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Lead photographer vs portrait photographer

The differences between lead 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 lead photographer and a portrait photographer. Additionally, a lead photographer has an average salary of $35,976, which is higher than the $27,728 average annual salary of a portrait photographer.

The top three skills for a lead photographer include adobe photoshop, photographic equipment and portrait photography. The most important skills for a portrait photographer are customer service, adobe photoshop, and kids.

Lead photographer vs portrait photographer overview

Lead PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Yearly salary$35,976$27,728
Hourly rate$17.30$13.33
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs6,6441,707
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Lead photographer vs portrait photographer salary

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

Lead PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Average salary$35,976$27,728
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $57,000Between $17,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CitySyracuse, NY-
Highest paying stateNew York-
Best paying companySyracuse University-
Best paying industryManufacturing-

Differences between lead photographer and portrait photographer education

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

Lead PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 63%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeNorthwestern UniversityHarvard University

Lead photographer vs portrait photographer demographics

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

Lead PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 48.2% Female, 51.8%Male, 38.7% Female, 61.3%
Race ratioBlack 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%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 lead photographer and portrait photographer duties and responsibilities

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

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.

Lead photographer vs portrait photographer skills

Common lead photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 23%
  • Photographic Equipment, 20%
  • Portrait Photography, 7%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Photo Shoots, 4%
  • Digital Photography, 4%
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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