Perhaps the one thing that photography students get asked more than anything, is what jobs can you get with a photography degree? The simple answer, of course, depends on what type of school graduated them. Aftermath School of Photography offers a wide variety of study options
If you’re thinking about getting a photography degree, you should know that there are many different career paths for those with this degree.
Photographers can work in a variety of fields, including fashion, corporate and commercial photography, art, advertising, sports and entertainment. By pursuing a degree in photography, you are opening yourself up to an incredible number of job opportunities.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for photographers was $38,000 in 2016. This article also discusses highest paying photography jobs, alternative careers for photographers.
What jobs can i get with a photography degree
Introduction
Here’s a list of the types of photo jobs that you could get if you’re an excellent photographer. Besides getting paid to take pictures, many are actually fun and interesting and can help you learn different things about photography.
1. Advertising photographer
- Advertising photographer
Advertising photography is the art of creating advertising images, and it’s a highly competitive field. If you’re looking to become an advertising photographer, you’ll need to have a strong portfolio and be able to work with a variety of tools.
2. Fine Art Photographer
- Fine Art Photographer
Fine art photography is a type of art in which the main focus is on aesthetics, rather than on information. It can be considered as a form of visual communication and self-expression that does not attempt to document or capture reality, but instead relies on aesthetic principles such as composition and color theory to create its images. Fine artists draw from both their personal experiences and images from public sources to inform their work, while photographers take pictures from the world around them for documentary purposes.
If you’re interested in becoming a fine art photographer, you may want to consider taking classes about photography in general and learn about how different types of cameras function (35mm film vs digital). You’ll also want to familiarize yourself with different types of lenses so that you can choose the right ones for each situation; wide angle lenses are useful for landscapes while telephoto lenses help bring closer objects into view if they’re far away from your subject matter.
3. Medical Photographer
A medical photographer is a person who takes pictures of people’s bodies. These pictures are then used in medical research, training or imaging. Medical photographers work in hospitals, universities and other places where there are large amounts of information to be gathered about the human body.
4. Fashion Photographer
Fashion photographers are hired by fashion magazines, designers, and fashion houses to shoot models. They are also hired by advertising agencies to shoot models for advertising campaigns.
5. Photojournalist
Photojournalists capture images of news events. They’re often employed by newspapers, magazines or online news sites. Photojournalists may also be self-employed.
If you love being able to see the world and travel for your job, photojournalism could be the perfect opportunity for you!
6. Editorial Photographer
- Editors are the people who decide what goes in the newspaper, magazine, website and television show.
- In other words, editors are decision makers.
So what does that mean for you as a photographer? It means that if you want to get your photos published by an editor, then you need to be able to make them feel like it’s their idea.
7. Product Photographer
Product photographers are responsible for taking photos of products. As such, their job can involve working with a variety of different products. Some examples include:
- Variety of products: Product photographers work with numerous different types of products. They might work with clothing, jewelry, food, cosmetics and more.
- Variety in size: Product photographers often must photograph small items like earrings or large items like cars or furniture. It’s important that they learn how to angle the camera and use lighting techniques so that these objects can be displayed in their best light no matter what size they are!
- Variety in colour: Given this wide range of colors available on earth it’s important for product photographers to know how best show them off through lighting techniques and camera angles when photographing things such as paints or fabrics which need careful attention paid towards making sure each item looks its best (even if this means repositioning them slightly).
8. Wedding Photographer
Wedding photographers are a very popular choice for those who want to make their lives around photography. They have the opportunity to work with a wide range of people, including brides and grooms, their families, and friends who are in attendance at the wedding. Wedding photography requires a lot of skill, patience and experience as you will be working with multiple clients over the course of your career as a wedding photographer.
9. Wildlife Photographer
Wildlife photography is a big business, with thousands of photographers working in the field. As a wildlife photographer, you might work as an independent freelancer or for a company like National Geographic. This career can be very lucrative, with some photographers earning millions of dollars each year.
To get started in wildlife photography:
- Learn your subject. Start by taking photos of animals and birds in your region; you’ll need to know their habits if you want to get great shots! Then learn about how their environments affect them, what they eat and how they interact with other species.
- Buy the right equipment for the job—lenses are especially important because they let you zoom in on small details (such as animal eyes). A good tripod is also essential if you’re shooting from afar; otherwise everything will look blurry due to camera shake when pressing down on the button! Finally make sure all your gear has been properly cleaned so there’s no dust/dirt getting onto prints later on down line somewhere else outside – this could really ruin someone’s day later down line somewhere else outside – this could really ruin someone’s day later down line somewhere else outside – this could really ruin someone’s day later down
10. Travel Photographer
Travel photographers are people who travel and take pictures of their travels. They may be independent or work for a company, self-employed or working for a travel magazine, newspaper or website.
Travel photographers can be paid per photo or per day.
