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Photographers - 27-4021.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Photograph people, landscapes, merchandise, or other subjects, using digital or film cameras and equipment. May develop negatives or use computer software to produce finished images and prints. Includes scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Photographer
  • Photojournalist
  • Newspaper Photographer
  • Newspaper Photojournalist
  • Advertising Photographer
  • News Photographer
  • Photo Editor
  • Sports Photographer
  • Studio Photographer

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus based on 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, touchup tools, and developing and printing equipment, or send film to photofinishing laboratories for processing.
  • Develop visual aids and charts for use in lectures or to present evidence in court.
  • Direct activities of workers who are 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.
  • Scan photographs into computers for editing, storage, and electronic transmission.
  • Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions.
  • 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.
  • Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.

Detailed Work Activities

  • achieve special camera effects
  • clean equipment or machinery
  • confer with other departmental heads to coordinate activities
  • determine film exposure settings
  • develop film or other photographic medium
  • direct camera operators
  • distinguish details in graphic arts material
  • install or set up equipment
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • mix photographic chemicals
  • observe set or location
  • operate cameras
  • operate film or sound editing equipment
  • operate motion picture cameras
  • operate special visual effects equipment
  • operate specialized photo equipment
  • organize commercial artistic or design projects
  • plan or organize work
  • process photographic prints
  • read specifications
  • read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
  • retouch negatives or prints
  • review assembled film or video tape on monitor
  • use color analyzer
  • use creativity to art or design work
  • use inventory control procedures
  • use library or online Internet research techniques
  • use measuring devices in professional photography
  • use photographic materials

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Aerial Cameraman (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Biomedical Photography Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Combat Photographer (Marine Corps - Enlisted)
  • Naval Aircrewman Avionics (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Photographer's Mate (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Photographer's Mate Tracking NEC (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Photojournalism Specialist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Photojournalist (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Still Documentation Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Still Photographic Specialist (Army - Enlisted)
  • Still Photography Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Still Photography Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Still Photography Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Still Photography Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

  • Photographer, Still

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Biological Photographer
  • Ophthalmic Photographer
  • Photo-Optics Technician
  • Photographer, Aerial
  • Photographer, Apprentice
  • Photographer, Finish
  • Photographer, Scientific
  • Photographer, Still
  • Photojournalist