10 Photography Jobs that Pay the most

The photography job that pays the most depends on certain factors. As the famous photographer, Ansel Adams, once said, “You don’t take a photograph, you make it.” This quote reminds you that photography is not just about pointing a camera and clicking, but about creating something special.

You might be wondering, what photography job pays the most? Perhaps you’re a photographer looking to boost your income, or maybe you’re just starting out and exploring your options. You might have taken on freelance work, snapping photos at weddings or events, but now you’re ready to take your career to the next level.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 photography jobs that pay the most. From fine art photography to commercial photography, we’ll dive into the details of each job and explore what makes them so lucrative. So, keep reading to discover what photography job pays the most, and how you can turn your passion into a profitable career!

Fashion Photographer

So, you’re wondering what photography job pays the most? Well fashion photography is definitely up there. With an average salary of $60,000 to $100,000 per year—or ₦150,000 to ₦1,000,000—fashion photographers get to work with top models, designers, and brands.

But it’s not all glamour and fun – fashion photographers need to have a keen eye for detail, be able to work well under pressure, and keep up with the latest trends.

Take Sarah, for example. She’s a fashion photographer who’s worked with top brands like Gucci and Chanel. She earns a six-figure salary, but she’s always on the go, shooting campaigns and editorials for top fashion magazines. It’s a high-stress job, but Sarah loves the creativity and fast-paced nature of the industry.

Advertising Photographer

If you’re looking for a photography job that pays well, advertising photography is another great option. With an average salary of $50,000 to $90,000–or ₦70,000 to ₦132,000–per year, advertising photographers get to work with top brands and agencies, creating images that capture the public’s attention. But it’s not just about taking pretty pictures – advertising photographers need to be able to understand the client’s vision and bring it to life.

For example, let’s look at the success of an advertising photographer like John Edmond. John Edmond’s photography studio is nestled in a trendy neighborhood in New York City. His portfolio boasts an impressive clientele list, including Nike’s Air Jordan campaign and Coca-Cola’s iconic “Share a Coke” ads.

In 2018, John’s services as an advertising photographer were in high demand. He shot 15 high-profile advertising campaigns, each paying upwards of $50,000. His total earnings for the year? A staggering $750,000, which is more than a million in Nigerian naira.

Also, John has been featured in top photography publications, including Photo District News and Rangefinder Magazine. His work has also been exhibited at the prestigious Brooklyn Museum.

Therefore, if we study the life of John, we can see that advertising photography is quite lucrative as a career.

Related: How to Use Mirrors in Your Photography Job

Fine Art Photographer

Fine art photography is another lucrative career path, with top photographers earning millions for their work. But it’s not just about the money – fine art photographers get to create images that inspire and provoke, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with photography. With an average salary of $40,000 to $80,000 per year, fine art photographers can earn a good living doing what they love.

Let’s take Emily Donalds, for example. She’s a fine art photographer who’s exhibited her work in galleries around the world. She earns a good income from her art, but she’s also passionate about using her photography to make a statement. Emily’s work often explores themes of social justice and environmentalism, and she’s inspired by the impact her photography can have.

Wedding Photographer

Wedding photography is a popular career path, with many photographers earning a good living capturing special moments for couples. With an average salary of $30,000 to $60,000–or ₦70,000 to ₦132,000–per year, wedding photographers get to work with happy couples and capture the magic of their big day. But it’s not just about taking pretty pictures – wedding photographers need to be able to work well under pressure and capture the emotions of the day.

For example, Michael Briggs photography studio, “Love in Focus,” based in United Kingdom, has been in the wedding industry for over 10 years. His portfolio boasts an impressive collection of romantic getaways, fairytale-like weddings, and heartfelt moments captured for eternity.

In 2019, Michael photographed 35 weddings, each with its unique love story. He traveled to exotic destinations like Santorini, Greece, and Tuscany, Italy, to capture the special moments of couples from around the world.

One of his most memorable weddings was that of Sarah and Alex, a lovely couple from New York. Michael recalls, “The way they looked at each other during the first dance was pure magic. I felt honored to be a part of their special day.”

Michael’s passion for wedding photography goes beyond just capturing beautiful moments. He believes that his photographs have the power to transport couples back to their wedding day, reliving the joy, laughter, and love they shared.