There are a lot of jobs in photography
You can get a job in photography by doing what you love. You can get a job in photography by doing what you are good at. You can get a job in photography by doing what you are passionate about.
In short, there are many different types of photography jobs out there for the taking if you have the right education and experience for them.
If you’re interested in working with people or urban landscapes, pursue degrees such as urban planning and architectural drafting to help prepare yourself for careers like these:
- Urban Planner
- Urban Designer
highest paying photography jobs
The best Photographer jobs can pay up to $134,500 per year.
Professional photographers capture moments using cameras and other equipment. They often take pictures of people, but they also photograph outdoor locations, artwork, animals, and a wide range of other subjects. Photographers may take pictures for their own use, or they may be hired by individuals, groups, or companies. Before the photo shoot, professional photographers offer advice about locations, settings, and poses based on their expertise. Standard tools used by a photographer include a camera, tripod, different types of camera lenses, photo editing software, and backdrops. Professional photographers may work independently on a contract basis, or they may work for a company or agency as a staff photographer.
To build a substantial photography portfolio, seek opportunities to photograph different subjects in a variety of settings to display your broad range. For example, you may take headshots for aspiring actors, engagement photos for couples, or group family pictures. The environment may vary and may be indoor or outdoor, depending on the overall feel of the image. You may schedule the photo shoot in a studio, a public park, or the family’s home. Always consider your client’s needs when determining how to take each photo. Incorporate your signature style to make your portfolio stand out from others. You may also consult or shadow an experienced professional photographer for tips on building a strong photography portfolio.
High Paying Photographer Jobs
Photogrammetrist
Salary range: $49,500-$134,500 per year
The majority of Photogrammetrist salaries across the United States currently range between $49,500 (25th percentile) and $134,500 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Photogrammetrist job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.
Wedding Photographer
Salary range: $90,000-$130,000 per year
A wedding photographer works to take memorable photos during weddings. In this career, your job duties revolve around taking pictures of all aspects of the wedding ceremony and celebration. Your responsibilities include planning the images with the bride and groom or coordinating photo sessions and group photos with the wedding planner. Whether you work for a photography studio or as a freelance wedding photographer, you may need to pitch your ideas to prospective clients and show them your portfolio before they hire you. At a wedding, you need to set up and operate camera equipment after transporting it to the wedding site.
Freelance Photographer
Salary range: $45,500-$67,500 per year
As a freelance photographer, you are a self-employed professional who takes photos for clients. You perform jobs on a contract basis, managing your client list and workflow on your own. Freelance photographers work in a variety of specialties including wedding photography, urban journalism, and photography for travel magazines and websites—your specialty, or if you even have a specialty, is up to you. Since you work on a freelance basis, job duties are defined however you choose, but common contracts might require you to take on the role of photographer, editor, curator, contract negotiator, promoter, printer, and anything else required to run a successful business.
Senior Photographer
Salary range: $39,000-$65,000 per year
The majority of Senior Photographer salaries across the United States currently range between $39,000 (25th percentile) and $65,000 (75th percentile) annually. This large range of salary potential suggests there may be many opportunities for advancement and increased pay depending on skill level, location and years of experience. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Senior Photographer job market in the United States is moderately active, with several companies hiring.
Forensic Photographer
Salary range: $37,500-$62,500 per year
As a forensic photographer, your job is to support the investigation of a crime scene by using photography to record evidence. Forensic photography has a purpose for each image and aims to disturb the scene as little as possible—such disturbances can taint the evidence and make it inadmissible in court. In this role, you may also talk with lawyers or investigators to help build a legal case and determine how (or if) the law was broken. To support the neutrality of evidence, forensic photographs must include the subject, the scale of the image, and a reference object. This work occasionally involves adding a marker to the scene, such as a number or a ruler. Forensic photography is sometimes referred to as crime scene photography.
Still Photographer
Salary range: $29,500-$50,000 per year
A still photographer, also known as a unit stills photographer, takes photographs on a film or television set for marketing purposes. In this career, your job duties are to use a high definition camera to create images that the film production company can employ for publicity or promotional purposes. You may have to use your photography skills to create images that mimic the visual style of the film, but you may also take behind-the-scenes photographs with a more natural point of view. Some still photographers are employed by movie studios or public relations firms, while others work on a freelance basis.
Medical Photographer
Salary range: $31,500-$50,000 per year
Medical photographers, also known as biomedical photographers, take pictures of injuries, diseases, medical and surgical procedures, and autopsies for documentation purposes. Their images are often used in education and research; medical photographers capture the pictures found in textbooks, instructional films, and other teaching tools. Physicians may work with a medical photographer to create documentation of a medical procedure or may use images to analyze symptoms and properly diagnose medical issues. As a medical photographer, you may also choose to take pictures for science reports and journals, industrial incidents, and legal procedures. Many medical photographers are also proficient in photo design software such as Photoshop, that enables them to adjust and clarify their images.
