Occupation: Photographers

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.

27-4021.00 | 28 tasks | 10 job titles
Reported Job Titles (10)
  • Advertising Photographer
  • Commercial Photographer
  • Graduation Photographer
  • Newspaper Photographer
  • Photo Editor
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalist
  • Portrait Photographer
  • Sports Photographer
  • Studio Photographer
Core Tasks (19)
  • 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.
  • Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
  • Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
  • Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
  • Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
  • Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
  • Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
  • Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.
  • Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
  • Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.
  • Perform general office duties, such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies.
  • Review sets of photographs to select the best work.
  • Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.
  • Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.
  • Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly.
  • Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions.
  • Direct activities of workers setting up photographic equipment.
  • Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials.
  • Mount, frame, laminate, or lacquer finished photographs.
Supplemental Tasks (9)
  • Send film to photofinishing laboratories for processing.
  • Develop visual aids and charts for use in lectures or to present evidence in court.
  • Load and unload film.
  • Write photograph captions.
  • Set up photographic exhibitions for the purpose of displaying and selling work.
  • Produce computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories.
  • Employ a variety of specialized photographic materials and techniques, including infrared and ultraviolet films, macro photography, photogrammetry and sensitometry.
  • License the use of photographs through stock photo agencies.
  • Develop and print exposed film, using chemicals, touch-up tools, and developing and printing equipment.