Photographers produce and preserve images using cameras and photography equipment. Professional photographers have both technical expertise and artistic ability. They know how to use lights, cameras, zoom and other lenses, and many other techniques in order to creative the desired effect.

There are two basic types of cameras; traditional cameras capture images on silver halide film that must be developed into prints, whereas digital cameras electronically record images that can be printed out. Many photographers develop their own film and pictures, but setting up and maintaining a laboratory can be expensive. Photographers that work with digital imaging need a computer and a good printer, with editing software. This set up allows for greater control, however, since the photographer or editor can eliminate glare, red-eye and other undesirable effects, and also crop and resize photos before printing. Normal photographs can also be scanned into a computer and edited.

Portrait photographers work in studios (or sometimes on location) to photograph individuals and groups for weddings, graduation, religious ceremonies, school pictures, advertising and business purposes, and much more. Fine arts photographers sell their photographs as art – they need to be especially creative, and have a good deal of patience, tenacity and perseverance to be successful.

Commercial and industrial photographers take pictures of buildings, objects, and landscapes. The pictures are used in publications, catalogs, equipment manuals, textbooks, and more. Scientific photographers record scientific and medical data, results, and phenomena – most have additional knowledge in areas such as astronomy, engineering, or chemistry.

News photographers (or photojournalists) capture newsworthy events and people for publications or television. Some are salaried staff, and others work freelance, selling their images to interested parties.

Working conditions vary. Many work long, variable hours and must be available on short notice (such as to cover a breaking news story). Some can find only part-time work, or do freelance work in their spare time. Portrait photographers might have to travel to the shoot – this is also true of other photographers, which may go cover a newsworthy event somewhere else. Equipment is heavy, and some photographers work in harsh or dangerous conditions. Mixing photography chemicals can be hazardous if proper care is not taken.

The average (median) earnings for salaried photographers were $24,040 in 2002. Salaried photographers (who tend to work full-time) generally earn more than freelancers. Freelancers and studio owners incur considerable expense in purchasing equipment and supplies, maintaining equipment, and employing assistants. Fine arts photographers usually cannot support themselves solely through their art, and must have other jobs.

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