Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3431
Photographer
A photographer is a person who takes photographs with digital cameras or film cameras and the equipment that goes with them, and who may develop negatives or use computer software to produce the finished images and prints.
Check yourself in a minute: photographer
Rate 5 of the 15 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
operate a camera
select auxiliary equipment for photographic work
develop an artistic framework
set up photographic equipment
develop visual elements
About photographer
The photographer selects photographic equipment for the job, chooses the supporting equipment a particular photographic work needs, and prepares their own workspace, such as a studio or a location. Photographic equipment is then set up: the camera, the supports, the modifiers and the background.
The photographer designs artificial lighting systems, using light sources and modifiers set up for each shot and deciding where light comes from, how hard it is, what it does to a face or a surface, and what it leaves dark.
After the shoot, the photographer develops visual elements in computer software or develops negatives in a darkroom, and produces the finished images and prints. Photographic equipment is maintained as well: cameras, lenses and lighting. The photographer licenses the use of photographs, which means deciding what a client may do with an image, for how long and where, and retaining what has not been granted.
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (15)
operate a cameraoperate a cameraCapture moving images with a camera. Operate the camera skilfully and safely to obtain high quality material.select auxiliary equipment for photographic workselect auxiliary equipment for photographic workBring the appropriate auxiliary equipment according to the environment of the photographic work, whether you are stationary or mobile. Make sure you are prepared to capture the desired motif.develop an artistic frameworkdevelop an artistic frameworkDevelop a specific framework for research, creation and completion of artistic work.set up photographic equipmentset up photographic equipmentChoose the best position and orientation of the camera to capture the scene, along with other necessary equipment.develop visual elementsdevelop visual elementsImagine and apply visual elements such as line, space, colour, and mass to express emotions or ideas.set up camerasset up camerasPut cameras in place and prepare them for use.create digital imagescreate digital imagesCreate and process two-dimensional and three-dimensional digital images depicting animated objects or illustrating a process, using computer animation or modelling programs.select photosselect photosReview sets of images and select the best work.prepare personal work environmentprepare personal work environmentCorrect settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.select photographic equipmentselect photographic equipmentSelect appropriate photographic equipment and background properties, and adapt it according to subjects, materials, and conditions.maintain photographic equipmentmaintain photographic equipmentExecute maintenance tasks to keep photographic equipment functioning properly.license photo usagelicense photo usageLicense the use of images through stock photo agencies.create artificial lightcreate artificial lightCreate and set up artificial light sources using flashlights, screens and reflectors.test photographic equipmenttest photographic equipmentTest photographic equipment, tools and accessories.design an artificial lighting systemdesign an artificial lighting systemInvestigate and design an artificial lighting system based on daylight, timer, or occupation of spaces, taking into account any technical specifications and restrictions, such as power quality and ene...
