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Wedding photographer vs portrait photographer

The differences between wedding photographers and portrait 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 portrait photographer. Additionally, a wedding photographer has an average salary of $30,550, which is higher than the $27,728 average annual salary of a portrait photographer.

The top three skills for a wedding photographer include adobe photoshop, adobe lightroom and portrait photography. The most important skills for a portrait photographer are customer service, adobe photoshop, and kids.

Wedding photographer vs portrait photographer overview

Wedding PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Yearly salary$30,550$27,728
Hourly rate$14.69$13.33
Growth rate9%9%
Number of jobs1,4451,707
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age3939
Years of experience22

Wedding photographer vs portrait photographer salary

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

Wedding PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Average salary$30,550$27,728
Salary rangeBetween $20,000 And $45,000Between $17,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between wedding photographer and portrait photographer education

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

Wedding PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 65%Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common majorPhotographyPhotography
Most common collegeHarvard UniversityHarvard University

Wedding photographer vs portrait photographer demographics

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

Wedding PhotographerPortrait Photographer
Average age3939
Gender ratioMale, 40.3% Female, 59.7%Male, 38.7% Female, 61.3%
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, 6.3% Unknown, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 15.1% Asian, 7.0% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage11%11%

Differences between wedding photographer and portrait 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.

Portrait photographer example responsibilities.

  • Manage different operating processes and goals for photography team, creating success for office and limiting inaccurate paperwork and improve product.
  • Photograph portraits under deadline, market on Facebook
  • Generate engaging lifestyle, editorial, celebrity, and model images in fast-pace, fully-digital production studio.
  • Provide organize paperwork and communication within Lifetouch's multiple sites nation wide and co-workers.

Wedding photographer vs portrait photographer skills

Common wedding photographer skills
  • Adobe Photoshop, 27%
  • Adobe Lightroom, 12%
  • Portrait Photography, 11%
  • Customer Service, 7%
  • Bride, 6%
  • Wedding Ceremony, 5%
Common portrait photographer skills
  • Customer Service, 17%
  • Adobe Photoshop, 13%
  • Kids, 13%
  • Portrait Photography, 12%
  • Camera Equipment, 9%
  • Photography Studio, 8%

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