Description
Capture and produce compelling images of people, products, events, and environments. Plan shoots, control lighting and camera settings, and edit photographs to deliver finished digital files or prints for commercial, editorial, and personal clients.
- • Photograph individuals, families, groups, products, events, and locations in studio or on location.
- • Set exposure, shutter speed, ISO, and focus based on lighting, depth of field, motion, and desired look.
- • Operate digital and film cameras with tripods, filters, flashes, and other accessories.
- • Create and shape light using strobes, continuous lights, modifiers, and reflectors.
- • Plan concepts, compositions, and shot lists to meet client objectives.
- • Test and calibrate cameras, lenses, and lighting before shoots.
- • Meter and evaluate light and distances to determine required exposures.
- • Select subjects, backgrounds, lenses, and settings to achieve desired effects.
- • Cull, color-correct, and retouch images using professional editing software.
- • Back up, organize, and archive digital assets; transfer files for editing and delivery.
- • Maintain and clean cameras, lenses, lights, batteries, and media.
- • Manage scheduling, estimates, invoices, and basic studio administration.
- • Consult with clients, art directors, or editors to define scope, locations, and deliverables.
- • Source and assemble equipment, props, and sets appropriate to the assignment.
- • Set up, mount, and secure cameras, lights, and backgrounds on stands and rigs.
- • Direct subjects and, when needed, assistants or crew during shoots.
- • Prepare images for print and web; export in required formats and sizes; write captions and metadata.
- • License images and manage model and property releases and usage rights.
- • Print, mount, and frame photographs or coordinate with labs for finishing.
- • Showcase and sell work through exhibitions, portfolios, or online galleries.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
