53110 – Photographers
Lead statement
Photographers operate still cameras to photograph people, events, scenes, materials, products and other subjects.
Main duties
- Study requirements of a particular assignment and decide on type of camera, film, lighting and background accessories to be used
- Determine picture composition, make technical adjustments to equipment and photograph subject
- May operate scanners to transfer photographic images to computers
- May operate computers to manipulate photographic images
- May adapt existing photographic images and create new digitized images to be included in multimedia/new media products
- May use delicate instruments, such as optical microscopes attached to cameras
- May process exposed film
- May use airbrush, computer or other techniques to retouch negatives
- May operate unmanned aerial vehicle/drone to capture aerial photographs of the landscape or any subject.
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree in visual arts with specialization in photography orcompletion of specialized training in photography in high school, college or specialized training schools orextensive on-the-job training under the supervision of a photographer is required.
- Creative and technical ability, as demonstrated by a portfolio of work, are required.
- Experience in, or knowledge of computerized photography or digital imaging may be required.
Example job titles
aerial photographer · chief photographer · commercial photographer · evidence photographer - forensic · racetrack finish photographer · forensic photographer · industrial photographer · medical photographer · news photographer · photographer · photojournalist · photomicrographer · police photographer · portrait photographer · finish photographer · scientific photographer · street photographer · photography supervisor · fashion photographer · retoucher - photography · wildlife photographer · still photographer · multimedia picture illustrator · multimedia photographer
Wages (per hour)
| Province / territory | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $17.50 | $24.04 | $48.63 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | $20.16 | $22.66 | $27.46 |
| Nova Scotia | $17.70 | $25.12 | $33.51 |
| New Brunswick | $15.65 | $18.64 | $32.30 |
| Quebec | $18.00 | $24.00 | $36.85 |
| Ontario | $17.60 | $21.00 | $50.00 |
| Manitoba | $16.00 | $22.06 | $29.14 |
| Saskatchewan | $17.23 | $21.08 | $27.94 |
| Alberta | $15.24 | $22.88 | $31.62 |
| British Columbia | $18.00 | $21.00 | $31.25 |
Source: Job Bank wages, 2025 release (ESDC). Low and high are the 10th and 90th percentiles.
Occupation details: ESDC OaSIS 2025, based on NOC 2021.