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Alabama Department of Labor

Labor Market Information Division
SOC: 27-4021 Photographers
Photograph persons, subjects, merchandise, or other commercial products. May develop negatives and produce finished prints. Include scientific photographers, aerial photographers, and photojournalists.
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Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
OJT: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Tasks: Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments. Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects. Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus based on a combination of factors such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed. Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors. Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software. Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission. Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff. Review sets of photographs to select the best work. Perform general office duties such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies. Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas. Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order. Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras. Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions. Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location. Direct activities of workers who are setting up photographic equipment. Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly. Produce computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories.
License: License not required.
Outlook: Satisfactory
Alabama Employment Outlook
Alabama Wage Data
Hourly Wage   Annual Wage
Entry $9.81   Entry $20,402.00
Mean $17.91   Mean $37,250.00
Experience $21.97 Experience $45,678.00

The data is based on the May 2017 Occupation Employment Survey employment and wage estimate file. The wages have been aged using the most current ECI factors reflecting wages as of June 2018.

Alabama Projections
Estimated Employment 2016Projected Employment 2026Annual Average OpeningsAnnual Growth Rate
1,4601,16070-2.27
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Birmingham Southern College
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Occupational Videos
27-4021.00 Photographers