Photographers

Photographers typically perform the following tasks: • Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed. • Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors. • Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects. • Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission. • Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments. • Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software. • Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location. • Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques. • Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order. • Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas. • Perform general office duties, such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies. • Review sets of photographs to select the best work. • Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras. • Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff. • Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly. • Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions. • Direct activities of workers setting up photographic equipment. • Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials. • Mount, frame, laminate, or lacquer finished photographs. • Send film to photofinishing laboratories for processing.