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.
Photographer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real photographer resumes:
- 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.
- Operate various cameras, tape and digital HD.
- Handle money and credit card transactions using POS system.
- Test and understand all equipment before used for newsgathering and editing.
- Cover local news for WSBT-TV and participate in the newsgathering and editorial process.
- Register important moments for pre-k students and also 1st graders, through photography.
- BLOG: http: //kimisomphotography.blogspot.com/ WEBSITE: http: //kimisomphotography.com/ PORTFOLIO: http: //kimisomportfolio.carbonmade.com/
- Assist photographer with posing kids and getting them well groom and ready for picture day.
- Edit vo's, vosot's and pkgs together in a timely manner for multiple shows.
- Produce several video (s) every year for social media, DVD and local viewing.
Photographer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 20% of Photographers are proficient in Adobe Photoshop, Customer Service, and Excellent Time Management. They’re also known for soft skills such as Artistic ability, Business skills, and Computer skills.
We break down the percentage of Photographers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Adobe Photoshop, 20%
Offer a range of post-production and image editing with Adobe PhotoShop and LightRoom.
- Customer Service, 16%
Owned and operated an imaging and photography business where I gained and developed indispensable customer service experience.
- Excellent Time Management, 8%
Relied mainly on a tight schedule ,including travel, and gained excellent time management skills.
- Photographic Equipment, 8%
Implemented and coordinated a training program and personnel qualification system ensuring all personnel were 100% qualified on all photographic equipment.
- Professional Demeanor, 5%
Worked independently in crowds of thousands while photographing hundreds of adoring baseball fans and maintaining a professional demeanor.
- Event Photography, 4%
Provided event photography for resort initiatives including sales advertisements, holiday marketing pamphlets and renovations.
Common skills that a photographer uses to do their job include "adobe photoshop," "customer service," and "excellent time management." You can find details on the most important photographer responsibilities below.
Artistic ability. The most essential soft skill for a 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 photographer resume shows how their duties depend on artistic ability: "plan, design and produce quality photographs using camera equipment, lighting, and artistic composition. "
Business skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling photographer duties is business skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "photographers must plan marketing or advertising strategies, reach out to prospective clients, and anticipate seasonal employment." According to a photographer resume, here's how photographers can utilize business skills in their job responsibilities: "launched photography business www.karinpacione.com, specializing in portrait and product photography. "
Computer skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of photographers is computer skills. This skill is critical to many everyday 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: "preform office tasks including answering phones, setting and rescheduling appointments, minor computer skills, and taking payments. "
Customer-service skills. photographer responsibilities often require "customer-service skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "photographers must understand the types of shots their clients want and agree on suitable alternatives for ideas that may be unworkable." This resume example shows what photographers do with customer-service skills on a typical day: "trained photographer in portrait and group photography, interaction with infants/toddlers, sales representative, customer service and scheduling appointments proficiently. "
Detail oriented. Another common skill required for photographer responsibilities is "detail oriented." This skill comes up in the duties of photographers all the time, as "photographers must focus on details, especially in postproduction." An excerpt from a real photographer resume shows how this skill is central to what a photographer does: "time oriented assignments, editing and post processing before photo shoot dead line. "
Interpersonal skills. Lastly, "interpersonal skills" is an important element of what a photographer does. Photographer responsibilities require this skill because "photographers often take pictures of people." This resume example highlights how photographer duties rely on this skill: "used excellent interpersonal and customer service skills to meet sales goals"
The three companies that hire the most photographers are:
- Shutterfly97 photographers jobs
- CoStar Group50 photographers jobs
- The Hertz Corporation29 photographers jobs
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Compare different photographers
Photographer vs. Audio visual technician
An audiovisual technician is responsible for operating and monitoring audiovisual equipment and systems used for various events such as live public events and business conferences. Audiovisual technicians' duties include repairing technical issues, running diagnostic tests before actual use, identifying and resolving malfunctions immediately, assembling system components, installing and arranging equipment on their proper positions, instructing clients on how to operate the systems, and ensuring the safety of the equipment. An audiovisual technician must have a broad knowledge of the technology industry and system procedures to perform setups and installment accurately.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between photographers and audio visual technician. For instance, photographer responsibilities require skills such as "adobe photoshop," "excellent time management," "photographic equipment," and "professional demeanor." Whereas a audio visual technician is skilled in "customer satisfaction," "audio visual equipment," "ladders," and "technical aspects." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Audio visual technicians earn the highest salaries when working in the technology industry, with an average yearly salary of $51,349. On the other hand, photographers are paid more in the professional industry with an average salary of $35,564.On average, audio visual technicians reach similar levels of education than photographers. Audio visual technicians are 0.2% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Photographer vs. Audio visual specialist
Audiovisual specialists are skilled professionals who focus on the effective operation of audiovisual systems and technology. These specialists are required to maintain and troubleshoot audio, video, and lighting equipment that are used in broadcasts and recordings. They must connect, tune, and configure audio-video setups to ensure high-quality broadcasting while operating software to control the AV technologies. Audiovisual specialists must also monitor live feeds as well as prepare teleprompters with scripts.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, photographer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "excellent time management," "photographic equipment," "professional demeanor," and "event photography." Meanwhile, an audio visual specialist has duties that require skills in areas such as "visualization," "video production," "unity," and "audio visual support." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Audio visual specialists may earn a higher salary than photographers, but audio visual specialists earn the most pay in the technology industry with an average salary of $65,762. On the other hand, photographers receive higher pay in the professional industry, where they earn an average salary of $35,564.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Audio visual specialists tend to reach similar levels of education than photographers. In fact, they're 0.9% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Photographers in the next 3-5 years?
Verser Engelhard
Associate Chair Associate Professor of Instruction, Columbia College Chicago
Photographer vs. Camera operator
A camera operator is responsible for operating various technical equipment to support technical operations, such as media productions and live events. Camera operators must have extensive knowledge of different camera features to select the appropriate device and manage the production's overall visual presentation. They also deliver the perfect footage on different angles for easy editing techniques alongside the technical crews and director's supervision. A camera operator should be communicative, as well as having excellent time-management and multi-tasking skills to adhere to the demands of production and schedules.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a photographer is likely to be skilled in "customer service," "excellent time management," "photographic equipment," and "professional demeanor," while a typical camera operator is skilled in "video production," "camera operation," "audio equipment," and "cctv."
Camera operators make a very good living in the education industry with an average annual salary of $44,733. On the other hand, photographers are paid the highest salary in the professional industry, with average annual pay of $35,564.When it comes to education, camera operators tend to earn similar degree levels compared to photographers. In fact, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Photographer vs. Freelance video editor
A freelance video editor offers video editing services to individuals and businesses. Most freelance video editors manage their own time and work at their preferred places, some even working from home. Among their responsibilities include meeting with clients to identify their needs and preferences, negotiating contracts, gathering and editing clips, and completing projects within deadlines. There are also instances when they must shoot videos in adherence to the contract's terms. Moreover, a freelance video editor must establish positive relationships with clients to develop a strong client base.
Types of photographer
Updated January 8, 2025
