Photographers
Medium49.91%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$28,510
Median$40,760
High (90th %)$95,740
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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.
The automation risk for the occupation "Photographers" is assessed at 49.9%, which is slightly below its base risk of 50.9%. This suggests that while there are significant aspects of the photographer's job that can be automated, almost half of the occupation remains resistant to full automation. Advances in camera technology, such as autofocus and exposure automation, have made it easier for machines to handle some of the technical aspects that were traditionally managed by human photographers. Additionally, photo editing software and sophisticated algorithms can optimize many post-processing tasks that previously required specialized human intervention. However, the creative and interpersonal elements of photography still present substantial challenges for automation. Among the most automatable tasks in photography are technically driven processes, such as adjusting apertures, shutter speeds, and focusing, which rely heavily on measurable inputs like lighting conditions and subject motion. Modern cameras can automatically adapt to such factors, minimizing the need for manual adjustments. The creation of artificial light using flashes and reflectors is another area where automation is viable, as smart lighting systems can now adjust in real-time to environmental conditions. Determining picture composition and adjusting subjects or equipment to achieve the desired effect is also increasingly supported by AI tools that guide framing and suggest ideal settings, reducing the photographer’s direct involvement. Conversely, the most automation-resistant tasks are those that involve specialized knowledge, artistic intervention, or business acumen. Developing and printing exposed film, especially when using chemicals and manual touch-up tools, is a nuanced process that often requires an experienced hand to achieve high-quality results. Licensing the use of photographs through stock agencies involves negotiations and understanding of copyright law, which is currently beyond the scope of automation. Employing specialized photographic techniques such as infrared, ultraviolet films, and photogrammetry also demands deep expertise and creative problem-solving, which machines struggle to replicate. The primary bottleneck skill for photographers is originality (scored at 3.9%), highlighting the importance of creativity in producing unique, compelling images—an area where human ingenuity still outpaces machine capabilities.
Filter by Automatable Status
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.
Automatable
Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
Partially Automatable
Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
Automatable
Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
Non-Automatable
Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.
Partially Automatable
Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.
Non-Automatable
Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.
Automatable
Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
Partially Automatable
Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.
Automatable
Perform general office duties, such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies.
Automatable
Review sets of photographs to select the best work.
Partially Automatable
Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.
Non-Automatable
Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly.
Non-Automatable
Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions.
Partially Automatable
Direct activities of workers setting up photographic equipment.
Non-Automatable
Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials.
Partially Automatable
Mount, frame, laminate, or lacquer finished photographs.
Non-Automatable
Send film to photofinishing laboratories for processing.
Non-Automatable
Develop visual aids and charts for use in lectures or to present evidence in court.
Partially Automatable
Load and unload film.
Partially Automatable
Write photograph captions.
Automatable
Set up photographic exhibitions for the purpose of displaying and selling work.
Partially Automatable
Employ a variety of specialized photographic materials and techniques, including infrared and ultraviolet films, macro photography, photogrammetry and sensitometry.
Partially Automatable
License the use of photographs through stock photo agencies.
Automatable
Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
Partially Automatable
Produce computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories.
Partially Automatable
Develop and print exposed film, using chemicals, touch-up tools, and developing and printing equipment.
