Photographers
The short answer
Parts of this job are expected to change. AI can already assist with some of its tasks. In New York State, the number of these jobs is expected to hold steady over the next decade, with about 799 openings expected each year.
Where your job stands
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth for how much AI could touch it—right around the middle.
How much AI could touch this job
Looking at the job itself, AI could help with about a quarter of this job's tasks.
What this means
Compared with other New York jobs, this one is in the middle fifth, out of 656 jobs we could rank. Read more in the methodology.
What AI can and can’t help with in this job
The score comes from the real, day-to-day tasks of this job—not a guess about the job as a whole. Below are the tasks that matter most in this job, split by whether AI can help with them.
AI can help with or automate about 75% of the tasks in this job.
Tasks AI can help with or automate
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.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.
AI could help, but needs extra software
Tasks AI can't do much of
Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Direct activities of workers setting up photographic equipment.
AI is unlikely to speed this up
Jobs you could switch to
If you're thinking about a change, these are jobs your experience already fits—related work you could move into. Pick your area to see local options.
See related jobs in
The closest matches by the skills they use—each has projected openings in New York State, pays within reach of your job now, and is no more exposed to AI than your job. Each card shows what the move would take.
Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film
Very similar work+56% pay283 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays about 56% more—$96,026 vs your $61,731 here.
What the move takes
A step up—usually requires a bachelor's degree.
Getting ready typically takes one to two years.
Skills you already have
- Computers and Electronics
- Far Vision
- Near Vision
- English Language
- Visualization
New skills to build
- Telecommunications
Photographic Process Workers and Processing Machine Operators
Similar workslightly less pay86 openings/yrAbout as exposed as your job nowPays slightly less—$59,073 vs your $61,731 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Computers and Electronics
- Near Vision
- Customer and Personal Service
- Visual Color Discrimination
- Oral Comprehension
New skills to build
- Chemistry
- Operations Monitoring
Motion Picture Projectionists
Somewhat similar work+37% pay118 openings/yrLess exposed than your job nowPays about 37% more—$84,348 vs your $61,731 here.
What the move takes
Usually requires no formal educational credential, plus short-term on-the-job training.
Getting ready typically takes up to about a year.
Skills you already have
- Computers and Electronics
- Far Vision
- Near Vision
- Oral Comprehension
- Customer and Personal Service
New skills to build
- Mechanical
- Repairing
- Equipment Maintenance