News Photographer
Salary range: $31,000-$49,000 per year
A news photographer takes pictures of events for media outlets, such as news websites or newspapers. Your duties in this career include taking steps to capture images that show newsworthy events. You work in the field and often travel to different places to take pictures. Some news photographers specialize in a specific area, such as sports photography or local news. If you are a contractor or freelancer, you create and update a portfolio that showcases your work to prospective clients. Your responsibilities can include working with editors to get usable images and editing your images with software before submitting them for publication.
Photo Stylist
Salary range: $31,000-$48,000 per year
As a photo stylist, you help a photographer determine the mise en scène for a photo shoot. This frequently involves helping select a wardrobe for anyone in the pictures, managing props, and otherwise ensuring each image comes out as cleanly as possible. This job is particularly common in the fashion, food, and commercial products industries, but distinctly less common in areas like wildlife photography. Photo stylists often collect props from suppliers, manage lighting, set up special effects, help process and sort images from photo shoots, and otherwise support the primary photographer. Many companies use this as a type of training role for people who want to become professional photographers, and in that sense, the photo stylist role is often similar to an apprenticeship.
Photography Coordinator
Salary range: $31,500-$47,500 per year
The majority of Photography Coordinator salaries across the United States currently range between $31,500 (25th percentile) and $47,500 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Photography Coordinator job market in the United States is moderately active, with several companies hiring.
Fashion Photographer
Salary range: $33,000-$45,000 per year
Fashion photographers work with designers and models to produce pictures used in the fashion industry. Job duties include conducting pre-shoot consultations with designers, directing photo shoots, and editing photos. During a shoot, a fashion photographer will set the lighting, pose fashion models, and take photographs from a variety of angles. Once the photo shoot is over, the fashion photographer edits the photos to remove blemishes and adjust the look of the photo to create the image that the clients want for their project.
Nature Photographer
Salary range: $27,500-$42,500 per year
As a nature photographer, you capture photos of animals, plants, and natural landscapes. You look for rare and special moments to immortalize through the lens of a camera. Your responsibilities require you to spend extended time outdoors, soak in a scene, and take thousands of pictures to obtain the perfect shot. You also handle administrative duties, including budget, scheduling, and proper storage for files. Nature photographers usually take pictures first and then sell them as freelancers.
Photographer Assistant
Salary range: $23,500-$37,000 per year
A photographer assistant supports a professional photographer during the shooting and editing process. The specific job duties may vary, depending on the type of photographer you work for and the size and type of the organization. In general, your responsibilities as a photographer assistant include organizing, maintaining, and sometimes transporting equipment, such as lighting and cameras. You also need to ensure that everything the photographer needs for the photo shoot is easily accessible. For studio shoots or elaborate outdoor shoots, you may be responsible for setting up special lighting and sets. After a shoot, you may assist in editing the photos using digital editing software. Once the images have been adjusted, you need to organize the portfolios, send proofs to clients for approval, or deliver prints. Travel may be required for this job.
Portrait Studio Photographer
Salary range: $22,500-$37,000 per year
The duties of a portrait studio photographer involve taking pictures of clients in a studio. Your responsibilities include assessing the needs of each client and then setting up your studio and photography equipment to meet their requirements and subject of the shoot. You set up equipment such as cameras, lighting, and backdrops for taking pictures. You pose the person or group for each image that you capture during the session, and you assess each picture to decide if it meets the client’s requirements and your quality standards. You may also be required to edit photos. Portrait studio photographers may take photos for clients’ personal, professional, or commercial use.
Photographer Portrait
Salary range: $27,500-$34,000 per year
The majority of Photographer Portrait salaries across the United States currently range between $27,500 (25th percentile) and $34,000 (75th percentile) annually. This moderate range of salaries suggests pay in this role will be consistent, regardless skill level, location and years of experience, though some advancement is possible. Based on recent job postings on ZipRecruiter, the Photographer Portrait job market in the United States is somewhat active, with a few companies hiring.
Newborn Photographer
Salary range: $27,000-$33,000 per year
As a newborn photographer, you are responsible for taking photographs and ensuring the health, safety, and comfort a baby. You work in studios, hospitals, or family homes to take the baby’s first portrait. Your duties may include taking a photograph during and just after labor, or the couple may ask you to come in just after the birth. Your responsibilities to the newborn are immense, and your qualifications must include more than photography skills. You need training to safely care for a newborn and how to spot signs that something is wrong because your sessions can last three to four hours. The skills that help you do your job include creative photography skills, previous work with children, and excellent communication skills.
alternative careers for photographers
Photo Editor
Director Of Photography
Photojournalist
Studio Manager
Photography Manager
Photo Specialist
Retoucher
Creative Specialist
Photo Retoucher
Media Specialist
Multimedia Specialist
