If you’re an artistic professional or you aspire to be, you should consider a career in photography. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best companies for photographers, along with company reviews and salaries. We’ll also cover some tips for becoming a photographer for one of these highest-paying photographer companies.
What Is a Photographer?
A professional photographer captures high-quality images with digital cameras and edits the photos on a computer for high-end image production. They offer a wide range of photography services like magazine covers, content creation for business owners, graphic design, and images for an advertising agency. There are also opportunities for professional photographers to work for academic institutions.
Photographers handle the physical or digital image for editing. They also handle all the editing processes including adding colors, cropping, shading, lighting, adjusting sharpness, and removing objects to produce a cleaner image. Some types of photography include editorial photography and drone photography.
How to Get a Photography Job
Photographers require a lot of skill to work professionally. Most photographers have some education, even though it may not be a traditional degree. You can choose to start your photography business at home or get a photography job with a company. Use the steps below to get a photography job.
- Do a photography course. Although there are photography degrees in higher institutions, most employers do not require them. You can take photography courses to help you learn the basics.
- Get some work experience. Understanding the basics will help you gain some experience. Taking pictures of your friends and family can help you get started.
- Join a professional body. It is helpful to get tips from a fellow photographer. Joining a professional body for photographers is essential to keep you connected with other photographers. The American Photographic Artists (APA) is one to consider.
- Build your online portfolio. Your online portfolio should showcase your specialty as a photographer. You can post your best work on your website and direct your potential clients to check the online portfolio before hiring you.
- Apply for jobs. Think about the type of photography you’d like to specialize in and start applying for those type of jobs. It could be a freelance wedding photographer or a full-time family photographer. There are many types of photography you can specialize in.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Photography Companies
| Company | Salary for Photographers |
|---|---|
| CNN | $117,624 |
| Associated Press | $74,829 |
| New York Times | $48,321 |
| Amazon | $47,658 |
| NBCUniversal | $45,085 |
| The E.W. Scripps Company | $43,112 |
| Gannett | $39,953 |
| TEGNA | $39,017 |
| Tribune Media | $31,482 |
| Sinclair Broadcast Group | $25,743 |
CNN
CNN Worldwide is a news network accessible on satellite, cable, radio, the Internet, and wireless devices. It is accessible to over 200 countries and is a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. The company hires journalists, photographers, and business development professionals.
What Does CNN Pay Its Photographers?
The average annual salary of CNN photographers is $117,624, per year. However, the salary can range from $95,813 to $151,730, depending on a variety of factors. The figure is 62 percent higher than the national average and it comes with health insurance, a 401k, vacation, and paid time off.
CNN Reviews
The company invests in its employees and offers perks like health programs and a gym within the building. The workplace culture is respectful and the management cares about employees’ well-being. The work is fulfilling, but some people report that it may be difficult to move up the corporate ladder.
Associated Press
Associated Press (AP) is a news-gathering organization. It has bureaus in 120 countries and offers graphics, news, photos, and audiovisual services. People use this service through radio, print, the web, and TV. The company also hires journalists.
What Does the Associated Press Pay Its Photographers?
The Associated Press pays its photographers an average salary of $74,829, per year. This figure is 41 percent higher than the national average for this occupation. The salary range often falls between $72,569 and $78,352. Employees also get health benefits and paid time off.
Associated Press Reviews
This company retains its staff by offering employees a sense of family and comfort. It is an excellent place to grow long-term and offers flexibility, paid vacation, and sick days.
New York Times
NYT is one of the largest newspapers in the world. It also owns other newspapers like the Worcester Telegram, The Boston Globe, and Gazette. The company has readers in over 150 countries. New York Times hires reporters, customer care representatives, human resource specialists, and quality assurance analysts.
What Does the New York Times Pay Its Photographers?
The average annual salary of New York Times photographers is $48,321. This figure is two percent higher than the national average for the same job. The salaries often range from $43,672 to $179,649. The perks of this dream photography job include health insurance with high coverage amounts, maternity and paternity leave, employee discounts, and paid time off.
New York Times Reviews
The company offers a good work-life balance compared to other smaller agencies. The benefits make up for the relatively smaller salaries. The employees are skilled and collaborate well. It is an ideal environment for entry-level employees to learn and grow.
Amazon
Amazon is an American multinational ecommerce company. It offers digital streaming and artificial intelligence. This large company also hires engineers, sales representatives, web developers, and data analysts.
What Does Amazon Pay Its Photographers?
Amazon pays its photographers an average salary of $47,658, per year. Salaries can range from $35,700 to $82,309, depending on the skill level. Employees enjoy perks like healthcare and other insurance coverage, health savings, and flexible spending accounts.
Amazon Reviews
Amazon offers opportunities for growth. The salary may not be as competitive as other fields, but the perks are worthwhile. Employees do not have a dress code and work in a self-motivating environment, learning on the job through collaboration. The projects are also exciting and revolutionary.
NBCUniversal
This company is an entertainment and mass media conglomerate owned by Comcast. Besides photographers, it hires human resources personnel, production assistants, and administrative assistants.
