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Photographers
photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists.
The Artist
Table of Contents
Job description
Photographers photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists.
- Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
- Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- 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.
- Develop and print exposed film, using chemicals, touch-up tools, and developing and printing equipment.
Featured Schools
Salary
Photographers with little to no experience tend to make between $19850 and $23970 while the more experienced ones can earn over $53520 per year.
| Top 5 paying states | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| DC | $40 | $82,840 |
| MA | $31 | $65,090 |
| RI | $26 | $54,800 |
| MN | $26 | $54,150 |
| NM | $26 | $53,720 |
One of the easiest ways to increase your salary as a Photographer is to move to a higher paying state like DC. Right now, the highest paying states for Photographers are DC, MA, RI, MN and NM.
However, a higher pay at DC doesn’t guarantee that you will make more because the living expenses at DC might be twice as high than where you are currently at now.
Three other factors that can increase your salary as a Photographer is the degree you hold, the industry you work in, and lastly the company you work for.
Requirements
We asked other Photographers what degree they had when they got the job and most of them said they had a High School Diploma followed by an Associate’s Degree.
Other than that, we also asked them what did they major in and here are the most popular majors that came up.
| Photojournalism |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General |
| Digital Arts |
| Commercial Photography |
| Photography |
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the pros and cons of being a Photographer.
| PROS |
|---|
| Suitable for people who likes to work with designs |
| Suitable for people who wants independence and likes to work on their own and make decisions |
| It is not too difficult to get into this career. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required to get started. |
| Demand for this career is growing |
| CONS |
|---|
| Not suitable for people who likes to follow routines |
| Salary is below average |
| Long working hours (More than 40 hours per week) |
What is the job like
71% of Photographers said they were satisfied with their job and 40% said they feel like their job is making other people’s lives better.
Each day varies depending on scheduled shoots or other events. A good portion of our work life includes travel to a location shoot, so preparation is key to ensure we don’t forget something important like a backup battery or SD card. The one consistent thing that has to occur everyday is reading emails and following … Read More
The types of photography that I do are primarily headshot portraits, business lifestyle photography, and high school seniors. My work life as a photographer This is a tricky one for sure! I don’t know if there is a typical day, but I will give you a couple of scenarios. Photo session day On a day … Read More
Working as a photographer can be an amazing gig if you are truly passionate about artistic expression through the medium. Whether you’re creating commercial photo and video to sell products or out in a field at sunset snapping some engagement photos, you’ll be happy with a camera in your hands as long as you are … Read More
A shoot day normally starts a day or 2 before the actual day of the shoot. I’ve normally spoken with the client and have an idea of how they want their images to look. I review the inspiration for the shoot they may have given me and if we are shooting on location, I do … Read More
I am a corporate headshot photographer based in NYC. My typical day It sounds cliche, but there are no typical days. On any given day I may be heading to a clients office to photograph the CEO, at a large firm photographing 20 new employees fresh out of college, dealing with individuals in the studio … Read More
I have been a professional photographer for over 30 years. I majored in Communications and Photographer at Adelphi University and graduated in 1985. After graduating I moved to Los Angeles because I wanted to learn from a few of my favorite famous photographers. Here is a piece of advice. You could work/learn from almost anyone … Read More
A typical day for a concert photographer is trying to sell your photos. Get art galleries to show your work. Get published and PAID for your photos. What’s more important in becoming a concert photographer is you’re going to have to LOVE music. Know everything about every band you’re about to see. You’re going to … Read More
I will have consultations with the parents before they schedule their newborn session to ensure that I’m the right choice for them and what they would like. Once they are committed to me and my studio, we go over all the details of the newborn session. I help the parents choose the photography props they’d … Read More
My sessions are usually at my client’s home. I go to them, set up my lights and backdrop if necessary, for the session. Prior to the day of the session, I have a consultation with the parents so that they know what to expect and how to prepare. The parents are always right there during … Read More
As an entrepreneur, I have some flexibility in creating my own work schedule. My typical day starts with getting my children fed and prepared for the day. While they eat I get myself ready and then we spend some time playing and reading until our childcare provider arrives at 9am. If it’s a shoot day … Read More
My typical day starts with a leisurely breakfast and walking my golden retriever, Murphy. I’m not a morning person so being self-employed means I’m able to structure my day so I can work on creative tasks later when I’m naturally more productive. My walks with Murphy double as location scouting for upcoming photoshoots. Even if … Read More
Is this right for me
You can read more about these career personality types here.
People who are suitable for this job tends to like working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules..
They also like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like working with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery.
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Photographers job description, Photographers salary, Photographers information, what is the job of a Photographer like, pros and cons about Photographers, colleges and universities for Photographers, is Photographers the right career for me, careers in Art, Entertainment and Sports
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