Photographers work indoors in studios and darkrooms, and outdoors in different locations and all weather conditions. They may travel to take photographs and attend seminars and conferences – both locally and out of town.

Conditions may be stressful, as photographers have to work to deadlines.

Safety precautions need to be taken with chemicals used for developing photographs.

Equipment photographers may use includes:

• cameras, lenses, filters and films
• lighting equipment and tripods
• display albums or a portfolio to show clients or employers their work
• computers and scanners
• specialised software such as Adobe Photoshop
• film processors, enlargers and photographic paper
• specialised bags to safely and easily transport camera equipment
• darkroom chemicals
• a studio
• a car.

Photographers work long, irregular hours, as clients are often not available during normal working hours, which means photography sessions have to be run in the evenings and weekends. They often work overtime, and some photographers may also do shift work.

Photographers usually work independently, but interact with a variety of people, including:

• clients
• art directors
• journalists and editors
• celebrities
• public officials
• the general public
• photographic laboratory staff and suppliers.

Some photographers in a training situation may supervise small groups.