how much do photographers earn?

Answer 1

Varies VERY GREATLY. Some photographers end up living out of their cars and some make 6 figures chasing storms in Tornado Alley, Florida, Gulf Coast, etc. Go to a stock photography website and look at how much they charge for their photos and you can get an idea of what a photo might go for. Also, remember that paparazzi can make a hell of a lot more than many other photogs because they are stalkers that have the patience of saints, waiting to get that shot.

Answer 2

Hello,

I think your asking the wrong question really, to be honest with you! (I trained as a professional photographer in the pre digital era).

**Its not so much that photogrpahers are employed and have a fixed salary, I think you might be in for a suprise as those days are mostly gone or jobs of that kind are rare in these times.

**I would suggest to you that photogrpahers depending upon the area or speciality they cover, are usually paid by the job or by a fixed term (fixed agreed contract) contract.

**depending upon how high the quality of your work is, then you could earn as little as 10-12K but if your work is of a good quality and your a good self promotionalist. You could earn 30K+ easily.

** To be honest with you its extremely hard to say exactly what anyone photographer earns in any year. There are so many variable factors that will influence the final salary (after income tax), also many photogrpahers are freelance hence they are self employed.

IR

Answer 3

Most work in studios where they bill by the hour or day. It can easily be $1000-2000 a day, for an average size city. This would pay for the whole studio crew, stylist, photographer, and auxiliary staff. So your cut of that is fractional, even if you own the whole shebang. Most photogs take into account who is using their services in their pricing structure... a Fortune 500 company will pay them much more than a homecoming queen or mom and pop store that needs a few catalog or website shots.

Answer 4

Let's assume your starting out, but committed and work hard to find jobs. If you're starting out and you've got a nice little portfolio of amateur work, you can expect to get $100-250 a day, 1-3 days a week during the busy season. This is when most photographers have to work another job to make ends meet.

Once your'e established as a) talented and b) reliable, you'll find more steady work at higher rates. Experienced assistants (ie 5-10 years of professional experience) can make upwards of $500-750 a day, 2-4 days a week. Not shabby, but remember it's taken you 5-10 years to get that far and you still won't make as much as an office job. You also might find a steady job at this level for a catalog company or some other business.

After you've paid your dues you'll start to build your own clientelle, and eventually you'll work for yourself. You can make a nice living at this level. If you work hard to bring in business, you'll make $50,000 to $100,000 per year. A lucky and talented handful can name their own price.

Answer 5

depends, on how good you are and what area of photography you go into
i'm guessing fashion photography would be the highest paid.