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Wedding photographer vs freelance photographer

The differences between wedding photographers 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 wedding photographer and a freelance photographer. Additionally, a freelance photographer has an average salary of $42,949, 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 freelance photographer are adobe photoshop, aperture, and adobe lightroom.

Wedding photographer vs freelance photographer overview

Wedding PhotographerFreelance Photographer
Yearly salary$30,550$42,949
Hourly rate$14.69$20.65
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs1,4451,766
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Wedding photographer vs freelance photographer salary

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

Wedding PhotographerFreelance Photographer
Average salary$30,550$42,949
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $45,000Between $29,000 And $61,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between wedding photographer and freelance photographer education

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

Wedding PhotographerFreelance Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 69%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Wedding photographer vs freelance photographer demographics

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

Wedding PhotographerFreelance Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 40.3% Female, 59.7%Male, 51.2% Female, 48.8%
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, 6.2% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.9% Asian, 7.0% White, 66.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between wedding photographer and freelance 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.

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

Wedding photographer vs freelance photographer skills

Common wedding photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 27%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 12%
  • Portrait Photography, 11%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Bride, 6%
  • Wedding Ceremony, 5%
Common freelance photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 30%
  • Aperture, 14%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 7%
  • Photo Shoots, 5%
  • Portfolio, 4%
  • Music Videos, 4%

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