion
BLS Profile: Photographers – OOH
For more information, visit the BLS profile for Photographers.
