Photographer

Your Fit

Income

$42K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

4.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Photographer?

A Photographer is a professional who specializes in capturing images using photographic equipment to create visual art or record events, people, places, and objects. Their work can range from artistic expression to documenting news and life events.

Sample job titles:

Commercial Photographer, Photographer, Photojournalist, Portrait Photographer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Photographer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Photographer earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$30K per year	$35K per year	$42K per year	$62K per year	$95K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $6.98K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Photographer do?

Work environment

Photographers work in various settings, from studios for portraits and commercial photography to outdoor locations for landscape and event photography. They may travel for assignments, work in all weather conditions, and often adjust their schedules to meet client needs or capture specific lighting conditions.

Quick task list

Captures and processes images according to the project's requirements.
Adjusts camera settings for desired lighting, exposure, and composition.
Edits and enhances images using digital software.
Manages and maintains photography equipment.
Markets and sells photographs or photography services.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Portrait Photography: Capturing images of individuals or groups, often in a studio setting.
Commercial Photography: Creating images for commercial use, such as advertising and product photography.
Photojournalism: Documenting events and stories for media and news outlets.
Landscape Photography: Focusing on capturing outdoor scenes and nature.
Wedding Photography: Specializing in photographing weddings and related events.

Description

Photography as a profession blends artistic talent with technical skill. Photographers must understand how to use camera equipment, lighting, and composition to create compelling images. They also need to be adept at using photo editing software to enhance their photographs. A significant part of the work involves interpreting the client's vision and executing it creatively.

The field of photography is diverse, offering opportunities in various genres, from studio portraits to on-the-ground photojournalism. Photographers may work as freelancers, run their studios, or be employed by media companies, advertising agencies, or other businesses. The career often requires flexibility, as photographers need to adapt to different subjects, environments, and client requirements.

Success in photography not only hinges on technical and artistic ability but also on business skills, particularly for freelancers. Networking, marketing, and managing finances are key components of a successful photography career. As the field is highly competitive, photographers must continuously hone their skills and adapt to changing technologies and trends.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Creative expression and the ability to capture and tell stories through images.
Flexibility and variety in work assignments and subjects.
The joy of creating lasting memories for clients or influencing viewers through artistic work.

You might make a good Photographer if you are...

Passionate about visual storytelling and artistic expression.
Proficient in using camera equipment and photo editing software.
Creative, with a good eye for detail, composition, and lighting.
Skilled in communicating with clients and understanding their vision.
Self-motivated, especially if pursuing freelance photography.

Pros:

Opportunity for creative self-expression and artistic fulfillment.
Flexibility in choosing projects and work hours.
Potential for travel and exploring new environments.

Cons:

Highly competitive field with potential income variability.
Need for continual investment in equipment and skills development.
Irregular working hours, often dependent on client needs or events.

How to become a Photographer

Typical education

Formal education requirements vary; some photographers are self-taught, while others may pursue formal education like a bachelor's degree in photography or related fields, typically requiring 4 years. Many photographers also engage in continuous learning through workshops, online courses, and self-study.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art and Design to develop a foundational understanding of aesthetics.
Photography or Digital Media classes to learn basic skills.
Business Studies to understand the fundamentals of running a photography business.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a photography or art club.
Volunteering to photograph school events or local community functions.
Building a portfolio through personal projects and experimentation.

Preparation after high school

Consider a degree in photography, fine arts, or related fields for formal education.
Participate in workshops and online courses to enhance skills.
Gain experience through internships, apprenticeships, or assisting established photographers.
Develop a portfolio showcasing your work and style.

More resources

Professional Photographers of America (PPA) - Offers resources, education, and certifications for photographers.
National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) - Provides resources and advocacy for photojournalists.
American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP) - A premier source for learning about the business of photography.
The British Journal of Photography - One of the world's oldest photography magazines, offering insights into the industry.
Lynda.com Photography Courses - Offers a wide range of photography courses covering various aspects of the profession.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.