Photographers
(NOC 5221)
in All Art, Culture, Recreation and SportPhotographers use still cameras to photograph people, events, scenes, materials, products, and other subjects. Photographers work for photographic studios, newspapers, magazines, museums, and government, or they may be self-employed. Photographers may specialize in portrait photography, commercial photography, scientific photography, forensic photography, medical photography, digitized photography, multimedia photography or photojournalism.
Job Outlook
Limited
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Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
The move to digital photography has dramatically changed the landscape for photographers. Some of the work traditionally done may now overlap with the work of others, such as graphic artists and journalists. The increased use of graphics and advances in personal photo technology are expected to limit growth in the occupation, in addition to a struggling print media industry. Openings occur on occassion in photo studios in boxstores. As well, freelance work is common among photographers. Opportunities may depend on having a solid portfolio and good reputation.
Hourly Pay
$16.14
Minimum$22.43
Median$35.60
MaximumAnnual Pay
$42
Minimum$8,453
Median$45,980
MaximumCompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$21.00
Median$40.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Photographers use still cameras to photograph people, events, scenes, materials, products, and other subjects. Photographers work for photographic studios, newspapers, magazines, museums, and government, or they may be self-employed. Photographers may specialize in portrait photography, commercial photography, scientific photography, forensic photography, medical photography, digitized photography, multimedia photography or photojournalism.
Job duties
Photographers:
- Study requirements of an assignment and decide on type of camera, film, lighting, and background accessories to be used.
- Determine picture composition, make technical adjustments to equipment, and photograph subject.
- May use scanners to transfer photographic images to computers.
- May use computers to manipulate photographic images.
- May adapt existing photographic images and create new digitized images to be included in multimedia/new media products.
- May use delicate instruments like optical microscopes attached to cameras.
- May process exposed film.
- May use airbrush, computer, or other techniques to retouch negatives.
- Medical photographers may work closely with medical illustrators.
Sample job titles
- aerial photographer
- commercial photographer
- fashion photographer
- forensic photographer
- medical photographer
- news photographer
- photographer
- photojournalist
- portrait photographer
- wildlife photographer
Skills
- Photographers need creativity, imagination, and artistic talent. Attention to detail and the ability to improvise with equipment and techniques are also important. You must be able to react quickly in some circumstances and be very patient in others to get a good shot. Substantial business knowledge is required if you wish to be self-employed and work on a project-by-project basis.
Job requirements
- A bachelor's degree in visual arts with specialization in photography or completion of specialized training in photography in high school, college or specialized training schools or extensive on-the-job training under the supervision of a photographer is required.
Other considerations
- Self-employment is common for photographers. The services they offer may be provided in a studio or on location. Earnings will depend upon the type and quality of work and will generally improve over time as the photographer's work gains recognition. Working conditions vary considerably, from regular hours in comfortable offices to irregular hours doing fieldwork. It is also common for photography to be a secondary job or a hobby. Creative and technical ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required. Experience in, or knowledge of computerized photography or digital imaging may be required.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$14,494 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
N/ASouthern
N/ACape Breton
N/ANorth Shore
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Professional, scientific and technical services
Public administration
Educational services
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Retail trade
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
35-44
45-54
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
15-24
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
Top levels of education
College Diploma
$5,880 median annual incomeBachelor
$8,504 median annual incomeHigh school
$22,562 median annual incomeDiploma Below Bachelor
N/ALess than high school
N/ACompared to: All Art, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor
$17,829 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,552 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$22,120 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,922 median annual incomeMaster
$36,173 median annual incomeEducation & training
Photography
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the principles and techniques of communicating information, ideas, moods, and feelings through the creation of images on photographic film, plates, digital images and that prepares individuals to be professional photographic artists. They include courses in camera and equipment operation and maintenance, film and plate developing, light and composition, films and printing media, colour and special effects, photographic art, photographic history, use of computer applications to record or enhance images and applications to the photography of various subjects.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.