Occupation Profile for Photographers

Photograph persons, subjects, merchandise, or other commercial products. May develop negatives and produce finished prints.

Competition for jobs is expected to be keen because the work is attractive to many people.
Technical expertise, a good eye, imagination, and creativity are essential.
More than half of all photographers are self-employed, a much higher proportion than for most occupations.

Core — Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
Core — Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
Core — Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
Core — Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
Core — Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Selling or Influencing Others — Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.