Median Annual Wage: $30,490
Education: High school diploma or equivalent (28%); Associate's degree (20%); Less than high school diploma (16%)
Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)
Related Job Titles: Photojournalist; Photographer; Newspaper Photographer; Advertising Photographer; Photo Editor; Sports Photographer; Commercial Photographer; Owner/Photographer; Portrait Photographer; Studio Owner
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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Photographers.
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- Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
- Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus based on a combination of factors such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
- Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
- Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
- Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
- Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.
- Review sets of photographs to select the best work.
- Perform general office duties such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies.
- Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.
- Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
- Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.
- Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions.
- Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
- Direct activities of workers who are setting up photographic equipment.
- Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly.
- Produce computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Photographers.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Photographers.