Publicity Photographers
Overview
Introduction
Photographers take pictures of people, places, objects, and events, using a variety of cameras and photographic equipment. They work in the publishing, advertising, public relations, science, and business industries, as well as provide personal photographic services. They may also work as fine artists, videographers, and cinematographers. There are approximately 50,620 photographers employed in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
The U.S. Department of Labor reports that salaried photographers had median annual earnings of $36,280 in May 2019. Salaries ranged from less than $20,630 to more than $79,440. Photographers earned the following mean annual salaries by employer: motion picture and video firms, $71,670; radio and television broadcasting companies, $52,020; newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers, $...
Work Environment
Work conditions vary based on the job and employer. Many publicity photographers work a 35- to 40-hour workweek, but may have to work at night and on weekends when outreach programs, award dinners, and other events are held. Freelancers often work longer, more irregular hours.
In general, photographers work under pressure to meet deadlines and satisfy customers. Freelance photographers h...
Outlook
Employment of photographers will decline by 6 percent through 2028, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, although self-employed photographers, specifically, will experience growth of 10 percent. Photography is a highly competitive field. While the Internet has enabled professional photographers to market their services to a wider audience, digital photography has intensified...
