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News photographer vs photographer

The differences between news photographers and 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 news photographer and a photographer. Additionally, a news photographer has an average salary of $76,014, which is higher than the $33,968 average annual salary of a photographer.

The top three skills for a news photographer include HD, video cameras and general assignment. The most important skills for a photographer are adobe photoshop, customer service, and excellent time management.

News photographer vs photographer overview

News PhotographerPhotographer
Yearly salary$76,014$33,968
Hourly rate$36.55$16.33
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs7,8501,772
Job satisfaction-4.67
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

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 photographer do?

A photographer is an individual who focuses on the art of taking images with the use of a digital or traditional film camera. They are knowledgeable in the proper utilization and care of high-end cameras. They generally work as a freelancer and often hired to capture memories of unique clients. Some are also in exclusive partnerships with event-related industries in such settings as weddings, graduation, corporate events, and even commercial shoots. Apart from taking pictures, they also may be required to edit and prepare photographs to submit to clients or for publication.

News photographer vs photographer salary

News photographers and photographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

News PhotographerPhotographer
Average salary$76,014$33,968
Salary rangeBetween $17,000 And $329,000Between $22,000 And $52,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Jacobs Engineering Group
Best paying industry-Professional

Differences between news photographer and photographer education

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

News PhotographerPhotographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 74%Bachelor's Degree, 51%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

News photographer vs photographer demographics

Here are the differences between news photographers' and photographers' demographics:

News PhotographerPhotographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 82.4% Female, 17.6%Male, 38.3% Female, 61.7%
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, 6.3% 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 news photographer and photographer 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

Photographer example responsibilities.

  • Help manage and post to their Instagram as well.
  • Lead monthly NPPA critique group on storytelling with photographers.
  • Manage multiple social media profiles for community promotion on YouTube and Instagram.
  • Coordinate and manage providing and dressing the customers with old western costumes in preparation of taking their photos.
  • Assist with a family member s photography business while gaining knowledge of DSLR camera systems and various photography computer software programs.
  • Initiate full photography staff membership to NPPA.
  • Show more

News photographer vs photographer skills

Common news photographer skills
  • HD, 17%
  • Video Cameras, 15%
  • General Assignment, 13%
  • News Stories, 7%
  • Edit Video, 7%
  • Clips, 6%
Common photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 20%
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Excellent Time Management, 8%
  • Photographic Equipment, 8%
  • Professional Demeanor, 5%
  • Event Photography, 4%

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