Also called: Photographer, Studio Photographer
Takes portraits of people, families, graduates, and pets in a studio or on location.
A portrait photographer schedules sessions, poses clients, and edits the best images. Senior portraits and family photos are bread and butter. Marketing on social media brings in new clients.
Based on BLS photographers (27-4021), May 2024 estimates. About two-thirds of photographers are self-employed, so income depends on running a business.
High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. No degree required; many take photography classes.
Ways in: Self-taught, On-the-job training, 2-year college. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Photography.
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years). BLS projects slower-than-average growth; competition is strong.
Medium risk for 10 years. Phone cameras and AI portrait apps shrank the low end; in-person sessions for families, seniors and pets remain.
Age 14+. One way to start: Offer low-cost portrait sessions to family friends and classmates; a phone or used camera works
Classes: Photography, Business, Art.
Official data: O*NET occupation 27-4021.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.