According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed. | 98% |
| Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors. | 97% |
| Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects. | 96% |
| Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission. | 96% |
| Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments. | 96% |
| Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software. | 93% |
| Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location. | 93% |
| Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques. | 91% |
| Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order. | 91% |
| Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas. | 90% |
| Perform general office duties, such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies. | 90% |
| Review sets of photographs to select the best work. | 89% |
| Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras. | 89% |
| Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff. | 87% |
| Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly. | 84% |
| Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions. | 83% |
| Direct activities of workers setting up photographic equipment. | 77% |
| Send film to photofinishing laboratories for processing. | 76% |
| Develop visual aids and charts for use in lectures or to present evidence in court. | 73% |
| Load and unload film. | 72% |
| Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials. | 71% |
| Mount, frame, laminate, or lacquer finished photographs. | 62% |
| Photograph legal evidence at crime scenes, in hospitals, or in forensic laboratories. | 60% |
| Write photograph captions. | 58% |
| Set up photographic exhibitions for the purpose of displaying and selling work. | 57% |
| Produce computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories. | 57% |
| Employ a variety of specialized photographic materials and techniques, including infrared and ultraviolet films, macro photography, photogrammetry and sensitometry. | 55% |
| License the use of photographs through stock photo agencies. | 51% |
| Develop and print exposed film, using chemicals, touch-up tools, and developing and printing equipment. | 42% |
