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Photographers - 27-4021.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

Advertising Photographer
Commercial Photographer
Graduation Photographer
Newspaper Photographer
Photo Editor

Photographer
Photojournalist
Portrait Photographer
Sports Photographer
Studio Photographer

SOC Occupation Groups

27-0000	Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media Occupations
27-4000	Media and Communication Equipment Workers
27-4020	Photographers
27-4021.00	Photographers

Related Occupations

27-1011.00	Art Directors Bright Outlook
27-1012.00	Craft Artists
27-1013.00	Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
27-1014.00	Special Effects Artists and Animators
27-1024.00	Graphic Designers
27-3043.00	Writers and Authors
27-4031.00	Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
27-4032.00	Film and Video Editors
51-5111.00	Prepress Technicians and Workers
51-9151.00	Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators

Tasks

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.
Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.
Develop and print exposed film, using chemicals, touch-up tools, and developing and printing equipment.
Develop visual aids and charts for use in lectures or to present evidence in court.
Direct activities of workers setting up photographic equipment.
Employ a variety of specialized photographic materials and techniques, including infrared and ultraviolet films, macro photography, photogrammetry and sensitometry.
Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials.
Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.
Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.
License the use of photographs through stock photo agencies.
Load and unload film.
Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
Mount, frame, laminate, or lacquer finished photographs.
Perform general office duties, such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies.
Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly.
Photograph legal evidence at crime scenes, in hospitals, or in forensic laboratories.
Produce computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories.
Review sets of photographs to select the best work.
Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions.
Send film to photofinishing laboratories for processing.
Set up photographic exhibitions for the purpose of displaying and selling work.
Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.
Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
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.
Write photograph captions.

Detailed Work Activities

Apply finishes to artwork, crafts, or displays.
Arrange artwork, products, or props.
Confer with clients to determine needs.
Construct distinctive physical objects for artistic, functional, or commercial purposes.
Convert data among multiple digital or analog formats.
Coordinate activities of production personnel.
Create computer-generated graphics or animation.
Determine technical requirements of productions or projects.
Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
Maintain recording or broadcasting equipment.
Maintain records, documents, or other files.
Obtain copyrights or other legal permissions.
Operate still or video cameras or related equipment.
Research new technologies.
Review art or design materials.
Select materials or props.
Set up still or video cameras or related equipment.
Write informational material.