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Wedding photographer vs photographer assistant

The differences between wedding photographers and photographer assistants 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 photographer assistant. Additionally, a photographer assistant has an average salary of $36,555, 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 photographer assistant are adobe photoshop, photographic equipment, and photo shoots.

Wedding photographer vs photographer assistant overview

Wedding PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Yearly salary$30,550$36,555
Hourly rate$14.69$17.57
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs1,4451,771
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Wedding photographer vs photographer assistant salary

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

Wedding PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Average salary$30,550$36,555
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $45,000Between $20,000 And $64,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between wedding photographer and photographer assistant education

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

Wedding PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 58%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Wedding photographer vs photographer assistant demographics

Here are the differences between wedding photographers' and photographer assistants' demographics:

Wedding PhotographerPhotographer Assistant
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 40.3% Female, 59.7%Male, 35.1% Female, 64.9%
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, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.3% Asian, 7.1% White, 65.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between wedding photographer and photographer assistant 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.

Photographer assistant example responsibilities.

  • Achieve working knowledge of professional DSLR cameras and equipment.
  • Manage creative projects from concept to completion; including signs, posters, specialize logos and video documentaries for clients.
  • Assist head photographer in outdoor shoots -Operate equipment such as flashes, tripods, reflectors, etc.
  • Work closely with merchandising managers and organize all lifestyle studio and outdoor shoots.
  • Freelance commercial photography with a focus on natural light environmental portraiture and lifestyle photography.
  • Compile portfolios for multiple photography competitions/certifications.
  • Show more

Wedding photographer vs photographer assistant skills

Common wedding photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 27%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 12%
  • Portrait Photography, 11%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Bride, 6%
  • Wedding Ceremony, 5%
Common photographer assistant skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 38%
  • Photographic Equipment, 15%
  • Photo Shoots, 13%
  • Customer Service, 11%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 3%
  • Scheduling Appointments, 3%

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