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Program Codes
10265
14048
20841
18362
04129
32812
Employment Percentage
29.21852683
SOC ID
27-4021
SOC Title
Photographers
ONET ID
27-4021.00
ONET Concat ID
27402100
Median Salary
55207.5
EMSI Interest Area Term
The Arts
Ed Level High School
27.27
Ed Level Certificate
13.64
Ed Level Some College
27.27
Ed Level Associates
13.64
Ed Level Bachelors
18.190001
Ed Level Masters
0
Ed Level Doctors
0
Typical Ed Level
a high school diploma or less
Career Description
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.
Core Tasks
  • Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
  • Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
  • Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
  • Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
  • Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
  • Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
  • Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
  • Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
  • Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.
  • Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.
  • Perform general office duties, such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies.
  • Review sets of photographs to select the best work.
  • Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.
  • Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.
  • Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly.
  • Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions.
  • Direct activities of workers setting up photographic equipment.
  • Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials.
  • Mount, frame, laminate, or lacquer finished photographs.
Start Annual Earnings
14372.08
Top Annual Earnings
220138.16
EMSI Career Title Slug
photographer