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How exposed to AI is a Photographer?

Of the 29 tasks O*NET lists for photographers, 1 could be done in half the time with a chat window today. 17 cannot be sped up at all. Here is which.

Exposure means published research judged an AI could halve the time a task takes, at the same quality. It does not mean the task stops needing a person. How to read this

Also called
Advertising PhotographerCommercial PhotographerGraduation PhotographerNewspaper PhotographerPhoto EditorPhotographerPhotojournalistPortrait PhotographerSports PhotographerStudio Photographer
Reachable today Needs software built first Cannot be sped up
29
tasks rated for this occupation
18%
hold a degree, from a survey of 22
38k
people do this job in the US
28 of 40
least protected in arts, design and media

Every task, and what AI can do with it

These are O*NET's task statements for this occupation, exactly as written, sorted into the three bands by the ratings behind this report. Nothing has been reworded.

Reachable with a chat window today

1
  • Write photograph captions

Only with software built on top

11
  • Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects
  • Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission
  • Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software
  • Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas
  • Perform general office duties, such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies
  • Review sets of photographs to select the best work
  • Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff
  • Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials
  • Set up photographic exhibitions for the purpose of displaying and selling work
  • Produce computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories
  • License the use of photographs through stock photo agencies

Cannot be sped up

17
  • Adjust apertures, shutter speeds, and camera focus according to a combination of factors, such as lighting, field depth, subject motion, film type, and film speed
  • Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors
  • Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments
  • Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location
  • Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques
  • Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order
  • Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras
  • Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly
  • Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions
  • Direct activities of workers setting up photographic equipment
  • Mount, frame, laminate, or lacquer finished photographs
  • Send film to photofinishing laboratories for processing
  • Develop visual aids and charts for use in lectures or to present evidence in court
  • Load and unload film
  • Photograph legal evidence at crime scenes, in hospitals, or in forensic laboratories
  • Employ a variety of specialized photographic materials and techniques, including infrared and ultraviolet films, macro photography, photogrammetry and sensitometry
  • Develop and print exposed film, using chemicals, touch-up tools, and developing and printing equipment
What this does not say

This is not a prediction about your job

Nobody surveyed an employer. Tasks are counted equally, so a percentage here is a share of the list rather than a share of your week. And the ratings were made in 2023, which makes every figure a floor rather than a ceiling.

It must never be used to select anyone for redundancy. The full limits are here.

Where to go next

This is the standard task list for the title. The useful next question is which of the tasks you actually do should go near AI, and which should not.

Sort your own tasks Read the full report

Exposure ratings from Eloundou, Manning, Mishkin and Rock, GPTs are GPTs: Labor market impact potential of LLMs, Science 384, 1306–1308, 2024, used under the MIT licence. This page includes information from the O*NET Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. People Team AI has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. Employment figures from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.