So, if you’re passionate about photography and love storytelling, consider becoming a wedding photographer like Michael. Not only can it be a lucrative career, but it also gives you the opportunity to capture the love and joy of couples on their special day. Who knows, you might just help create memories that will last a lifetime!

Photojournalist

If you’re looking for a photography job that’s exciting and challenging, photojournalism might be the way to go. With an average salary of $30,000 to $60,000 per year, photojournalists get to capture the news and events that shape our world. But it’s not just about taking pictures – photojournalists need to be able to tell a story with their images, and capture the emotions and moments that make each event unique.

For instance, the photography career of David Guttenfelder spans over two decades, with a portfolio that includes work for top news organizations like Reuters, AP, and The New York Times. His photographs have been featured on the front pages of newspapers worldwide, telling the stories of people and events that shape our world.

In 2011, David was part of a team of photojournalists who covered the Arab Spring protests in Egypt. His photographs captured the intensity of the protests, the bravery of the protesters, and the eventual downfall of the Mubarak regime.

David’s passion for storytelling through photography has taken him to some of the most challenging environments on earth. He’s covered wars, natural disasters, and humanitarian crises, always seeking to capture the human side of the story.

One of his most memorable assignments was covering the refugee crisis in Syria. David spent weeks documenting the lives of families forced to flee their homes, capturing the resilience and hope in the face of unimaginable hardship.

Despite the challenges and dangers of his job, David loves the thrill of capturing the news as it happens. He’s always on the lookout for the next big story, the next powerful image that will tell a thousand words.

If you’re passionate about making a difference, consider a career as a photojournalist like David. It’s a challenging but rewarding path that can take you to the forefront of history, allowing you to capture and share the stories that shape our world.

Commercial Photographer

In terms of what photography jobs pay the most, Commercial photography is definitely up there. With an average salary of $40,000 to $80,000 per year, commercial photographers get to work with top brands and agencies, creating images that capture the public’s attention. But it’s not just about taking pretty pictures – commercial photographers need to be able to understand the client’s vision and bring it to life.

For instance, Rachel Talbott’s photography studio, nestled in the heart of Manhattan, has been the go-to destination for top brands like Coca-Cola, Nike, and Apple. Her portfolio boasts an impressive array of campaigns, from billboard ads in Times Square to social media promotions that have gone viral.

In 2018, Rachel was commissioned by Coca-Cola to shoot their summer campaign, featuring a series of vibrant, larger-than-life images that captured the essence of summertime fun. The campaign was a massive success, with the ads appearing on billboards, buses, and magazines across the country.

Rachel’s passion for innovation has led her to experiment with cutting-edge technologies like 3D photography and virtual reality. In 2020, she collaborated with Nike to create an immersive VR experience that allowed customers to step into the world of their favorite athletes.

One of Rachel’s most memorable shoots was for Apple’s iPhone 12 campaign. She spent three days capturing stunning images of the device in various locations around the city, from the bright lights of Times Square to the peaceful greenery of Central Park.

Despite her success, Rachel is always pushing herself to come up with new and innovative ideas. She attends industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay ahead of the curve and network with other creatives.

If you’re passionate about photography, creativity, and innovation, consider a career as a commercial photographer like Rachel. It’s a challenging but rewarding path that can take you to the forefront of the advertising industry, allowing you to work with top brands and create campaigns that inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. So why not grab your camera and start capturing the world of commerce?

As a commercial photographer, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from product photography to lifestyle shoots. You’ll need to be able to work well under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and deliver high-quality images that meet the client’s expectations.

Related: How to take Symbolic Pictures in Your Photography Career

Aerial Photographer

Now, if you’re looking for a photography job that’s exciting and challenging, aerial photography might be the way to go. With an average salary of $50,000 to $90,000 per year, aerial photographers get to capture stunning images from above, working with top brands and agencies. But it’s not just about taking pretty pictures – aerial photographers need to be able to operate drones safely and efficiently, and capture high-quality images that meet the client’s expectations.

For example, David H. Romero has an aerial photography studio, “SkyView,” which has been a go-to destination for top brands like Google, Amazon, and NASA. His portfolio boasts an impressive array of projects, from capturing stunning drone footage of the Grand Canyon for Google Earth to documenting the construction of Amazon’s futuristic HQ2 in Virginia.

In 2019, David was commissioned by the National Geographic to capture aerial footage of the devastating wildfires in California. He spent three days flying over the affected areas, capturing heart-wrenching images of the destruction and resilience of the people affected.

