A professional who photographs subjects, using still cameras, color or black-and-white film, and variety of photographic accessories. Responsibilities include:

• Selects and assembles equipment according to subject material, anticipated conditions, and knowledge of function and limitations of various types of cameras, lenses, films, and accessories.
• Views subject and setting and plans composition, camera position, and camera angle to produce desired effect.
• Arranges subject material, poses subject, or maneuvers into position to take candid photo.
• Estimates or measures light level, using light meter or creates artificial lighting with flash units, lights, and lighting equipment.
• Adjusts lens aperture and shutter speed based on combination of factors, such as lighting, depth of field, subject motion, and film speed.
• Determines subject-to-lens distance, using tape measure, range finder, ground glass, or reflex viewing system to adjust focus.
• Positions camera and trips shutter to expose film.
• May calculate variables, such as exposure time, exposure interval, filter effect, and color temperature using tables, standard formulas, and mechanical or electronic measuring instruments.
• May make adjustments to camera, lens, or equipment to compensate for factors, such as distorted perspective and parallax.
• May design, build, arrange, or secure properties and settings to be used as background for subject material.
• May direct activities of other workers.
• May mix chemicals, process film and photographic paper, and make contact and enlarged prints.
• May spot and retouch prints and negatives.
• May conceive and plan photographic sequence for effective presentation.
• May specialize in particular type of photography, such as illustrative, fashion, architectural, or portrait.
• May be required to have detailed knowledge of use and characteristics of various types of film, including specialty films, such as infrared.