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Owner/photographer vs portrait photographer

The differences between owner/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 an owner/photographer and a portrait photographer. Additionally, an owner/photographer has an average salary of $39,992, which is higher than the $27,728 average annual salary of a portrait photographer.

The top three skills for an owner/photographer include adobe photoshop, portrait photography and customer service. The most important skills for a portrait photographer are customer service, adobe photoshop, and kids.

Owner/photographer vs portrait photographer overview

Owner/PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Yearly salary$39,992$27,728
Hourly rate$19.23$13.33
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs47,7161,707
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 59%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

What does an owner/photographer do?

An owner/photographer is responsible for developing digital photographic contents based on clients' needs and specifications by operating multiple photography equipment and photo editing software tools. Owner/photographers coordinate with the clients closely to update them with the progress of the project, ensuring that the deliverables meet the budget goals and the agreed timeframe. They also suggest the best places for the photoshoot for the client's approval. An owner/photographer must be highly creative and organized to achieve clients' satisfaction that would benefit their portfolios and attract more potential clients upon their former clients' recommendations.

What does a portrait photographer do?

Portrait photographers are skilled professionals who use high-end digital cameras to take portraiture photos for events such as weddings or high school graduations. These photographers usually work in studios to photograph group, individual, and family portraits while facilitating the selection of portraits by customers for purchase. They must demonstrate skills in using the latest Adobe Photoshop software to retouch any problems with the images while enhancing them. Portrait photographers must also maintain all photographic studio equipment and conduct self-train on advanced level photography styles and practices.

Owner/photographer vs portrait photographer salary

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

Owner/PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Average salary$39,992$27,728
Salary rangeBetween $28,000 And $55,000Between $17,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between owner/photographer and portrait photographer education

There are a few differences between an owner/photographer and a portrait photographer in terms of educational background:

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

Owner/photographer vs portrait photographer demographics

Here are the differences between owner/photographers' and portrait photographers' demographics:

Owner/PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 37.5% Female, 62.5%Male, 38.7% Female, 61.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.2% 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 owner/photographer and portrait photographer duties and responsibilities

Owner/photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Set up multiple Profoto lighting and tether DSLR camera equipment.
  • Develop Facebook posts to ensure social interactions with customers.
  • Do stylize commercial photography for fellow business owners for products and portfolio building.
  • Obtain permits, insurance and responsible for acquiring any and all documentation need for photography productions.
  • Perform all photography and photo-editing/finishing/restoration of product.

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.

Owner/photographer vs portrait photographer skills

Common owner/photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 25%
  • Portrait Photography, 13%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 8%
  • Photo Shoots, 4%
  • Lifestyle, 2%
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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