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Contract-photographer vs wedding photographer

The differences between contract-photographers and wedding 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 wedding photographer. Additionally, a contract-photographer has an average salary of $37,986, which is higher than the $30,550 average annual salary of a wedding photographer.

The top three skills for a contract-photographer include adobe photoshop, product photography and video production. The most important skills for a wedding photographer are adobe photoshop, adobe lightroom, and portrait photography.

Contract-photographer vs wedding photographer overview

Contract-PhotographerWedding Photographer
Yearly salary$37,986$30,550
Hourly rate$18.26$14.69
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs9,2821,445
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Contract-photographer vs wedding photographer salary

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

Contract-PhotographerWedding Photographer
Average salary$37,986$30,550
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $80,000Between $20,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between contract-photographer and wedding photographer education

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

Contract-PhotographerWedding Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 65%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Contract-photographer vs wedding photographer demographics

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

Contract-PhotographerWedding Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 57.7% Female, 42.3%Male, 40.3% Female, 59.7%
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, 6.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between contract-photographer and wedding 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.

Wedding photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Post all pictures on Facebook with privacy setting as requested.
  • Capture photos with self-provide DSLR and assist in adjusting correct lighting and positioning of equipment.
  • Assist lead wedding photographer by setting up equipment and taking candid photos during shoots using Nikon D200.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations and publication quality images using digital input devices, photo-editing and graphic arts software.
  • Photograph and process event coverage and holiday pictures with Santa.

Contract-photographer vs wedding 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 wedding photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 27%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 12%
  • Portrait Photography, 11%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Bride, 6%
  • Wedding Ceremony, 5%

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