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Staff photographer vs product photographer

The differences between staff photographers and product 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 staff photographer and a product photographer. Additionally, a product photographer has an average salary of $37,701, which is higher than the $37,094 average annual salary of a staff photographer.

The top three skills for a staff photographer include product photography, adobe photoshop and event coverage. The most important skills for a product photographer are adobe photoshop, photograph products, and product images.

Staff photographer vs product photographer overview

Staff PhotographerProduct Photographer
Yearly salary$37,094$37,701
Hourly rate$17.83$18.13
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs69,69557,109
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Staff photographer vs product photographer salary

Staff photographers and product photographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Staff PhotographerProduct Photographer
Average salary$37,094$37,701
Salary rangeBetween $21,000 And $64,000Between $23,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between staff photographer and product photographer education

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

Staff PhotographerProduct Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 76%Bachelor's Degree, 71%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Staff photographer vs product photographer demographics

Here are the differences between staff photographers' and product photographers' demographics:

Staff PhotographerProduct Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 61.8% Female, 38.2%Male, 52.9% Female, 47.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.0% 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, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between staff photographer and product photographer duties and responsibilities

Staff photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Operate specialized camera equipment, including DSLR cameras and lenses, as well as video lighting.
  • Contribute to website and Facebook pages, keeping followers inform about local news and events between weekly papers.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.

Product photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage post and add editorial photos to the company Facebook page.
  • Manage assistants and stylist teams to ensure timely completion of brand-appropriate studio photography.
  • Photograph products for catalog using studio lighting, DSLR and background.
  • Table top, fashion models, jewelry, furniture, etc.
  • Film scanners used include those make by Imacon, Nikon, and Epson.
  • Photograph new and used vehicles for Motorwerks of Barrington using DSLR camera and equipment.
  • Show more

Staff photographer vs product photographer skills

Common staff photographer skills
  • Product Photography, 33%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 28%
  • Event Coverage, 5%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 4%
  • Photo Shoots, 2%
  • Art Directors, 2%
Common product photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 20%
  • Photograph Products, 11%
  • Product Images, 6%
  • Quality Images, 6%
  • Color Correction, 4%
  • Art Direction, 4%

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