Photographers may do some or all of the following:

• discuss ideas with clients to understand their aims, and make suggestions
• look for ideas for pictures
• decide what method of photography and type of equipment to use
• organise and set models to photograph
• arrange camera, lights, the setting and subjects
• find any props required
• take photographs
• develop and print photographs on a film camera, or give a commercial laboratory instructions for photo processing
• scan photographs into a computer
• download digital images from the camera onto a computer, then edit and adjust them and print proof sheets
• save photos onto a CD-ROM or DVD, or email them to their client
• restore old photographs
• mount and frame photographs
• set up exhibitions
• take photographs for supplying to picture libraries
• run their own businesses.

Photographers may specialise in the following areas:

• social photography – including weddings or portraiture
• schools photography – including large group photos or portraiture
• advertising and editorial – for magazine or newspaper articles, stories or reports
• fashion photography – for magazines or agencies
• corporate and commercial photography – for marketing reports and brochures
• medical, forensic and scientific photography – for police and medical reports that need accurate images
• press and photojournalism – for recording events and the people involved in them
• photographic art – for galleries and art sales
• aerial photography – for mapping or private use.

Many photographers in New Zealand specialise in a number of areas to raise their income.