Non-Automatable
Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisSystems EvaluationManagement of Personnel ResourcesWritingSpeakingMathematicsScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningLearning StrategiesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingRepairingJudgment and Decision MakingSystems AnalysisTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Material Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingCustomer and Personal ServicePersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyFine ArtsDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyGeographyMedicine and DentistryForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationTherapy and CounselingHistory and Archeology
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesScheduling Work and ActivitiesOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkPerforming General Physical ActivitiesHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
Adobe Photoshop LightroomBlinkbidCradoc fotoBizApple macOSGenbookYouTubeHindSight InViewLight Blue Software Light BlueShootZillaSimplifi pixifiSimply Studio SystemStudioCloudStudioPlus SpectraSuccessWare service management softwareTave Studio ManagerTwitterWordPressMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft WordSmugMug FlickrWeb browser softwareGoogle DriveWeVideoMicrosoft AccessIntuit QuickBooksAdobe IllustratorYouTubeAdobe After EffectsAdobe Photoshop LightroomBlinkbidCradoc fotoBizGenbookHindSight InViewAdobe IllustratorLight Blue Software Light BlueShootZillaSimplifi pixifiSimply Studio SystemAdobe InDesignStudioCloudStudioPlus SpectraSuccessWare service management softwareTave Studio ManagerMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft WordSmugMug FlickrWeb browser softwareAdobe PhotoshopFacebookAdobe Creative Cloud softwareApple Final Cut ProApple macOSGoogle DriveMicrosoft AccessTwitterWordPressWeVideoEmail softwareAdobe PhotoshopFacebookAdobe AcrobatAdobe AcrobatAdobe InDesignShootQ photography studio management softwareShootQ photography studio management softwareApple Final Cut ProAdobe After EffectsEmail softwareIntuit QuickBooksAdobe Creative Cloud software
Art Directors
Medium42.81%
Formulate design concepts and presentation approaches for visual productions and media, such as print, broadcasting, video, and film. Direct workers engaged in artwork or layout design.
Craft Artists
Medium47.40%
Create or reproduce handmade objects for sale and exhibition using a variety of techniques, such as welding, weaving, pottery, and needlecraft.
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Medium39.27%
Create original artwork using any of a wide variety of media and techniques.
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Medium45.29%
Create special effects or animations using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Fashion Designers
Medium42.81%
Design clothing and accessories. Create original designs or adapt fashion trends.
Floral Designers
Medium44.24%
Design, cut, and arrange live, dried, or artificial flowers and foliage.
Graphic Designers
Medium56.74%
Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers
Low30.74%
Plan and erect commercial displays, such as those in windows and interiors of retail stores and at trade exhibitions.
Set and Exhibit Designers
Medium47.21%
Design special exhibits and sets for film, video, television, and theater productions. May study scripts, confer with directors, and conduct research to determine appropriate architectural styles.
Producers and Directors
Medium44.92%
Produce or direct stage, television, radio, video, or film productions for entertainment, information, or instruction. Responsible for creative decisions, such as interpretation of script, choice of actors or guests, set design, sound, special effects, and choreography.
Technical Writers
Medium54.19%
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Writers and Authors
Medium55.16%
Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
Sound Engineering Technicians
Medium50.93%
Assemble and operate equipment to record, synchronize, mix, edit, or reproduce sound, including music, voices, or sound effects, for theater, video, film, television, podcasts, sporting events, and other productions.
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Medium41.02%
Operate television, video, or film camera to record images or scenes for television, video, or film productions.
Film and Video Editors
Medium52.46%
Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May work with a producer or director to organize images for final production. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
Motion Picture Projectionists
Medium34.94%
Set up and operate motion picture projection and related sound reproduction equipment.
Makeup Artists, Theatrical and Performance
Low31.56%
Apply makeup to performers to reflect period, setting, and situation of their role.
Camera and Photographic Equipment Repairers
Low32.89%
Repair and adjust cameras and photographic equipment, including commercial video and motion picture camera equipment.
Prepress Technicians and Workers
High75.59%
Format and proof text and images submitted by designers and clients into finished pages that can be printed. Includes digital and photo typesetting. May produce printing plates.
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Medium54.79%
Perform work involved in developing and processing photographic images from film or digital media. May perform precision tasks such as editing photographic negatives and prints.
Disc Jockeys, Except Radio
Medium52.63%
Play prerecorded music for live audiences at venues or events such as clubs, parties, or wedding receptions. May use techniques such as mixing, cutting, or sampling to manipulate recordings. May also perform as emcee (master of ceremonies).
Models
Low32.12%
Model garments or other apparel and accessories for prospective buyers at fashion shows, private showings, or retail establishments. May pose for photos to be used in magazines or advertisements. May pose as subject for paintings, sculptures, and other types of artistic expression.