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Events photographer vs photographer assistant

The differences between events photographers and photographer assistants 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 photographer assistant. Additionally, a photographer assistant has an average salary of $36,555, 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 photographer assistant are adobe photoshop, photographic equipment, and photo shoots.

Events photographer vs photographer assistant overview

Events PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Yearly salary$36,327$36,555
Hourly rate$17.46$17.57
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs7,6831,771
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

What does an events photographer do?

An events photographer specializes in taking pictures for important or specific gatherings such as parties, shows, events, and weddings. They must assist with the event setup and provide excellent customer service to ensure that things will run smoothly before, during, and after the event. They must have good communication skills to properly assess and meet their client's needs and capture the best moments for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Independently, they work in studios or work hand in hand with event coordinators.

What does a photographer assistant do?

Photographer Assistants help photographers in all aspects of their work. They carry and set up equipment, change lenses, and make small lighting adjustments while the model is holding a pose.

Events photographer vs photographer assistant salary

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

Events PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Average salary$36,327$36,555
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $64,000Between $20,000 And $64,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NY-
Highest paying stateNew York-
Best paying companySan Francisco University High School-
Best paying industryMedia-

Differences between events photographer and photographer assistant education

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

Events PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Events photographer vs photographer assistant demographics

Here are the differences between events photographers' and photographer assistants' demographics:

Events PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 51.5% Female, 48.5%Male, 35.1% Female, 64.9%
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, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between events photographer and photographer assistant 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.

Photographer assistant example responsibilities.

  • Achieve working knowledge of professional DSLR cameras and equipment.
  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Assist head photographer in outdoor shoots -Operate equipment such as flashes, tripods, reflectors, etc.
  • Work closely with merchandising managers and organize all lifestyle studio and outdoor shoots.
  • Freelance commercial photography with a focus on natural light environmental portraiture and lifestyle photography.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.
  • Show more

Events photographer vs photographer assistant skills

Common events photographer skills
  • Customer Service, 30%
  • DSLR, 16%
  • Nikon, 14%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 13%
  • STARS, 9%
  • Photography Equipment, 3%
Common photographer assistant skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 38%
  • Photographic Equipment, 15%
  • Photo Shoots, 13%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 3%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 3%

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