BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasPhotographers

O*NET · 27-4021.00

Photographers

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects. May use lighting equipment to enhance a subject's appearance. May use editing software to produce finished images and prints. Includes commercial and industrial photographers, scientific photographers, and photojournalists.

Also called Advertising Photographer · Aerial Photographer · Automotive Photographer · Biological Photographer · Biomedical Photographer · Commercial Photographer · Crime Scene Photographer · Digital Photographer
37 more

Event Photographer · Fashion Photographer · Finish Photographer · Food Photographer · Forensic Photographer · Freelance Photographer · Graduation Photographer · Industrial Photographer · Marine Photographer · Medical Photographer · Nature Photographer · Newborn Photographer · News Photographer · Newspaper Photographer · Newspaper Photojournalist · Ophthalmic Photographer · Photo Editor · Photo Journalist · Photo-Optics Technician · Photographer · Photographic Specialist · Photojournalist · Portrait Photographer · Preschool Photographer · Product Photographer · Real Estate Photographer · Sales Photographer · School Photographer · Scientific Photographer · Sports Photographer · Still Photographer · Street Photographer · Studio Photographer · Underwater Photographer · Vehicle Photographer · Wedding Photographer · Wildlife Photographer

Job Zone 3 — Medium Preparation NeededHolland code RAC35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Dental Assistants

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 3: Medium Preparation Needed

Medium preparation. Vocational training, related on-the-job experience, or an associate degree, with one to two years of training that combines experience and informal instruction.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RACRealistic · Artistic · Conventional — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.54
  • A Artistic5.28
  • C Conventional3.35
  • E Enterprising2.28
  • I Investigative2.18
  • S Social1.94

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma9%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent18%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate14%
  • Some College Courses27%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree14%
  • Bachelor's Degree14%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate5%
Related work experience
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (46%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (46%)
On-the-job training
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months (27%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Active Listeningbasic3.83.6Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic3.83.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Service Orientation3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Make flight reservations for customers using an online booking site
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Active Learningbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Monitoringbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Social Perceptiveness3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Time Management3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
Show the other 23
  • Persuasion2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Instructing2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Writingbasic2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Negotiation2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Operations Analysis2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Operations Monitoring2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Quality Control Analysis2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Systems Analysis2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Equipment Selection2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Operation and Control2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Troubleshooting2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Mathematicsbasic2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Technology Design1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Equipment Maintenance1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Sciencebasic1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Management of Financial Resources1.60.9
  • Programming1.60.6
  • Repairing1.50.8
  • Installation1.40.4

Tasks

19 core · 9 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed.4.9
  2. Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.4.9
  3. Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.4.8
  4. Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.4.8
  5. Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.4.8
  6. Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.4.7
  7. Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.4.7
  8. Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.4.6
  9. Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.4.6
  10. Review sets of photographs to select the best work.4.5
  11. Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.4.5
  12. Perform general office duties, such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies.4.5
Show the other 16
  1. Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.4.5
  2. Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.4.4
  3. Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly.4.2
  4. Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions.4.2
  5. Direct activities of workers setting up photographic equipment.3.9
  6. Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials.3.6
  7. Mount, frame, laminate, or lacquer finished photographs.3.1
  8. Send film to photofinishing laboratories for processing.3.8
  9. Develop visual aids and charts for use in lectures or to present evidence in court.3.7
  10. Load and unload film.3.6
  11. Produce computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories.2.9
  12. Set up photographic exhibitions for the purpose of displaying and selling work.2.9
  13. Write photograph captions.2.9
  14. Employ a variety of specialized photographic materials and techniques, including infrared and ultraviolet films, macro photography, photogrammetry and sensitometry.2.8
  15. License the use of photographs through stock photo agencies.2.6
  16. Develop and print exposed film, using chemicals, touch-up tools, and developing and printing equipment.2.1

