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Fashion photographer vs photographer assistant

The differences between fashion 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 a fashion photographer and a photographer assistant. Additionally, a fashion photographer has an average salary of $103,354, which is higher than the $36,555 average annual salary of a photographer assistant.

The top three skills for a fashion photographer include adobe photoshop, fashion photography and photo shoots. The most important skills for a photographer assistant are adobe photoshop, photographic equipment, and photo shoots.

Fashion photographer vs photographer assistant overview

Fashion PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Yearly salary$103,354$36,555
Hourly rate$49.69$17.57
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs3,6121,771
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Fashion photographer vs photographer assistant salary

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

Fashion PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Average salary$103,354$36,555
Salary rangeBetween $18,000 And $581,000Between $20,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between fashion photographer and photographer assistant education

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

Fashion PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 67%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Fashion photographer vs photographer assistant demographics

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

Fashion PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 48.9% Female, 51.1%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, 65.0% 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 fashion photographer and photographer assistant duties and responsibilities

Fashion photographer example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate and manage providing and dressing the customers with old western costumes in preparation of taking their photos.
  • Establish a more professional-style look through photos of the blogger's outfits by using a DSLR camera.
  • 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

Fashion photographer vs photographer assistant skills

Common fashion photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 28%
  • Fashion Photography, 18%
  • Photo Shoots, 11%
  • Graphic Design, 11%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 6%
  • Art Direction, 5%
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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