Did You Know?
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have taken more than five million photographs of Earth since the year 2000. Their images have helped scientists track hurricanes, monitor deforestation, and study the effects of climate change from a perspective no one on the ground can match.
The Numbers Behind the Career
The median annual salary for photographers in 2024 in the U.S. was $42,520.
About 12,700 openings for photographers are projected each year over the next decade.
There were 151,200 people working as photographers in the U.S. in 2024.
Where This Career Is Headed
Photography is advancing rapidly as new technologies transform how images are created, shared, and used. The emergence of drone photography, computational imaging, AI-supported editing, and immersive media like 360-degree and virtual reality content broadens what photographers can provide. At the same time, the demand for genuine, high-quality visual content across social media, e-commerce, and digital marketing keeps increasing. Photographers who combine strong creative vision with technical skill in both traditional and new tools will be best positioned for success in a field that values flexibility and entrepreneurship.
E-commerce and product photography: The explosion of online shopping has created enormous demand for high-quality product images. Brands need photographers who can produce clean, consistent images at scale, often including 360-degree views, lifestyle shots, and video content to support digital storefronts and social media advertising.
Content creation and social media: Businesses of all sizes rely on professional visual content to build their brands and reach audiences. Photographers who can create compelling images and short-form video content for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and LinkedIn are increasingly valuable as dedicated content creators for companies, agencies, and personal brands.
Immersive and virtual reality photography: Advances in 360-degree cameras and virtual reality technology are creating demand for photographers who can produce immersive visual experiences. Real estate virtual tours, museum archives, travel previews, and event documentation are all areas where immersive photography is gaining traction.
Education & Certification
Photography is one of the most accessible creative careers. The BLS lists a high school diploma as the typical entry-level requirement, and many successful photographers are self-taught. That said, a certificate or degree in photography or visual arts provides structured training in composition, lighting, editing, and the business side of the profession. Some specializations, like forensic or scientific imaging, may require additional field-specific coursework.
More important than any credential is a strong portfolio. Clients and employers judge photographers by the quality of their work, not their schooling. Commercial photographers also benefit from knowledge of graphic design, marketing, and video production, and those using drones for aerial work must obtain an FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107). Regardless of your path, developing your eye, mastering your equipment, and building a compelling body of work are the foundations of a successful career.
To Prepare...
Start shooting intentionally with whatever camera you have, including a smartphone. Study how light, angles, and cropping affect an image. Learn the fundamentals of exposure (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) and composition (rule of thirds, leading lines, framing) through free tutorials, books, or community college courses.
Build a portfolio early by volunteering to photograph school events, local sports, or community gatherings. A portfolio demonstrates your abilities far more effectively than any resume.
Take coursework in visual arts, art history, and digital media. These subjects train your eye for composition, color, and visual storytelling, and give you the critical framework that separates working photographers from casual hobbyists.
Spotlight: Explore the Life of a Photographer
Explore more resources for a future Photographer
Antsy Ansel: Ansel Adams, a Life in Nature
Jenson-Elliott, Cindy
Why We Picked It
Career Connection
Photographers develop their artistic vision through deep, sustained engagement with their subjects, and Adams's lifelong relationship with Yosemite and the national parks shows how dedicated attention to one place can produce a body of work that lasts for generations.