Photographer

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Work Tasks

• Portray people and events with pictures and film
• Choose the subject and present it in a way that captures the mood they need
• Use light, lens, film, filters, and camera settings to get a good photo
• Use computer software to improve the image
• Work indoors and outdoors for photography studios, newspapers, magazines, advertising agencies, manufacturing firms, labs, hospitals, the government, colleges, or in their own business
• Work with film and digital cameras, computers, lenses, filters, lighting equipment, chemicals, enlargers, darkroom equipment, props, models, backdrops, ultraviolet or infrared photo equipment, and photographic subjects or objects

Salary, Size & Growth

• $47,000 average per year ($22.50 per hour)
• A medium occupation (54,600 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow moderately (1.2% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A portfolio of photographs, knowledge of cameras and photography techniques
• Employers Prefer: A 4-year degree in photography
• Skills/Courses: Many universities, community colleges, and vocational/technical institutes offer photography courses covering equipment, processes, and techniques.