Occupations27-4021.00

Photographers

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects.

Median annual pay
$42,520

BLS, 2024

Employment
151,200

U.S., 2024

Ten-year outlook
+1.8%

2024–34

Annual openings
12,700

Projected average

The work

Core tasks

  1. 01Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
  2. 02Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
  3. 03Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
  4. 04Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
  5. 05Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
  6. 06Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
  7. 07Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
  8. 08Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.
  9. 09Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
  10. 10Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.
  11. 11Perform general office duties, such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies.
  12. 12Review sets of photographs to select the best work.

Capabilities

Essential skills

Active ListeningSpeakingReading ComprehensionCritical ThinkingActive LearningMonitoringWritingLearning StrategiesMathematicsScience

Employment outlook

Where the role is heading

U.S. employment is projected to move from 151,200 in 2024 to 154,000 in 2034, a +1.8% change.

BLS projects an average of 12,700 openings each year over the period, including openings created by workers leaving the occupation.