Occupation · SOC 27-4021
Photographers
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.
Median wage
$42,520
$29,610–$94,760
Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
51,230
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
808 mapped
Core skills
SpeakingActive ListeningService OrientationSocial PerceptivenessReading ComprehensionMonitoringJudgment and Decision MakingCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingActive LearningTime ManagementCoordinationWritingPersuasionLearning StrategiesInstructingOperations AnalysisNegotiationManagement of Personnel ResourcesOperations MonitoringSystems AnalysisQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationOperation and ControlEquipment SelectionTroubleshootingMathematicsTechnology DesignManagement of Material ResourcesEquipment MaintenanceScienceProgrammingManagement of Financial ResourcesRepairingInstallation
Knowledge areas
Customer and Personal ServiceSales and MarketingComputers and ElectronicsAdministration and ManagementEnglish LanguageCommunications and MediaFine ArtsProduction and ProcessingAdministrativePsychologyEconomics and AccountingEducation and TrainingDesignPersonnel and Human ResourcesTelecommunicationsMathematicsPublic Safety and SecurityEngineering and TechnologyMechanicalLaw and GovernmentSociology and AnthropologyTransportationPhysicsTherapy and CounselingPhilosophy and TheologyHistory and ArcheologyForeign LanguageChemistryBuilding and ConstructionGeographyBiologyFood ProductionMedicine and Dentistry
Technology & tools
Adobe AcrobatAdobe After EffectsAdobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAdobe Photoshop LightroomApple Final Cut ProApple macOSBlinkbidCradoc fotoBizEmail softwareFacebookGenbookGoogle DriveHindSight InViewIntuit QuickBooksLight Blue Software Light BlueMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft WordShootQ photography studio management softwareShootZillaSimplifi pixifiSimply Studio SystemSmugMug FlickrStudioCloudStudioPlus SpectraSuccessWare service management softwareTave Studio ManagerTwitterWeVideoWeb browser softwareWordPressYouTube
Representative tasks
Working with ComputersThinking CreativelyPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsSelling or Influencing OthersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeScheduling Work and ActivitiesMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationPerforming Administrative ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkGetting InformationResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersCoaching and Developing OthersPerforming General Physical ActivitiesJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleHandling and Moving ObjectsCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDocumenting/Recording InformationTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesProcessing InformationCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationDeveloping and Building TeamsAnalyzing Data or InformationControlling Machines and ProcessesInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentAssisting and Caring for OthersStaffing Organizational UnitsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Camera aperture and shutter speed settings — adjust under direct supervision to match basic lighting conditions in a studio or on-location shoot.Tripods, filters, and flash attachments — assemble and attach following established protocols before a scheduled photography session.Artificial light sources and reflectors — position according to an instructor's or senior photographer's direction to illuminate a subject.Digital image files — transfer from camera to computer using standard file-management procedures at the end of each shoot.Basic photo-editing software — apply preset corrections and crop photographs under guided instruction to meet client specifications.Portrait subjects — pose individuals or small family groups following a prepared shot list in a studio environment.Camera focus and depth of field — recognize how subject distance affects sharpness and make adjustments with oversight on straightforward assignments.Color-discrimination principles — identify overexposed or underexposed areas in test shots and report findings to a supervising photographer.Client communication basics — listen actively and restate shoot requirements to confirm understanding before a portrait session begins.Image archiving procedures — organize and label digital photo files according to a defined naming convention for storage and retrieval.
developing
Aperture, shutter speed, and ISO — balance independently across variable natural and artificial lighting conditions during event or portrait assignments.Flash units and reflector configurations — design and set up a multi-light scheme for small-group portraits in a studio with minimal oversight.Subject composition and framing — select angles, backgrounds, and props to achieve a client's desired aesthetic during routine commercial shoots.Image retouching and airbrushing — enhance skin tones, remove blemishes, and resize photographs using graphics software to meet professional delivery standards.Scanned and digital images — manipulate using layering and masking techniques in specialized photo-imaging software for routine editorial or commercial projects.On-location portrait sessions — coordinate logistics, direct subjects, and adapt equipment choices when environmental conditions shift unexpectedly.Customer service interactions — communicate shoot progress, set realistic expectations, and respond to client feedback throughout a session and post-production phase.Time management protocols — schedule back-to-back client sessions, editing windows, and file-delivery deadlines using calendar and scheduling software.Photographic equipment maintenance — inspect, clean, and troubleshoot cameras, lenses, and accessories between assignments to ensure operational readiness.Electronic file transmission — prepare and deliver final image packages via email or client portals, verifying format and resolution requirements are met.
