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Contract-photographer vs product photographer

The differences between contract-photographers and product photographers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both a contract-photographer and a product photographer. Additionally, a contract-photographer has an average salary of $37,986, which is higher than the $37,701 average annual salary of a product photographer.

The top three skills for a contract-photographer include adobe photoshop, product photography and video production. The most important skills for a product photographer are adobe photoshop, photograph products, and product images.

Contract-photographer vs product photographer overview

Contract-PhotographerProduct Photographer
Yearly salary$37,986$37,701
Hourly rate$18.26$18.13
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs9,28257,109
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Contract-photographer vs product photographer salary

Contract-photographers and product photographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Contract-PhotographerProduct Photographer
Average salary$37,986$37,701
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $80,000Between $23,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between contract-photographer and product photographer education

There are a few differences between a contract-photographer and a product photographer in terms of educational background:

Contract-PhotographerProduct Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Contract-photographer vs product photographer demographics

Here are the differences between contract-photographers' and product photographers' demographics:

Contract-PhotographerProduct Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 57.7% Female, 42.3%Male, 52.9% Female, 47.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between contract-photographer and product photographer duties and responsibilities

Contract-photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations and publication quality images using digital input devices, photo-editing and graphic arts software.
  • Perform all photography and photo-editing/finishing/restoration of product.

Product photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage post and add editorial photos to the company Facebook page.
  • Manage assistants and stylist teams to ensure timely completion of brand-appropriate studio photography.
  • Photograph products for catalog using studio lighting, DSLR and background.
  • Table top, fashion models, jewelry, furniture, etc.
  • Film scanners used include those make by Imacon, Nikon, and Epson.
  • Photograph new and used vehicles for Motorwerks of Barrington using DSLR camera and equipment.
  • Show more

Contract-photographer vs product photographer skills

Common contract-photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 44%
  • Product Photography, 12%
  • Video Production, 10%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 6%
  • Photo Shoots, 6%
  • Real Estate Properties, 3%
Common product photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 20%
  • Photograph Products, 11%
  • Product Images, 6%
  • Quality Images, 6%
  • Color Correction, 4%
  • Art Direction, 4%

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