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Photographer vs producer

The differences between photographers and producers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a photographer, becoming a producer takes usually requires 6-12 months. Additionally, a producer has an average salary of $72,202, which is higher than the $33,968 average annual salary of a photographer.

The top three skills for a photographer include adobe photoshop, customer service and excellent time management. The most important skills for a producer are work ethic, video production, and client relationships.

Photographer vs producer overview

PhotographerProducer
Yearly salary$33,968$72,202
Hourly rate$16.33$34.71
Growth rate9%8%
Number of jobs1,77210,610
Job satisfaction4.67-
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Average age3940
Years of experience212

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.

What does a producer do?

A producer is an individual who is responsible for providing infrastructure, resources, and logistics in making a movie, television show, or stage production. Producers hire production staff such as director, crew, and sometimes actors to coordinate their activities throughout the production process. They support the creative team by conducting meetings to discuss the production's progress and ensure adherence to deadlines. Producers also travel often either to film on location for a movie or to tour with a theatre production.

Photographer vs producer salary

Photographers and producers have different pay scales, as shown below.

PhotographerProducer
Average salary$33,968$72,202
Salary rangeBetween $22,000 And $52,000Between $43,000 And $120,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYSan Francisco, CA
Highest paying stateNew YorkNevada
Best paying companyJacobs Engineering GroupMeta
Best paying industryProfessional-

Differences between photographer and producer education

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

PhotographerProducer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 51%Bachelor's Degree, 79%
Most common majorPhotographyCommunication
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Photographer vs producer demographics

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

PhotographerProducer
Average age3940
Gender ratioMale, 38.3% Female, 61.7%Male, 58.2% Female, 41.8%
Race ratioBlack 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%Black or African American, 7.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%14%

Differences between photographer and producer duties and responsibilities

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

Producer example responsibilities.

  • Manage and augment existing budget with EP.
  • Manage production of a Sony HD motion graphics internal sales video.
  • Manage all union matters including, IASTE, DGA and AFTRA.
  • Prospect and generate new business through telemarketing leads, referrals, networking and cold leads.
  • Lead the creation of key titles including high profile X360 launch title and new NFL brand IP.
  • Manage and guide guest bloggers through the editing process, copy edit blogs and produce content in HTML.
  • Show more

Photographer vs producer skills

Common photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 20%
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Excellent Time Management, 8%
  • Photographic Equipment, 8%
  • Professional Demeanor, 5%
  • Event Photography, 4%
Common producer skills
  • Work Ethic, 9%
  • Video Production, 6%
  • Client Relationships, 6%
  • Project Management, 6%
  • Cross-Selling, 6%
  • News Stories, 4%

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