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Customer and Personal Service4.75.1Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Sales and Marketing4.54.9Level 4 looks like: Introduce clients to a new line of products
  • Computers and Electronics4.24.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Administration and Management3.94.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Communications and Media3.73.6Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • English Language3.73.9Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Fine Arts3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Play a minor part in a local theater play
  • Administrative3.54.4Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
Show all 33
  • Production and Processing3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Psychology3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Economics and Accounting3.33.2Level 4 looks like: Develop financial investment programs for individual clients
  • Design2.82.9
  • Education and Training2.83.5Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.73.5Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Telecommunications2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Mathematics2.42.9
  • Engineering and Technology2.32.4Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Public Safety and Security2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Law and Government2.12.2Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Mechanical2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.11.8Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Transportation2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Physics1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Philosophy and Theology1.61.8Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Therapy and Counseling1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Building and Construction1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Chemistry1.50.9Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Foreign Language1.51.1Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • History and Archeology1.51.0Level 1 looks like: Take a class in US history
  • Geography1.41.0Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Biology1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision4.04.1Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Far Vision3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Oral Expression3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Originality3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Visualization3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Oral Comprehension3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Problem Sensitivity3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
Show all 52
  • Fluency of Ideas3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Speech Clarity3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Written Comprehension3.33.6Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Category Flexibility3.13.4Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Deductive Reasoning3.13.8
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Flexibility of Closure3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Inductive Reasoning3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Information Ordering3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Manual Dexterity3.02.9
  • Selective Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Recognition3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Written Expression3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Control Precision2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Finger Dexterity2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Depth Perception2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Multilimb Coordination2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Perceptual Speed2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Time Sharing2.82.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Reaction Time2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Rate Control2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Speed of Closure2.42.8Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Trunk Strength2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Extent Flexibility2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Glare Sensitivity2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Number Facility2.01.8Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Response Orientation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Static Strength2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Gross Body Coordination1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.3Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Spatial Orientation1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Auditory Attention1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Dynamic Strength1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Stamina1.80.8Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Night Vision1.60.6
  • Peripheral Vision1.60.8
  • Explosive Strength1.3—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.3—
  • Sound Localization1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Working with Computers4.74.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Thinking Creatively4.65.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public4.55.4Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.35.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Selling or Influencing Others4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Make a sales pitch to convince others to buy a product
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.24.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization4.15.1Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.14.7Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.15.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Performing Administrative Activities4.14.4Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Scheduling Work and Activities4.14.6Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Getting Information4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.84.4Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.64.0Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.44.2Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.33.7Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Handling and Moving Objects3.34.5Level 4 looks like: Arrange books in a library
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.22.9
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Processing Information3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Training and Teaching Others3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.13.9Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Developing and Building Teams3.12.9
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Controlling Machines and Processes2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.72.1Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards2.62.8
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.42.7
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment2.11.9Level 1 looks like: Drive a car
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Make simple, external adjustments to a door hinge with ordinary hand tools
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment1.61.5Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Telephone Conversations4.9
  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.4
  • Deal With External Customers or the Public in General4.3
  • Level of Competition4.2
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.1
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.1
  • Physical Proximity3.9
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls3.9

Technology

35 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (2)

  • Adobe Photoshophot
  • Adobe Photoshop Lightroom

Hot (12; 1 more marked hot above)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe After Effects
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Apple macOS
  • Facebook
  • Intuit QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Access
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • WordPress
Other tools (21)
  • Apple Final Cut Pro
  • Blinkbid
  • Cradoc fotoBiz
  • Email software
  • Genbook
  • Google Drive
  • HindSight InView
  • Light Blue Software Light Blue
  • ShootQ photography studio management software
  • ShootZilla
  • Simplifi pixifi
  • Simply Studio System
  • SmugMug Flickr
  • StudioCloud
  • StudioPlus Spectra
  • SuccessWare service management software
  • Tave Studio Manager
  • Twitter
  • Web browser software
  • WeVideo
  • YouTube

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
  2. Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
  3. Graphic Designers
  4. Special Effects Artists and Animators
  5. Art Directors
  6. Prepress Technicians and Workers
  7. Film and Video Editors
  8. Craft Artists
  9. Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
  10. Writers and Authors

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.