Forensic photographer vs product photographer

The differences between forensic photographers and product 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 product photographer. Additionally, a forensic photographer has an average salary of $79,125, which is higher than the $37,701 average annual salary of a product photographer.

The top three skills for a forensic photographer include latent prints, photographic techniques and adobe photoshop. The most important skills for a product photographer are adobe photoshop, photograph products, and product images.

Forensic photographer vs product photographer overview

	Forensic Photographer	Product Photographer
Yearly salary	$79,125	$37,701
Hourly rate	$38.04	$18.13
Growth rate	9%	9%
Number of jobs	1,964	57,109
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	2	2

Forensic photographer vs product photographer salary

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

	Forensic Photographer	Product Photographer
Average salary	$79,125	$37,701
Salary range	Between $20,000 And $306,000	Between $23,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between forensic photographer and product photographer education

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

	Forensic Photographer	Product Photographer
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 51%	Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common major	Photography	Photography
Most common college	University of Pennsylvania	Harvard University

Forensic photographer vs product photographer demographics

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

	Forensic Photographer	Product Photographer
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 43.5% Female, 56.5%	Male, 52.9% Female, 47.1%
Race ratio	Black 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 Percentage	11%	11%

Differences between forensic photographer and product 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.

Product photographer example responsibilities.

Manage post and add editorial photos to the company Facebook page.
Manage assistants and stylist teams to ensure timely completion of brand-appropriate studio photography.
Photograph products for catalog using studio lighting, DSLR and background.
Table top, fashion models, jewelry, furniture, etc.
Film scanners used include those make by Imacon, Nikon, and Epson.
Photograph new and used vehicles for Motorwerks of Barrington using DSLR camera and equipment.

Forensic photographer vs product photographer skills

Common forensic photographer skills

Latent Prints, 32%
Photographic Techniques, 27%
Adobe Photoshop, 15%
Biometrics, 14%
Law Enforcement, 12%

Common product photographer skills

Adobe Photoshop, 20%
Photograph Products, 11%
Product Images, 6%
Quality Images, 6%
Color Correction, 4%
Art Direction, 4%

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Forensic Photographer
Forensic Photographer vs Product Photographer

Updated January 8, 2025

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