Overview

In our visual-heavy world, there is always a need for high-quality photographs, ranging from product marketing to family portraits. Even with the advent of digital photography, there is an artistic and technical element to photography that just can’t be captured automatically by consumer point-and-shoot cameras; it takes the artistic genius of people like you to make the difference between a good picture and a great one. If you have a keen and creative eye and can capture beauty through a lens, a photography career might be just what you’re looking for.

A career in photography can take many forms. For example, if you enjoy the fast-paced world of marketing and advertising, you might find a niche in commercial photography. If you prefer high fashion, you might venture into fashion or glamour photography. If you’re a people person and enjoy capturing their special moments, there is portrait photography and wedding photography. Or if you are just highly creative, fine art photography might be a good fit. Other niches include sports, photojournalism, nature, travel–the list goes on and on. Regardless of your particular interests, your creative eye will land you a fulfilling and rewarding career as a professional photographer.

Photojournalists document people and events, usually for news stories, but sometimes also for feature stories. Though photojournalists are usually still photographers, videographers, documentary filmmakers, and various video and film artists may also consider themselves to be photojournalists. Many specialize in specific areas, such as sports, entertainment, foreign policy, war, nature, travel, or crime. Most often their photographs accompany news stories, but photojournalists try to capture the moments that speak for themselves.

Average Salary:

$24,040

Average Hours (per week):

Photojournalists work in publishing, news gathering, government, advertising, and other fields. Travel is frequently required, sometimes over long stretches.  The hours are extremely erratic. Read More...

Scientific photographers take images of a variety of subjects to record scientific or medical data or phenomena, using knowledge of scientific procedures. They typically possess additional knowledge in areas such as engineering, medicine, biology, or chemistry.  They create photographic displays for scientific exhibits, brochures, and other related material.

Average Salary:

$48,326

Average Hours (per week):

Scientific photographers are typically free-lance professionals who contract out their services.  Some are employed in part-time and full-time positions in industrial research and development, and education.

Union:

None

Certifications:

Some certifications are available in particular sciences. Read More...

The biomedical photographer photographs patients, operating room procedures, and autopsy specimens; the biomedical photographer also designs layouts and materials for special projects, and selects the most technically correct, cost effective and efficient method for photographing subjects. This photographer typically reports to a supervisor or manager.

Average Salary:

$48,326

Average Hours (per week):

Medical photographers are typically free-lance professionals contracting their services.  Some are employed in part-time and full-time positions in hospitals, medical schools, and in the biomedical industry.

Union:

None

Certifications: Read More...

Photographers photograph persons, subjects, merchandise, or other commercial products. They may develop negatives and produce finished prints.  Sample job titles include: photographer, photojournalist, newspaper photographer, newspaper photojournalist, advertising photographer, news photographer, photo editor, sports photographer, and studio photographer.

Average Salary:

$29,440

Average Hours (per week):

Working conditions for photographers vary considerably. Some photographers may work a 5-day, 40-hour week. News photographers, however, often work long, irregular hours and must be available to work on short notice. Many photographers work part time or on variable schedules.   60 percent of photographers are self-employed and 28 percent are employed in professional, scientific, and technical services. Read More...