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Wedding photographer vs commercial photographer

The differences between wedding photographers and commercial 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 wedding photographer and a commercial photographer. Additionally, a commercial photographer has an average salary of $37,027, which is higher than the $30,550 average annual salary of a wedding photographer.

The top three skills for a wedding photographer include adobe photoshop, adobe lightroom and portrait photography. The most important skills for a commercial photographer are product photography, adobe photoshop, and art direction.

Wedding photographer vs commercial photographer overview

Wedding PhotographerCommercial Photographer
Yearly salary$30,550$37,027
Hourly rate$14.69$17.80
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs1,44533,133
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Wedding photographer vs commercial photographer salary

Wedding photographers and commercial photographers have different pay scales, as shown below.

Wedding PhotographerCommercial Photographer
Average salary$30,550$37,027
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $45,000Between $23,000 And $59,000
Highest paying City-New York, NY
Highest paying state-New York
Best paying company-Armedia
Best paying industry-Utilities

Differences between wedding photographer and commercial photographer education

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

Wedding PhotographerCommercial Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 66%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Wedding photographer vs commercial photographer demographics

Here are the differences between wedding photographers' and commercial photographers' demographics:

Wedding PhotographerCommercial Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 40.3% Female, 59.7%Male, 73.9% Female, 26.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.5% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%Black or African American, 6.4% Unknown, 5.3% Hispanic or Latino, 15.4% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between wedding photographer and commercial photographer duties and responsibilities

Wedding photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Post all pictures on Facebook with privacy setting as requested.
  • Capture photos with self-provide DSLR and assist in adjusting correct lighting and positioning of equipment.
  • Assist lead wedding photographer by setting up equipment and taking candid photos during shoots using Nikon D200.
  • Create PowerPoint presentations and publication quality images using digital input devices, photo-editing and graphic arts software.
  • Photograph and process event coverage and holiday pictures with Santa.

Commercial photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.

Wedding photographer vs commercial photographer skills

Common wedding photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 27%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 12%
  • Portrait Photography, 11%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Bride, 6%
  • Wedding Ceremony, 5%
Common commercial photographer skills
  • Product Photography, 38%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 15%
  • Art Direction, 7%
  • Video Production, 5%
  • Photo Shoots, 4%
  • Lifestyle, 3%

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