Jobs in Photography

Learn about different types of jobs in photography and discover what is required to build a career in photography.

Photography Job Description

To succeed as a photographer, you'll need to develop both artistic and technical skills, and, since many photographers are self employed, developing business management skills will also be important to building your career in photography.

There are several different types of careers in photography, and each type of photography job requires a slightly different set of skills. Some sample job titles for careers in photography include:

• commercial photographer
  
• fashion photographer
  
• fine art photographer
  
• forensic photographer
  
• multimedia photographer
  
• news photographer
  
• photography supervisor
  
• photojournalist
  
• police photographer
  
• portrait photographer
  
• scientific photographer
  
• wildlife photographer

Photographers can work in a wide variety of settings, from indoor studios, to outdoor settings. Most jobs in photography require a certain amount of travel. If you are a portrait photographer, you will be travelling to local weddings, private homes and/or schools, and if you are a photojournalist, you'll travel further from home to distant countries.

A job in photography can involve working odd hours. The hours you work will depend greatly on the type of photography you specialize in.

Education for Careers in Photography

While there are no specific educational requirements to become a professional freelance of portrait photographer, most professional photographers have some type of training in photography either through a degree or diploma program, or vocational training or significant work experience. Photography programs are available at a number of schools.

It will be important to create a strong portfolio of your work in order to become a professional photographer.

Because so many professional photographers are self employed, a strong understanding of business is also necessary for many photographers.

Resources

American labor market and salary information and detailed photography career information. (this link opens in a new window)

Professional Photographers of America (this link opens in a new window)
The world’s largest nonprofit association for professional photographers, with members in 54 countries

The Canadian Association of Photographers and Illustrators in Communications (this link opens in a new window)
Canadian not-for-profit association dedicated to promoting the rights and interests of photographers, illustrators and digital artists working in the communications industry.

Professional Photographers of Canada (this link opens in a new window)
A professional association for photographers from across Canada.

For tips on how to complete your own research on art jobs not featured here, or for tips on how to find information on jobs in photography for countries not included here, please see the article Art Career - How to Research Art Careers