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Photographer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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A 1143456924photographer23.55photography11.5art4.15seasonal2.07photographer assistant1.345397676003177.2521.5863.55HOURLY6831136592025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Photographer, or Professional Photographer, is responsible for taking clear, dynamic photos according to client specifications. Their duties include setting up backdrops, lighting and equipment to prepare for a photo shoot, directing models and subjects to capture the perfect image and editing the photos to remove blemishes and correct lighting issues.

Photographer duties and responsibilities

A normal day for a Photographer can vary widely depending on the type of photography they do. However, most Photographers’ duties include:

  • Communicating with clients to set up a time and place for a photoshoot
  • Maintaining and managing photography equipment
  • Editing photos
  • Submitting photos to appropriate persons
  • Managing photography sessions

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Photographer Job Description Examples

Our mission

Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

Read our editorial guidelines
Job Description Best Practices
Optimize your new and existing job descriptions to reach more candidates
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What does a 1143456924photographer23.55photography11.5art4.15seasonal2.07photographer assistant1.345397676003177.2521.5863.55HOURLY6831136592025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Photographer 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

2025-10-017.2521.5863.55HOURLY
  • Common salary: 21.58 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 7.25 - 63.55 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

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

If this 1143456924photographer23.55photography11.5art4.15seasonal2.07photographer assistant1.345397676003177.2521.5863.55HOURLY6831136592025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Photographer job description template isn’t what you’re looking for, see our job descriptions for related positions:

Job Description Best Practices
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Frequently asked questions about Photographers

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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