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Photographers

Careers / Photographers

Summary Description


	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.

Sample Job Titles

1.	Advertising Photographer

2.	Aerial Photographer

3.	Apprentice Photographer

4.	Biological Photographer

5.	Biomedical Photographer

6.	Cameraman

7.	Commercial Photographer

8.	Crime Scene Photographer

9.	Digital Photographer

10.	Fashion Photographer

11.	Finish Photographer

12.	Food Photographer

13.	Forensic Photographer

14.	Freelance Photographer

15.	Industrial Photographer

16.	Marine Photographer

17.	Medical Photographer

18.	Nature Photographer

19.	Newspaper Photographer

20.	Newspaper Photojournalist

21.	Ophthalmic Photographer

22.	Owner/Photographer

23.	Photo Editor

24.	Photo Journalist

25.	Photo-Optics Technician

26.	Photographer

27.	Photographer Assistant

28.	Photographic Specialist

29.	Photojournalist

30.	Portrait Photographer

31.	School Photographer

32.	Scientific Photographer

33.	Sports Photographer

34.	Still Photographer

35.	Street Photographer

36.	Studio Owner

37.	Underwater Photographer

38.	Wedding Photographer

39.	Wild Life Photographer

40.	Wildlife Photographer

Job Tasks

	Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments. Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.

	Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects. Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.

	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. Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.

	Develop and print exposed film, using chemicals, touchup tools, and developing and printing equipment.

	Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors. Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.

	Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software. Create computer-generated graphics or animation.

	Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission. Convert data among multiple digital or analog formats.

	Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff. Confer with clients to determine needs.

	Review sets of photographs to select the best work. Review art or design materials.

	Perform general office duties such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies. Maintain records, documents, or other files. Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.

	Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas. Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.

	Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order. Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.

	Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras. Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.

	Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions. Select materials or props. Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.

	Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location. Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.

	Direct activities of workers who are setting up photographic equipment. Coordinate activities of production personnel.

	Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly. Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment.

	Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques. Apply finishes to artwork, crafts, or displays.

	Develop visual aids and charts for use in lectures or to present evidence in court. Select materials or props.

	Load and unload film. Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.

	Employ a variety of specialized photographic materials and techniques, including infrared and ultraviolet films, macro photography, photogrammetry and sensitometry. Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.

	Produce computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories. Convert data among multiple digital or analog formats.

	Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials. Research new technologies.

	Write photograph captions. Write informational material.

	Mount, frame, laminate, or lacquer finished photographs. Construct distinctive physical objects for artistic, functional, or commercial purposes.

	Send film to photofinishing laboratories for processing.

	Set up photographic exhibitions for the purpose of displaying and selling work. Arrange artwork, products, or props.

	License the use of photographs through stock photo agencies. Obtain copyrights or other legal permissions.

	Photograph legal evidence at crime scenes, in hospitals, or in forensic laboratories. Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.

Work Activities

Importance	Work Activity

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.

Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

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.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Developing Objectives and Strategies — Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

Scheduling Work and Activities — Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.

Handling and Moving Objects — Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

Performing Administrative Activities — Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.

Monitoring and Controlling Resources — Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others — Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.

Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others — Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People — Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates — Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

Coaching and Developing Others — Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.

Developing and Building Teams — Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.

Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information — Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Assisting and Caring for Others — Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

Nature of the Work


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Photographers
	Photographers use their technical expertise, creativity, and composition skills to produce and preserve images that tell a story or record an event.

	Read More >>

Working Conditions


	(Abstract from Career Articles)

	Photographers
	Working conditions for photographers vary considerably with their specialty. Some travel for photoshoots; others work in their own studios. Still others work in laboratories and use microscopes to photograph subjects.

	Read More >>

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