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Career Description

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers and photojournalists.

What Job Titles Photographers Might Have

• Commercial Photographer
• Photographer
• Photojournalist
• Portrait Photographer
• Advertising Photographer
• Sports Photographer
• Studio Photographer
• Photo Editor
• Portrait Photographer
• Graduation Photographer
• Newspaper Photographer

What Photographers Do

• Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
• Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
• Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus based on a combination of factors such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.
• Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
• Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
• Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
• Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.
• Review sets of photographs to select the best work.
• Perform general office duties such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies.
• Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.
• Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
• Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.
• Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions.
• Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
• Direct activities of workers who are setting up photographic equipment.
• Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly.
• Produce computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories.
• Develop and print exposed film, using chemicals, touchup tools, and developing and printing equipment.
• Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.
• Develop visual aids and charts for use in lectures or to present evidence in court.
• Load and unload film.
• Employ a variety of specialized photographic materials and techniques, including infrared and ultraviolet films, macro photography, photogrammetry and sensitometry.
• Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials.

What Photographers Should Be Good At

• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Originality - The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
• Visualization - The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

What Photographers Should Be Interested In

• Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

What Photographers Need to Learn

• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Fine Arts - Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Psychology - Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.