David’s passion for innovation has led him to experiment with cutting-edge drone technologies and 3D mapping software. In 2020, he collaborated with NASA to develop a custom-built drone system for capturing high-resolution aerial images of the Martian surface.

One of David’s most memorable projects was capturing the solar eclipse of 2017 from a helicopter over the Grand Teton National Park. He spent months planning the shoot, working with meteorologists and pilots to ensure the perfect shot.

Despite his success, David is always pushing himself to come up with new and innovative ideas. He attends industry conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay ahead of the curve and network with other creatives.

If you’re passionate about photography, technology, and exploration, consider a career as an aerial photographer like David. It’s a challenging but rewarding path that can take you to new heights (literally!), allowing you to capture breathtaking images and tell unique stories from a fresh perspective. So why not take to the skies and start capturing the world from above?

As an aerial photographer, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from real estate photography to environmental monitoring. You’ll need to be able to operate drones safely and efficiently, capture high-quality images, and deliver them to clients in a timely manner.

Underwater Photographer

Underwater photography is another lucrative career path, with top photographers earning up to $80,000 per year. But it’s not just about the money – underwater photographers get to capture stunning images of marine life, working with top brands and agencies. But it’s not just about taking pretty pictures – underwater photographers need to be able to dive safely and efficiently, capture high-quality images, and deliver them to clients in a timely manner.

If you examine Mark Woodward, a renowned underwater photographer, who has had an illustrious career spanning over two decades, your mind is opened to the possibilities in the field. Mark Woodward’s work has been featured in prominent publications such as National Geographic, BBC Wildlife Magazine, and Ocean Geographic.

In 2018, Mark embarked on an expedition to the Great Barrier Reef to document the devastating effects of coral bleaching. His photographs, published in National Geographic, raised awareness about the plight of the world’s largest coral reef system.

Mark’s innovative approach to underwater photography has earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year award in 2015. His winning image, “Gentle Giant,” captured a majestic whale shark gliding through the crystal-clear waters of the Maldives.

One of Mark’s most memorable assignments was working with the BBC on the documentary series “Blue Planet II.” He spent several weeks at sea, capturing breathtaking footage of marine life, from dolphins to deep-sea anglerfish.

Mark’s passion for innovation drives him to continually push the boundaries of underwater photography. He experiments with cutting-edge equipment, such as underwater drones and 360-degree cameras, to capture unique perspectives and tell compelling stories.

If you’re fascinated by the ocean and its inhabitants, and have a passion for photography, consider following in Mark Woodward’s footsteps and becoming an underwater photographer.

As an underwater photographer, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, from marine conservation to underwater exploration. You’ll need to be able to dive safely and efficiently, capture high-quality images, and deliver them to clients in a timely manner.

Sports Photographer

If you’re looking for a photography job that’s exciting and fast-paced, sports photography might be the way to go. With an average salary of $30,000 to $60,000 per year, sports photographers get to capture the action and drama of sports events, working with top brands and agencies. But it’s not just about taking pretty pictures – sports photographers need to be able to work well under pressure, capture high-quality images, and deliver them to clients in a timely manner.

For example, a sports photographer who has worked with top brands like ESPN and the NFL, can earn a healthy five-figure salary, but it’s always pushing yourself to come up with new and innovative ideas. So if you love the challenge of sports photography, and the opportunity to work on a wide range of creative sporting projects, from professional sports leagues to college athletics. Then a career as a sports photographer could be good for you.

Related: How to Travel While Working as a Photographer

Architectural Photographer

Finally, Architectural photography is also a beneficial career in photography, with top photographers earning up to $80,000 per year. These photographers get to capture stunning images of buildings and structures, working with top brands and agencies.

So, architectural photographers need to be able to capture high-quality images, work well with clients, and deliver images that meet their expectations.

For example, an architectural photographer working with top brands like Architectural Digest and the New York Times, can comfortably earn a healthy six-figure salary.

Conclusion

So, what photography job pays the most? The answer is, it depends on your skills, experience, and niche. But one thing is for sure – there’s a growing demand for high-quality photography services, and platforms like Cre8Space are making it easier for photographers to connect with clients and sell their services.

Therefore, it all depends on what you prefer, feel free to explore these different fields of photography before settling on what works for you.