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News photographer vs freelance videographer/editor

The differences between news photographers and freelance videographer/editors can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a news photographer, becoming a freelance videographer/editor takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a news photographer has an average salary of $76,014, which is higher than the $48,481 average annual salary of a freelance videographer/editor.

The top three skills for a news photographer include HD, video cameras and general assignment. The most important skills for a freelance videographer/editor are training videos, video content, and video production.

News photographer vs freelance videographer/editor overview

News PhotographerFreelance Videographer/Editor
Yearly salary$76,014$48,481
Hourly rate$36.55$23.31
Growth rate9%12%
Number of jobs7,8505,409
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Average age3937
Years of experience26

What does a news photographer do?

A news photographer is responsible for capturing images and videos ranging from small occasions and conferences to critical society events, ensuring the accurate snapshots of all details for reports and publishing purposes. Aside from having excellent photography skills, a news photographer should also have outstanding communication and technical skills, especially in editing photos through software programs and applications. A news photographer usually works out in the field, depending on the assigned area by the management or as the business requires.

What does a freelance videographer/editor do?

A freelance videographer/editor is responsible for processing and editing video contents, usually on a project basis. Freelance videographer/editors create their footage using their shooting equipment, utilize various design and editing software, and finish the project based on the clients' specifications and deliverables. They should also have a good grasp of digital marketing to produce impactful videos to the target audience. A freelance videographer/editor must be detail-oriented and have excellent communication skills to coordinate with the production team for content plans and perform adjustments as needed.

News photographer vs freelance videographer/editor salary

News photographers and freelance videographer/editors have different pay scales, as shown below.

News PhotographerFreelance Videographer/Editor
Average salary$76,014$48,481
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $329,000Between $34,000 And $67,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between news photographer and freelance videographer/editor education

There are a few differences between a news photographer and a freelance videographer/editor in terms of educational background:

News PhotographerFreelance Videographer/Editor
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 75%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityNew York University

News photographer vs freelance videographer/editor demographics

Here are the differences between news photographers' and freelance videographer/editors' demographics:

News PhotographerFreelance Videographer/Editor
Average age3937
Gender ratioMale, 82.4% Female, 17.6%Male, 80.0% Female, 20.0%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.9% Asian, 7.1% White, 62.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%10%

Differences between news photographer and freelance videographer/editor duties and responsibilities

News photographer example responsibilities.

  • Coordinate and manage providing and dressing the customers with old western costumes in preparation of taking their photos.
  • FTP video through camera back to news station.
  • Receive FTP transmissions and live streaming from the field.
  • Take pictures for both men and women's soccer games
  • Gain DSLR photography, journalism, and communication skills.
  • Photograph and document NCAA and intramural sports on campus.
  • Show more

Freelance videographer/editor example responsibilities.

  • Provide right-hand executive assistance to the editor-in-chief; manage all aspects of professional life.
  • Upload the video to YouTube and make some DVD copies for them to hand out to customers.
  • Experience in using DSLR cameras and HD video camcorders such as: Sony EX3, and Sony PMW 350K and others.
  • Edit and post the footage to the association's Facebook page.
  • Establish an online presence through the use of a Facebook page.
  • Authore and convert documents to HTML on a daily deadline-driven basis.
  • Show more

News photographer vs freelance videographer/editor skills

Common news photographer skills
  • HD, 17%
  • Video Cameras, 15%
  • General Assignment, 13%
  • News Stories, 7%
  • Edit Video, 7%
  • Clips, 6%
Common freelance videographer/editor skills
  • Training Videos, 38%
  • Video Content, 6%
  • Video Production, 4%
  • Camera Operation, 4%
  • Video Projects, 3%
  • Video Shoots, 3%

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