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Events photographer vs commercial photographer

The differences between events photographers and commercial photographers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 1-2 years to become both an events photographer and a commercial photographer. Additionally, a commercial photographer has an average salary of $37,027, which is higher than the $36,327 average annual salary of an events photographer.

The top three skills for an events photographer include customer service, DSLR and nikon. The most important skills for a commercial photographer are product photography, adobe photoshop, and art direction.

Events photographer vs commercial photographer overview

Events PhotographerCommercial Photographer
Yearly salary$36,327$37,027
Hourly rate$17.46$17.80
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs7,68333,133
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Events photographer vs commercial photographer salary

Events photographers and commercial photographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Events PhotographerCommercial Photographer
Average salary$36,327$37,027
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $64,000Between $23,000 And $59,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYNew York, NY
Highest paying stateNew YorkNew York
Best paying companySan Francisco University High SchoolArmedia
Best paying industryMediaUtilities

Differences between events photographer and commercial photographer education

There are a few differences between an events photographer and a commercial photographer in terms of educational background:

Events PhotographerCommercial Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Events photographer vs commercial photographer demographics

Here are the differences between events photographers' and commercial photographers' demographics:

Events PhotographerCommercial Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 51.5% Female, 48.5%Male, 73.9% Female, 26.1%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between events photographer and commercial photographer duties and responsibilities

Events photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Report increase of ticket sales as a direct result of posting event photos to the company Facebook page.
  • Use traditional and digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
  • Edit and send out files to clients on DVD's.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.

Commercial photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.

Events photographer vs commercial photographer skills

Common events photographer skills
  • Customer Service, 30%
  • DSLR, 16%
  • Nikon, 14%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 13%
  • STARS, 9%
  • Photography Equipment, 3%
Common commercial photographer skills
  • Product Photography, 38%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 15%
  • Art Direction, 7%
  • Video Production, 5%
  • Photo Shoots, 4%
  • Lifestyle, 3%

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