proficient
Full camera system parameters — calibrate aperture, focus, film speed, and motion-freeze settings autonomously for complex, fast-changing environments such as live events or outdoor editorial shoots.Advanced lighting design — engineer multi-source artificial lighting setups using strobes, gels, and reflectors to produce professional-grade results across diverse studio and location scenarios.Creative composition strategy — independently determine subject arrangement, perspective, and equipment selection to realize a distinct visual concept for commercial or fine-art projects.Non-routine post-production challenges — apply advanced retouching, color-grading, and composite techniques in photo-imaging software to salvage or elevate difficult raw images.Photographic workflow systems — architect an end-to-end process covering capture, culling, editing, archiving, and client delivery that ensures consistency and efficiency across high-volume projects.Complex problem solving on location — diagnose and resolve equipment failures, adverse lighting, or uncooperative subjects in real time without supervisory input.Sales and marketing collateral — produce and refine portfolio imagery and web-page content that communicates brand identity and attracts targeted clientele.Diverse client and subject needs — apply social perceptiveness and psychology knowledge to adapt communication style and direction techniques for children, executives, or large groups.Emerging photographic technologies — evaluate and integrate new camera systems, editing software, or output media into existing practice through active, self-directed learning.Critical review of finished work — apply refined visual judgment to assess a complete body of images against brief requirements and make autonomous quality-control decisions before delivery.
advanced
Studio or agency photography standards — define technical and creative benchmarks that govern image quality, branding, and client experience across an entire organization or practice.Junior and mid-level photographer development — mentor emerging talent by designing structured feedback sessions, critique frameworks, and growth plans aligned to professional milestones.Strategic business direction — integrate sales, marketing, and accounting software data to set pricing structures, service offerings, and revenue targets for a photography enterprise.Cross-functional creative leadership — collaborate with art directors, designers, and production teams to align photographic vision with broader campaign or publication goals at an organizational scale.Organizational workflow architecture — engineer and implement department-wide asset management, database, and document management systems that support multi-photographer studios or media companies.Innovation culture — champion experimentation with new imaging technologies, lighting methodologies, and post-production pipelines, fostering a team environment that rewards creative risk-taking.Brand and market positioning — lead the development of a distinctive visual identity and marketing strategy that differentiates a photography practice in a competitive regional or national market.High-stakes client relationship management — negotiate contracts, resolve escalated disputes, and maintain long-term partnerships with corporate or editorial clients requiring consistent photographic output.Industry thought leadership — represent the organization at professional associations, publish editorial or educational content, and contribute to evolving standards in photographic practice.Organizational resilience and adaptability — anticipate shifts in media consumption, technology, and market demand, and redirect team resources and competencies to sustain long-term business viability.
Also known as
45 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Advertising PhotographerAerial PhotographerAutomotive PhotographerBiological PhotographerBiomedical PhotographerCommercial PhotographerCrime Scene PhotographerDigital PhotographerEvent PhotographerFashion PhotographerFinish PhotographerFood PhotographerForensic PhotographerFreelance PhotographerGraduation PhotographerIndustrial PhotographerMarine PhotographerMedical PhotographerNature PhotographerNewborn PhotographerNews PhotographerNewspaper PhotographerNewspaper PhotojournalistOphthalmic PhotographerPhoto EditorPhoto JournalistPhoto-Optics TechnicianPhotographerPhotographic SpecialistPhotojournalistPortrait PhotographerPreschool PhotographerProduct PhotographerReal Estate PhotographerSales PhotographerSchool PhotographerScientific PhotographerSports PhotographerStill PhotographerStreet Photographer