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Video specialist vs freelance photographer

The differences between video specialists and freelance 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 video specialist and a freelance photographer. Additionally, a video specialist has an average salary of $53,491, which is higher than the $42,949 average annual salary of a freelance photographer.

The top three skills for a video specialist include video production, video content and video equipment. The most important skills for a freelance photographer are adobe photoshop, aperture, and adobe lightroom.

Video specialist vs freelance photographer overview

Video SpecialistFreelance Photographer
Yearly salary$53,491$42,949
Hourly rate$25.72$20.65
Growth rate10%9%
Number of jobs26,1461,766
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age4239
Years of experience22

What does a video specialist do?

A video specialist is largely tasked with the responsibility of editing raw video materials into refined products that are broadcast-worthy. These raw materials may consist of already available camera footage, sound effects, dialogue between characters, and special graphics, or video effects. They are also responsible for recording and capturing video, editing footage, and producing studio-quality pictures and videos for diverse purposes.

What does a freelance photographer do?

A freelance photographer produces photos while under a specific short-term contract. They are primarily responsible for coordinating with the client to learn any requests or preferences, bringing necessary devices and lighting equipment, securing the best location and setting, handling any obstruction during the photoshoot, and delivering high-quality results in a short amount of time. Moreover, a photographer must maintain a healthy working environment with clients or models by building rapport, which will also help establish a client base.

Video specialist vs freelance photographer salary

Video specialists and freelance photographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Video SpecialistFreelance Photographer
Average salary$53,491$42,949
Salary rangeBetween $37,000 And $76,000Between $29,000 And $61,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateDelaware-
Best paying companyGoogle-
Best paying industryTelecommunication-

Differences between video specialist and freelance photographer education

There are a few differences between a video specialist and a freelance photographer in terms of educational background:

Video SpecialistFreelance Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 68%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorCommunicationPhotography
Most common collegeJohns Hopkins UniversityHarvard University

Video specialist vs freelance photographer demographics

Here are the differences between video specialists' and freelance photographers' demographics:

Video SpecialistFreelance Photographer
Average age4239
Gender ratioMale, 76.5% Female, 23.5%Male, 51.2% Female, 48.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 6.8% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 62.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%Black or African American, 6.2% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 7.0% White, 66.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage8%11%

Differences between video specialist and freelance photographer duties and responsibilities

Video specialist example responsibilities.

  • Develop and manage proprietary PPC support material.
  • Create responsive websites and modify static web pages to user interface design utilizing HTML5, CSS, SVG, and JavaScript.
  • Code front-end of site using CSS and XHTML.
  • Contribute feedback during beta testing of VOD system.
  • Design and program multimedia rich websites using the WordPress platform.
  • Lead and collaborate on content ranging from visualization, interactive design, and title design.
  • Show more

Freelance photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage HDR and PANO shots for greater Pittsburgh area.
  • Help manage a few bands Facebook pages and websites, including sharing and promoting shows and upcoming relate events.
  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Provide commercial photography to assist company advertising and promotion on social platforms, including Instagram and Facebook.
  • Experience with Nikon D90 and relate equipment.
  • Experience with Nikon D50 D2100 SLR digital cameras
  • Show more

Video specialist vs freelance photographer skills

Common video specialist skills
  • Video Production, 16%
  • Video Content, 9%
  • Video Equipment, 6%
  • Adobe Premiere, 5%
  • Projection, 5%
  • Graphic Design, 4%
Common freelance photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 30%
  • Aperture, 14%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 7%
  • Photo Shoots, 5%
  • Portfolio, 4%
  • Music Videos, 4%

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