What Does NBCUniversal Pay Its Photographers?
The average annual salary for photographers in this company is $45,085. This is four percent lower than the average for this job in the United States. It ranges from $40,837 to $91,334 per year and includes health insurance.
NBCUniversal Reviews
This company has well-informed management that ensures communication and fulfills employee needs in the workplace. Employees are motivated and enjoy benefits like a gym in the building, a sound security system, beautiful views, and a post office.
The E.W. Scripps Company
This company was founded in 1878 and has since been a leader in broadcasting. It has 61 stations that serve the community with local journalism. The company employs photographers, database engineers, content planners, and digital media managers.
What Does The E. W. Scripps Company Pay Its Photographers?
On average, employees earn $43,112, per year. This figure is slightly lower than the United States average for photographers. However, some perks of the job include medical insurance, retirement planning, adoption assistance, and tuition reimbursement.
The E.W. Scripps Company Reviews
This company has an inclusive and diverse culture. The environment is warm and welcoming, and managers do not micromanage staff. The work times are flexible and you can work remotely. There are opportunities for growth but some employees feel that compensation could be better.
Gannett
Gannett is a mass media holding company located in Virginia and the Washington DC area. The newspaper publisher has a large daily circulation and hires reporters, engineers, photographers, and accountants.
What Does Gannett Pay Its Photographers?
Gannett pays its photographers an average salary of $39,953 per year. This is 17 percent lower than the average for photographers in the US. The salary can range from $23,438 to $70,314, per year. It comes with vacation, paid time off, health insurance, and a 401k.
Gannett Reviews
Gannett allows its employees to be independent. It offers a 40-hour workweek lending itself to a healthy work-life balance. The workforce is diversified and the wage is liveable but it could be better. Employees also enjoy a rewarding working environment and editorial freedom.
TEGNA
This company offers digital media, broadcasting, and marketing services. It owns 64 television stations where it delivers the news to 39 percent of households in the United States.
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What Does TEGNA Pay Its Photographers?
Photographers in Tegna earn an average salary of $39,017, annually. This figure is 20 percent lower than the national average. The salary range is $33,394 to $68,068 per year and includes benefits like health insurance, paid vacation, and an impressive 401k plan.
TEGNA Reviews
The company is forward-thinking and employees are well-treated. It offers training materials to help employees master their work and the atmosphere is collaborative.
Tribune Media
Tribune Media is a media and television company. It offers television broadcasting nationwide. Besides photographers, the company hires directors, project managers, and human resource experts.
What Does Tribune Media Pay Its Photographers?
Employees of Tribune Media earn an average salary of $31,482 per year. The salary is 49 percent lower than the national average for photography jobs, which is $46,922. The annual salary range falls between $29,525 to $70,967, depending on your skill level and location.
Tribune Media Reviews
Tribune Media is a medium-sized brand so employees gain a lot of exposure. It encourages a good work-life balance, and management cares about the employees and their concerns. Although it doesn’t pay as much as other companies in its field, it offers a friendly working environment.
Sinclair Broadcast Group
Sinclair Broadcast Group is a media company that owns around 284 television stations in 89 markets in the United States. Some of its stations are located in Missouri, Washington DC, and Iowa. Other job titles in this company include newscast director, news editor, and production assistant.
What Does Sinclair Broadcast Group Pay Its Photographers?
The average salary for Sinclair Broadcast Group’s photographers is $25,743, per year. This sum is around 82 percent lower than the national average for photographers. The salary range is from $23,787 to $57,641, per year.
Sinclair Broadcast Group Reviews
The pay is quite poor and this is why it has a lot of negative reviews. However, the management of Sinclair Broadcasting Group communicates well with employees and makes employee-driven decisions. It is a good starting point for learners who are fresh out of college, but there isn’t much room for growth within the company.
Why You Should Become a Photographer in 2022
You should pursue a career in photography in 2022 if this is your passion. There are many photo editors you can download for free and practice with before financially investing in a more reputable one, such as Photoshop or Lightroom. Another way to start is by helping home-based businesses with digital content.
Many companies are looking for promotional material from photographers who deliver fast, high-quality, affordable visual content. You could end up working for a digital marketing agency, film production company, or as a film set photographer.
Best Companies for Photographers FAQ
The largest employer for photographers is CNN. This company is a multinational news broadcasting company. It is one of the highest-paying photography companies in the industry that offers many perks and benefits.
Freelance photographers earn the highest salaries as they can build their brand and specialize in high-paying fields. The highest-paying areas in photography include commercial, fashion, nature, and wedding photography.
Yes, photography jobs pay well. You can earn around $30,000 to $75,00. More experienced photographers earn up to six figures, per year. Your salary can increase as you increase your brand. Other ways of making top dollar include art photography, drone coverage, and visual content production. A lifestyle photographer also earns more than most.
The companies that hire experienced photographers are news outlets, ecommerce stores, department stores, and digital media companies. They take professional photos of products to increase profitability.
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