Photographer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Photographer, or Lensman, takes quality photos or videos of people, products, places and events. Their main duties include planning and setting up photo shoots, arranging the composition and capturing the image, developing and editing the final product for presentation to the client.

 

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Photographer duties and responsibilities

The day-to-day duties of Photographers vary depending on the type of photography they do. However, most of their duties include:

  • Regulating camera’s apertures, shutter speeds and focus based on film type, film speed, field depth and lighting
  • Using specialised photographic techniques and materials
  • Meeting with clients or advertising staff, discussing the brief, studying assignments and goals and determining location or equipment needs
  • Retouching, resizing and enhancing images as needed using Photoshop or other photography software
  • Scheduling people, location and equipment
  • Preparing the location, getting permits and releasing forms if necessary
  • Creating and editing photography in print and digital, producing digital images from the film
  • Delivering final product to outside sources, media and corporate departments including graphic designers

 

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Photographer Job Description Examples:

 

Example 1

Do you a passion for Photography and are looking for a full-time role and a new challenge within a fast paced, rapidly growing, professional company? As our Product Photographer you will report into our Head of Marketing while working closely with our Design Team. You will be experienced in dealing with all manner of photographic requests and processes; ensuring attention to detail is applied in a timely manner. This is a hands-on role and will suit a motivated individual who has a positive outlook and natural interest in retail photography. *Core Duties*
  • Photograph product lines in a studio environment for online use
  • Photography production for use in newsletters, on-site graphics, and all marketing materials
  • Photo editing and enhancement to prepare images for online use
  • Ensure imagery for all products is consistent and up to the required standard
  • Run photoshoots, maintenance of the studio and mood boards
  • Work to tight deadlines quickly and efficiently to ensure new lines can be added to site as soon as possible
  • Manage and maintain all in-house photography equipment. Ensure the photography studio is kept clean and organised to a professional level *Key Skills & Experience*
  • Minimum 2 years Retail Photography experience
  • High Level of Photoshop skill is a requirement
  • Experience working within a studio environment with lighting equipment
  • Experience using a digital SLR cameras and lighting equipment
  • Excellent communication and time-management skills
  • A "will do/ can do attitude", helpful and positive attitude towards the work you do and others in the business
  • Ability to multi-task, prioritise, keep a cool head under pressure and meet set deadlines
  • Administration and organisational skills, have a keen eye for detail and be accurate with your work If you are a motivated individual with good communication skills and have all or enough skills required to fulfil the duties listed above, and if you want to learn more and work in a fast-moving and exciting industry, then please get in contact with us today - We want to hear from you! *How to Apply* If you would like to apply for this position, please send your CV and answer the questions below in your cover letter. Thanks and we look forward to hearing from you. * How many years Retail Photography experience do you have? * Are you within an hour commute of Saffron Walden? * How many years Adobe Suite experience do you have? *Job Details*
  • Location: Saffron Walden, Essex
  • Salary: £20,000-£25,000
  • Work Times: 9:00 - 17:30
  • Holidays: 20 Days + Bank Holidays
  • Job Title: Product & Promotions Photographer
  • Sector: Online Retail *About the Company* Bondara is a multi-award winner of the ETO "Best Online Retailer Award" at the NEC. We are a leading UK online retailer of adult toys and lingerie with steady and continuous growth. You should be commercially thinking, creative, organised, confident, self-motivated and able to hit the ground running from day one. A very exciting and rewarding role awaits the right candidate in our expanding fun and dynamic firm. Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Salary: per year Benefits: * Employee discount * On-site parking Schedule: * Monday to Friday Work remotely: * No

    • What does a Photographer do?

    Photographers capture images using technical and creative skills. They take artfully composed professional images for a variety of activities and events. Some Photographers take family pictures or work predominantly at weddings, while others provide yearbook picture services to schools or work in a portrait studio at a mall or shopping centre. Photographers usually work either as contractors or freelancers. 

     

    Photographer skills and qualifications

    A successful Photographer candidate need various prerequisite skills and qualifications to perform their job effectively, these include:

    • Excellent customer service skills
    • Good communication and people skills, with the ability to discuss complex artistic concepts in layman’s terms
    • Detail-oriented, with the ability to work according to various schedules, timelines and deadlines
    • Computer knowledge
    • Ability to convert film to computer-readable images
    • Expert in digital and film cameras and video cameras
    • Skilled at composition, colour and light
    • Knowledge of innovative editing software

     

    Photographer experience requirements

    Photographers should have several years of experience working with a variety of equipment including digital and film cameras, with lighting and microphone setups. They must also have experience using various image and video editing software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Premiere. Experience in scheduling and setting up locations and subjects such as people or products in a photoshoot is key Knowledge of layout and design is a plus.

     

    Photographer education and training requirements

    The level of education needed for a Photographer varies by employer or type of freelance work. Regardless of education, a professional portfolio is required. Education includes a certificate or Foundation Degree associate degree in the field of the related industry. University or higher education college courses, as well as apprenticeships in photo imaging or creative and digital media, are valuable.

    Some types of photography work require a Foundation Degree, National Diploma or Degree in Photography, Visual or Fine Arts or Commercial Photography. For management positions, such as Art Director or Senior Photographer, the candidate must have a Master’s Degree.

     

    Photographer salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Senior Photographer is £110 per day. This figure varies depending on factors, such as experience, location and company.

     

    Photographer job description samples for similar positions

    If a Photographer is not quite what you are looking for, here are a few related sample job descriptions:

     

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    Photographer job description FAQs

     

    What's the difference between a Photographer and a Graphic Designer?

    A Photographer captures images enhances them, develops and edits the photos and turns the final product over to a Graphic Designer. The Graphic Designer uses the photos and film and adds typography, form and colour to design visual elements that communicate an idea or message for a company’s communications or advertising department. The end products include brochures, product packaging, infographics and websites.

     

    What makes a good Photographer job description?

    A good Photographer job description combines the necessary competencies and skills, the reality of the role and the details of the company’s culture. It also places an emphasis on the company’s values and mission to help ensure that new hires will fit in with the company. 

    To make your Photographer job description stand out, use language to appeal to a wide group of candidates. Give the big picture of the role within the company. Let candidates know how their work contributes to the company’s goals and key business objectives. Add a comment section so candidates can ask you questions directly.

     

    What are the different types of Photographers?

    Within the categories of freelancers, contractors and Commercial Photographers, there are specific fields of photography these include portrait, weddings and events photography. Photojournalism Photographers are often contractors but also work for newspapers and magazines. Commercial Photographers may work for the advertising department or real estate and architectural firms.

     

    What qualities make a good Photographer?

    A good Photographer candidate should possess qualities that include originality and creativity. A  Photographer who is a good listener is valuable, as they can understand the goals of the brief. They should also have sound visual color discrimination, being able to detect or match color differences, shades, tones and brightness. Another key quality to look for is visualisation, knowing how something will look if elements are moved around.

    Job Description Examples

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