What does a lead photographer do?
Lead photographer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real lead photographer resumes:
- 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.
- Generate engaging lifestyle, editorial, celebrity, and model images in fast-pace, fully-digital production studio.
- Photograph and process event coverage and holiday pictures with Santa.
Lead photographer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 23% of Lead Photographers are proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Photographic Equipment, and Portrait Photography. They’re also known for soft skills such as Artistic ability, Business skills, and Computer skills.
We break down the percentage of Lead Photographers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Adobe Photoshop, 23%
Utilize software such as Adobe Photoshop, LightRoom, and NPL ROES to produce professional images.
- Photographic Equipment, 20%
Managed photographic equipment including inventory, purchasing and repairs.
- Portrait Photography, 7%
Directed portrait photography for guests in antique settings.
- Customer Service, 7%
Photograph individual and youth sports teams Customer service Skills Used Photography Studio photography Outdoor photography
- Photo Shoots, 4%
Coordinated people and equipment for photo shoots, minimizing cost while maximizing effectiveness.
- Digital Photography, 4%
Maintain traditional film and digital photography knowledge that comports with industry trends, developments, and new techniques.
Common skills that a lead photographer uses to do their job include "adobe photoshop," "photographic equipment," and "portrait photography." You can find details on the most important lead photographer responsibilities below.
Artistic ability. The most essential soft skill for a lead photographer to carry out their responsibilities is artistic ability. This skill is important for the role because "photographers capture their subjects in images, and they must evaluate the artistic quality of a photograph." Additionally, a lead photographer resume shows how their duties depend on artistic ability: "performed specialized artistic and technical photo assignments requiring extensive knowledge of photographic equipment and techniques. "
Business skills. Many lead photographer duties rely on business skills. "photographers must plan marketing or advertising strategies, reach out to prospective clients, and anticipate seasonal employment.," so a lead photographer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways lead photographer responsibilities rely on business skills: "self-owned and managed photography business, specializing in portraiture and event photography. "
Computer skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of lead photographers is computer skills. This skill is critical to many everyday lead photographer duties, as "most photographers do their own postproduction work and must be adept at using photo-editing software." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "produced computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories. "
Customer-service skills. A big part of what lead photographers do relies on "customer-service skills." You can see how essential it is to lead photographer responsibilities because "photographers must understand the types of shots their clients want and agree on suitable alternatives for ideas that may be unworkable." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical lead photographer tasks: "provide excellent guest service while photographing guests with park characters. "
Detail oriented. Another common skill required for lead photographer responsibilities is "detail oriented." This skill comes up in the duties of lead photographers all the time, as "photographers must focus on details, especially in postproduction." An excerpt from a real lead photographer resume shows how this skill is central to what a lead photographer does: "self-employed photographer.conducted all photo shoots in a calm and professional demeanor.explained price and package details to customers. "
Interpersonal skills. Lastly, "interpersonal skills" is an important element of what a lead photographer does. Lead photographer responsibilities require this skill because "photographers often take pictures of people." This resume example highlights how lead photographer duties rely on this skill: "exercised strong customer service and interpersonal communication skills, business management, and marketing/promotions. "
The three companies that hire the most lead photographers are:
- Ukpeagvik IOoOupiat Corporation2 lead photographers jobs
- Vail Resorts1 lead photographers jobs
- PacSun1 lead photographers jobs
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Compare different lead photographers
Lead photographer vs. Studio associate
Photography internship is an advantage to interns who assist photographers while studying since it can develop creativity, strong networking, technical, and practical skills as they learn both lighting and photography business in a real photography studio. These interns are tasked to perform research, update social media platforms, and create images for social media posts. Such valuable hands-on experience serves as an entry-level to boost confidence, increase motivation, gain references, and qualify them for a permanent job offer.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, lead photographer responsibilities require skills like "photographic equipment," "portrait photography," "digital photography," and "adobe lightroom." Meanwhile a typical studio associate has skills in areas such as "appointment scheduling," "front desk," "pos," and "personal sales." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
On average, studio associates reach similar levels of education than lead photographers. Studio associates are 0.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Lead photographer vs. Photography assistant
Each career also uses different skills, according to real lead photographer resumes. While lead photographer responsibilities can utilize skills like "portrait photography," "customer service," "art directors," and "excellent guest," photography assistants use skills like "video production," "video shoots," "mac," and "travel arrangements."
In general, photography assistants achieve similar levels of education than lead photographers. They're 0.8% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for lead photographers in the next 3-5 years?
Verser Engelhard
Associate Chair Associate Professor of Instruction, Columbia College Chicago
Lead photographer vs. Assistant manager and photographer
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a lead photographer is likely to be skilled in "art directors," "excellent guest," "fine arts," and "graphic design," while a typical assistant manager and photographer is skilled in "customer complaints," "photography services," "photo studio," and "bank deposits."
Most assistant managers and photographer achieve a similar degree level compared to lead photographers. For example, they're 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Lead photographer vs. Photography internship
Updated January 8, 2025
