Career Profile, Salary & Job Outlook —
What does a Music Photographer do?
Music photographers create visuals for musicians and artists. They collaborate with artist management to guide aesthetics that support and promote client brands. Photographers build visual narratives that accompany marketing and promotion efforts. They shoot live concerts, band promo photos, and portraits for media outlets, labels, and brands.
How much does a Music Photographer make?
According to Ziprecruiter, Music Photographers make a national average of $44,566 or $21.43 an hour (as of May 2022). In general, entry-level photographers make around $26,500 annually, with senior-level photographers making $51,500 a year. This wide range also depends on skill, seniority, company, and location.
What impact does this career have towards the music industry?
Music photographers are documentarians of the music experience. They capture moments that often go unseen and commit them to memory. Artist promotion is significantly impacted by creative visuals, and photographers are instrumental in building brand success.
What is the job outlook for a Music Photographer?
Analysts forecast that music revenue will more than double to about $131 billion by 2030. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job opportunities in photography (including music photographers) will grow at a rate of 17% during the 2020-2030 decade.
How to kick-off your career:
- Building a portfolio is essential. Offer to provide free concert photos to bands and publications to get started.
- Explore the Clive Davis Institute at NYU x Billboard’s Music Industry Essentials online course.
- Download Yellowbrick’s Ultimate Music Career Guide.
Learn from:
Tiffany Hardin
CEO & Founder at Gild Creative Group, Music Industry Essentials contributor
Related Careers:
Merchandise Coordinator | Catalog Marketing Manager | Media Relations, PR | Music Editor | Street Team Member | Social Media Manager | Album Cover Designer
