Photographer

O*NET: Photographers·27-4021.00

The Verdict:Photographers physically handle cameras and lights to capture authentic real-world moments, directing subjects on location or in studios amid variable conditions. AI excels in image generation and editing but cannot replicate on-site creative vision or equipment operation. The role evolves with digital augmentation, secured by hands-on essentials over the next decade.

Resilience Score

/100

Resilient

Score tiers

Highly Resilient81–100

Resilient61–80

Moderate Risk41–60

High Risk21–40

Critical Risk0–20

How is this scored?

Task Resilience

How much of this role's daily work remains beyond AI and robotic automation.

30% of score

Physical Presence

The degree to which this job needs a human present — hands-on, in the field, or in the room.

20% of score

Human Necessity

How important the unique human edge is — for trust, accountability, or judgment.

15% of score

Regulatory Shield

How strong the legal requirement is for a human in this job (by law, licensing, or credentials).

13% of score

Technological Maturity

How far AI remains from performing this role's core functions.

10% of score

Displacement Evidence

The volume of jobs in this field being eliminated by AI or automation right now.

12% of score

Score last updated: February 2026Full methodology

Avg Salary

Median annual wage from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024 release.

$43k

Job Growth (10yr)

Projected change in total number of jobs (not salary) from 2024–2034. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections.

+1.8%

AI Exposure

Percentage of this role's analyzed tasks that AI can handle autonomously or nearly so. 6 of 29 tasks are classified as AI-exposed.

21%

Low exposure

Task Analysis

This role's core work is hard to automate.
15 of 29 tasks require human judgment, presence, or trust. The 28% that are AI-leverage offer an edge — professionals who learn these tools will outperform those who don't.

6exposed

8AI leverage

15human-essential

View all 29 tasks

AI Can Handle This6 tasks

Tasks AI can do autonomously or nearly so

Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.

Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.

Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.

Send film to photofinishing laboratories for processing.

Produce computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories.

Develop and print exposed film, using chemicals, touch-up tools, and developing and printing equipment.

AI Leverage8 tasks

Master these tools — humans who do outperform those who don't

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.

Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.

Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials.

Develop visual aids and charts for use in lectures or to present evidence in court.

Write photograph captions.

License the use of photographs through stock photo agencies.

Human Advantage15 tasks

Tasks requiring trust, presence, or novel judgment

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.

Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.

Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.

Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.

Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.

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.

Mount, frame, laminate, or lacquer finished photographs.

Load and unload film.

Set up photographic exhibitions for the purpose of displaying and selling work.

Employ a variety of specialized photographic materials and techniques, including infrared and ultraviolet films, macro photography, photogrammetry and sensitometry.

Operate drones to capture aerial photographs and videos, following all regulatory guidelines.

Resilience Landscape

Photographer lands in Stable, Lower Pay

Higher Resilience Paths in Creative

Creative

Makeup Artist

Score

+10 pts more resilient

Highly Resilient

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