Photography isn’t limited to portraits or weddings — it’s a wide field filled with diverse career paths. Whether you’re looking for creative freedom, commercial impact, or steady income, there’s a photography occupation to match your goals.
Here are 12 photography careers to consider — plus what each typically involves.
1. Portrait Photographer
Focuses on individuals, families, or groups. Common settings include:
- Studios
- Schools (senior portraits, yearbooks)
- Outdoor locations (lifestyle shoots)
💵 U.S. Rates: $75–$300 per session, depending on experience and location
2. Wedding Photographer
Captures once-in-a-lifetime events. Requires skill in posing, lighting, and candid storytelling.
📅 Work is often seasonal but high-paying
💵 Typical Earnings: $1,000–$5,000+ per wedding
3. Real Estate Photographer
Takes high-quality property photos for listings, often with drone and interior shots.
🏠 In high demand in urban U.S. markets
💵 Average Pay: $100–$400 per property
4. Commercial Photographer
Shoots products, advertising campaigns, or business environments.
Clients include:
- Brands
- Agencies
- E-commerce platforms
💵 Range: $500–$2,000 per project
5. Fashion Photographer
Works with models, stylists, and magazines. May shoot runway events or editorial features.
🎯 Often based in major U.S. cities like New York or L.A.
6. Sports Photographer
Captures live sporting events for media outlets, teams, or sponsors.
🎥 Requires fast reflexes and access to high-speed gear
7. Photojournalist
Tells real-world stories through images. Often works for news publications or NGOs.
📰 May cover politics, crises, or community events
8. Wildlife Photographer
Shoots animals in natural habitats — often for conservation or editorial use.
🌲 Requires travel, patience, and special gear
9. Travel Photographer
Creates content for tourism boards, magazines, or blogs. Builds income through licensing, ads, or sponsorships.
10. Event Photographer
Covers:
- Corporate events
- Conferences
- Birthdays & special occasions
💵 Typical rate: $100–$250/hour
11. Newborn or Maternity Photographer
A highly specialized niche with strong emotional appeal and repeat clients.
🍼 Studio setup and safety knowledge required
12. School & Sports League Photographer
Often works with volume photography companies capturing teams, classes, and yearbooks.
📸 Can be lucrative due to scale, even with lower per-session rates
Final Thoughts
There’s no one-size-fits-all career in photography. From corporate gigs to creative storytelling, you can carve a path that matches your goals, personality, and lifestyle.
Already thinking about building a business? Check out our full guide on How to Start a Photography Business for step-by-step help.
And when you’re ready to brand yourself, here are Photography Business Name Ideas to help you stand out in a competitive U.S. market.
