Photographers

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

$42,520
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+2% projected 2024โ€“2034
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Photographers capture images that tell stories, preserve memories, or showcase products and places. They spend their time planning shoots, setting up lighting and equipment, directing subjects, and taking countless photos to get the perfect shot. Beyond the camera work, they dedicate significant time to editing and retouching images using specialized software, adjusting colors, lighting, and composition to achieve their creative vision. Some photographers work in studios with controlled environments, while others travel to outdoor locations, events, or client sites. Wedding and portrait photographers interact closely with clients to understand their preferences, while commercial photographers collaborate with art directors and marketing teams. Photojournalists often work under tight deadlines in unpredictable conditions to document news events. Successful photographers possess both technical knowledge of camera equipment and lighting, along with a strong artistic eye for composition and detail. They must stay current with rapidly evolving digital technology and editing software. Many photographers are self-employed, managing their own businesses, marketing their services, and handling client relationships. The work requires patience, creativity, and the ability to solve problems quickly when lighting, weather, or subjects don't cooperate as planned.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Harvard University, MA
$115,516
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Minneapolis College of Art and Design, MN
$69,907
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, NY
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Ramapo College of New Jersey, NJ
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)New Mexico State University-Main Campus, NM
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Norfolk State University, VA
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Indiana University-Indianapolis, IN
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Mississippi State University, MS
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus, NJ
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Iowa State University, IA
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Missouri State University-Springfield, MO
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Arizona State University Campus Immersion, AZ
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Regent University, VA
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Cumberland University, TN
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Academy of Art University, CA
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)CUNY Brooklyn College, NY
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)College of Charleston, SC
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Carnegie Mellon University, PA
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)CUNY City College, NY
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Bob Jones University, SC
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)Maryland Institute College of Art, MD
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)George Mason University, VA
$62,652
Visual and Performing Arts(masters)SUNY at Purchase College, NY
$62,652

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