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Events photographer vs sports photographer

The differences between events photographers and sports 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 sports photographer. Additionally, an events photographer has an average salary of $36,327, which is higher than the $27,958 average annual salary of a sports photographer.

The top three skills for an events photographer include customer service, DSLR and nikon. The most important skills for a sports photographer are adobe photoshop, camera equipment, and kids.

Events photographer vs sports photographer overview

Events PhotographerSports Photographer
Yearly salary$36,327$27,958
Hourly rate$17.46$13.44
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs7,6836,917
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
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 sports photographer do?

Sports photographers are hired to take pictures of different sports events and athletes. They mainly work in print medias such as magazine or newspapers. Their photos must express the skill and emotion of the athletes. Sports photographers carry sophisticated cameras and shoot photos from different angles. Their photos could be mesmerizing to sports enthusiasts.

Events photographer vs sports photographer salary

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

Events PhotographerSports Photographer
Average salary$36,327$27,958
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $64,000Between $22,000 And $34,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NY-
Highest paying stateNew York-
Best paying companySan Francisco University High School-
Best paying industryMedia-

Differences between events photographer and sports photographer education

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

Events PhotographerSports Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 66%Bachelor's Degree, 73%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Events photographer vs sports photographer demographics

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

Events PhotographerSports Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 51.5% Female, 48.5%Male, 62.7% Female, 37.3%
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, 5.4% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between events photographer and sports 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.

Sports photographer example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate and manage providing and dressing the customers with old western costumes in preparation of taking their photos.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations and publication quality images using digital input devices, photo-editing and graphic arts software.
  • Mount cameras on tripods or stands, and load prescribe types and sizes of film in cameras.
  • Photograph children, families and pets with holiday backgrounds, on Santa's lap, with elves, etc.
  • Provide news/sports reports and play-by-play announcing for football and basketball games
  • Create and execute station's college basketball coverage including play-by-play.
  • Show more

Events photographer vs sports photographer skills

Common events photographer skills
  • Customer Service, 30%
  • DSLR, 16%
  • Nikon, 14%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 13%
  • STARS, 9%
  • Photography Equipment, 3%
Common sports photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 20%
  • Camera Equipment, 14%
  • Kids, 8%
  • School Administration, 8%
  • Digital Photography, 8%
  • Youth Sports, 6%

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