Photographer Career Guide

What Does a Photographer Do?

Photographers use their technical expertise and creativity to produce and preserve images of people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. They market their services, plan photo compositions, use various techniques and lighting equipment, capture subjects in professional-quality photographs, enhance images with editing software, and maintain digital portfolios. Many photographers are self-employed, requiring them to handle business operations including advertising, scheduling, equipment management, and client billing.

Education & Requirements

• Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent; many pursue certificates or degrees in photography or related fine arts
• Certifications: FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (for commercial drone photography), Professional Photographer Certification (optional)
• Key Skills: Artistic ability, technical camera skills, photo editing proficiency, business skills, customer service, attention to detail
• Experience: Build portfolio through practice, internships, or assistant positions; no formal experience required for entry

Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024 data):

• Median Annual Salary: $42,520 ($20.44/hour)
• Entry-Level (10th percentile): $29,598 ($14.23/hour)
• Experienced (90th percentile): $94,765 ($45.56/hour)
• Top-Paying Industry: Publishing, broadcasting, and content providers ($28.62/hour)
• Lower-Paying Industries: Photographic services ($18.08/hour), Arts and entertainment ($18.13/hour)

Job Outlook & Growth

Employment of photographers is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited growth, about 12,700 openings are projected each year, primarily from workers transferring to other occupations or retiring. Demand for self-employed photographers continues as people want new portraits and corporations need commercial photography for advertisements. However, smartphone camera quality and stock photo services may dampen demand. Wedding, portrait, and event photographers remain in consistent demand.

How to Break Into This Field

1. Education: While not required, consider certificate programs at community colleges or bachelor's degrees in photography, photojournalism, or fine arts. Learn composition, lighting, and photo editing software.
2. Entry-Level Roles: Start as a photographer's assistant, work in retail photo labs, or take freelance projects for friends, family, and small businesses. Build your portfolio continuously.
3. Build Skills: Master Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, learn various photography styles (portrait, landscape, product), invest in quality equipment, and develop a signature style.
4. Network: Join local photography clubs, attend workshops and trade shows, connect with event planners and marketing agencies, and build a strong social media presence showcasing your work.
5. Apply Strategically: Target wedding venues, corporate marketing departments, news outlets, or start your own photography business. Use platforms like SmugMug, Zenfolio, and social media to market services.

Career Path & Advancement

Photographers often start with general assignments and develop specializations over time in areas like weddings, portraits, commercial, fine arts, or photojournalism. Advancement typically means building a client base, raising rates, and gaining recognition in your specialty. Successful photographers may open their own studios, hire assistants, teach workshops, or transition to art direction. Fine arts photographers can pursue gallery exhibitions and print sales. Some photographers move into related fields like photo editing, art direction, or videography.

Pros & Cons

Related Careers

If you're interested in Photographer, you might also consider:

• Film and Video Editor or Camera Operator (similar creative and technical skills)
• Graphic Designer (visual creativity with digital tools)
• Art Director (leads visual projects and teams)
• Craft and Fine Artists (alternative creative visual career)