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Forensic photographer vs lead photographer

The differences between forensic photographers and lead 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 forensic photographer and a lead photographer. Additionally, a forensic photographer has an average salary of $79,125, which is higher than the $35,976 average annual salary of a lead photographer.

The top three skills for a forensic photographer include latent prints, photographic techniques and adobe photoshop. The most important skills for a lead photographer are adobe photoshop, photographic equipment, and portrait photography.

Forensic photographer vs lead photographer overview

Forensic PhotographerLead Photographer
Yearly salary$79,125$35,976
Hourly rate$38.04$17.30
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs1,9646,644
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Forensic photographer vs lead photographer salary

Forensic photographers and lead photographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Forensic PhotographerLead Photographer
Average salary$79,125$35,976
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $306,000Between $22,000 And $57,000
Highest paying City-Syracuse, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Syracuse University
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between forensic photographer and lead photographer education

There are a few differences between a forensic photographer and a lead photographer in terms of educational background:

Forensic PhotographerLead Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 63%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaNorthwestern University

Forensic photographer vs lead photographer demographics

Here are the differences between forensic photographers' and lead photographers' demographics:

Forensic PhotographerLead Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 43.5% Female, 56.5%Male, 48.2% Female, 51.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 5.8% White, 66.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between forensic photographer and lead photographer duties and responsibilities

Forensic photographer example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate and manage providing and dressing the customers with old western costumes in preparation of taking their photos.
  • Photograph latent impressions on a variety of surfaces using ALS, RUVIS, and other light sources using a Nikon D3S.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.

Lead photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage different operating processes and goals for photography team, creating success for office and limiting inaccurate paperwork and improve product.
  • Run and upkeep the business' Facebook page.
  • Resolve operational problems of camera lens, tripods and external flash units.
  • Advance knowledge of photo management and editing software, DSLR cameras and relate equipment.
  • Light social media work also perform on various social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter/HootSuite, Lookbook, etc.
  • Operate DSLR cameras and photography equipment.
    • Show more

Forensic photographer vs lead photographer skills

Common forensic photographer skills
  • Latent Prints, 32%
  • Photographic Techniques, 27%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 15%
  • Biometrics, 14%
  • Law Enforcement, 12%
Common lead photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 23%
  • Photographic Equipment, 20%
  • Portrait Photography, 7%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Photo Shoots, 4%
  • Digital Photography, 4%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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