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Forensic photographer vs portrait photographer

The differences between forensic photographers and portrait 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 portrait photographer. Additionally, a forensic photographer has an average salary of $79,125, which is higher than the $27,728 average annual salary of a portrait photographer.

The top three skills for a forensic photographer include latent prints, photographic techniques and adobe photoshop. The most important skills for a portrait photographer are customer service, adobe photoshop, and kids.

Forensic photographer vs portrait photographer overview

Forensic PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Yearly salary$79,125$27,728
Hourly rate$38.04$13.33
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs1,9641,707
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Forensic photographer vs portrait photographer salary

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

Forensic PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Average salary$79,125$27,728
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $306,000Between $17,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between forensic photographer and portrait photographer education

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

Forensic PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeUniversity of PennsylvaniaHarvard University

Forensic photographer vs portrait photographer demographics

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

Forensic PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 43.5% Female, 56.5%Male, 38.7% Female, 61.3%
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, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between forensic photographer and portrait 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.

Portrait photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage different operating processes and goals for photography team, creating success for office and limiting inaccurate paperwork and improve product.
  • Photograph portraits under deadline, market on Facebook
  • Generate engaging lifestyle, editorial, celebrity, and model images in fast-pace, fully-digital production studio.
  • Provide organize paperwork and communication within Lifetouch's multiple sites nation wide and co-workers.

Forensic photographer vs portrait photographer skills

Common forensic photographer skills
  • Latent Prints, 32%
  • Photographic Techniques, 27%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 15%
  • Biometrics, 14%
  • Law Enforcement, 12%
Common portrait photographer skills
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 13%
  • Kids, 13%
  • Portrait Photography, 12%
  • Camera Equipment, 9%
  • Photography Studio, 8%

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Updated January 8, 2025

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