Photographers

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  Career Profile

Photographers

What they do

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

Also Called: Advertising Photographer, Commercial Photographer, Graduation Photographer, Newspaper Photographer, Photo Editor, Photographer, Photojournalist, Portrait Photographer, Sports Photographer, Studio Photographer, Advertising Photographer, Commercial Photographer, Graduation Photographer, Newspaper Photographer, Photo Editor, Photographer, Photojournalist, Portrait Photographer, Sports Photographer, Studio Photographer

$28,510
Starting Salary (2023)
$40,760
Median Salary (2023)
4.1%
Projected Job Growth
53,630
Employment (2022)

Typical 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.
Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.
Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Realistic
Practical, Physical Work
Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Integrity
Attention to Detail
Concern for Others
Self-Control
Initiative

What key skills are needed for this job?

Speaking
Active Listening
Service Orientation
Complex Problem Solving
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking

Expected Knowledge

Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Common Activities

Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

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