Optional (37) — show
art collectionsart collectionsThe variety of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and other works that form collections in a museum and prospective new collections which are of interest for a museum or art gallery.digital marketing techniquesdigital marketing techniquesThe marketing techniques used on the web to reach and engage with stakeholders, customers and clients.landscape architecturelandscape architectureThe principles and practices used in the architecture and design of outdoor areas.social media marketing techniquessocial media marketing techniquesThe marketing methods and strategies used to increase attention and website traffic through social media channels.wildlifewildlifeUndomesticated animal species, as well as all plants, fungi and other organisms that grow or live wild in an area without being introduced by humans. Wildlife can be found in all ecosystems such as de...architectural designarchitectural designThe branch of architecture that strives for balance and harmony in the elements of a construction or architectural project.brand marketing techniquesbrand marketing techniquesThe methods and systems used in researching and establishing a brand identity for marketing purposes.advertising techniquesadvertising techniquesThe communication strategies intended to persuade or encourage an audience, and the different media which are used to achieve this goal.computer graphicscomputer graphicsThe field that merges approaches from computer science and design. It involves the process of creating images, 3D models generation, as well as the rendering, texturing and lighting them. Its applicat...sporting eventssporting eventsPossess an understanding of different sporting events and conditions that can affect a result.home decoration techniqueshome decoration techniquesThe techniques, design rules and trends applicable to interior decoration in a private home.load filmload filmProcess images and video footage from photographic equipment.mount photosmount photosFrame and hang up finished photographs and posters.set up photographic exhibitionsset up photographic exhibitionsMake all arrangements needed for a photographic exhibition such as choosing the venue, handling budget, arranging the setting, communicating about the event and so on.care for food aestheticcare for food aestheticConvey presentation and aesthetic elements into the production of food. Cut products properly, manage right quantities into the product, care for the attractiveness of the product.edit negativesedit negativesUse different software products and techniques to process photographic negatives and adapt the images to the desired specifications.direct photographic workersdirect photographic workersDirect and manage the daily activities of photographic workers.advise customers on photographyadvise customers on photographyProvide advice to customers on photographic devices and equipment. Help customers choose a photograpic device that fits their need, share information about their functionalities and maintenance. Infor...measure light levelsmeasure light levelsPerform measurement of light levels.conduct extensive international travelconduct extensive international travelConducting extensive travelling around the world to performing business related tasks.select camera aperturesselect camera aperturesAdjust lens apertures, shutter speeds and camera focus.organise product displayorganise product displayArrange goods in attractive and safe way. Set up a counter or other display area where demonstrations take place in order to attract the attention of prospective customers. Organise and maintain stand...develop artistic project budgetsdevelop artistic project budgetsDeveloping artistic project budgets for approval, estimating deadlines and material costs.develop artistic educational activitiesdevelop artistic educational activitiesDevelop speeches, activities and workshops in order to foster access and comprehension to the artistic creation processes. It can address a particular cultural and artistic event such as a show or an ...represent company in exhibitionsrepresent company in exhibitionsVisit shows and/or exhibitions to represent the organisation and undersand what other organisations are doing to acquire expertise in the sector's trends.collaborate with a technical staff in artistic productionscollaborate with a technical staff in artistic productionsCoordinate your artistic activities with others who specialise in the technical side of the project. Inform the technical staff of your plans and methods and obtain feedback on feasibility, cost, proc...prepare digital art for master photographprepare digital art for master photographAssemble, typeset, scan and produce digital art ready to be photographed as a master copy.research new photographic proceduresresearch new photographic proceduresParticipate in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials.communicate with youthcommunicate with youthUse verbal and non-verbal communication and communicate through writing, electronic means, or drawing. Adapt your communication to children and young people`s age, needs, characteristics, abilities, p...design greeting cardsdesign greeting cardsDesign the illustrations on greeting cards.use photographic equipmentuse photographic equipmentUse analogue or digital camera equipment, along with a variety of accessories such as tripods, filters and lenses.edit photographsedit photographsResize, enhance and retouche photographs, using airbrushing, editing software and other techniques.handle artworkshandle artworksWork directly with objects in museums and art galleries, in coordination with other museum professionals, to ensure that artworks are safely handled, packed, stored and cared for.swimswimMove through water by means of the limbs.create infrared imagerycreate infrared imageryUse an infrared camera to produce imagery displaying the infrared part of the spectrum.scan photosscan photosScan images into computers for editing, storage, and electronic transmission.develop filmdevelop filmPrepare tools and developing and printing equipment. Develop and print exposed film using chemicals.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a photographer do?
Photographers take pictures using digital or film cameras and equipment. Photographers may develop negatives or use computer software in order to produce finished images and prints.
What skills does a photographer need?
A photographer needs 15 essential skills, including operate a camera, select auxiliary equipment for photographic work, develop an artistic framework, set up photographic equipment, develop visual elements.
Will AI replace photographer jobs?
The AI disruption score for photographer is 27/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: scan photos, edit photographs, measure light levels. Most resilient: swim, develop an artistic framework, maintain photographic equipment.
AI Replacement Risk
27/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
SectorArts & Entertainment
ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
Essential Skills15
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