What does a Photographer do?
Photographers take photographs for personal, commercial, technical and educational purposes. They may work with other multimedia professionals to produce a combination of photos, videos and sounds for their employer to use in their advertising or creative projects. Photographers communicate with clients about their expectations and determine the type of film to use and when the photos will be ready.
During a photo shoot, Photographers select props to stage the scene and decide on the best vantage point for getting the shots they want. They take photographs and produce a range of high-quality images to offer their clients.
Photography skills and qualifications
Photographers need technical and soft skills in order to complete their jobs. Some skills for a Photographer include:
- Ability to work flexible hours to accommodate client schedules
- Knowledge of photography techniques
- Ability to stand or crouch for hours during photoshoots
- Proficiency with photo editing software and camera equipment
- Communication skills
Photography salary expectations
A Photographer makes an average of $14.41 per hour. This exact salary may vary depending on the applicant’s education, experience level, geographical location and the nature of the position. Typically, a Photographer will stay in their position for less than one year.
Photography salary expectations
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Common salary:
21.58 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
7.25 -63.55 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Photographer education and training requirements
Depending on type of Photographer job, applicants may need to have an associate or bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as photography, art or advertising. Other positions may only require a high school diploma or an equivalent if the Photography position. Since Photographers gain much of their expertise through on-the-job experience, applicants may need to provide a portfolio of their work.
Photography experience requirements
Generally, employers want a Photographer to have experience behind the camera. This may include freelance, professional or personal work. If the Photographer will be taking photos of sports events, they may need experience in that setting. If the position will be in a studio, action or sports photography experience may not be relevant, and the applicant could need different experience. The experience requirements largely depend on the level of difficulty and expertise the Photographer will need for their work.
Job description samples for similar positions
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