Photographers

Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

• AI can speed this up on its own: 1 (3%)
• AI can speed this up with extra software: 21 (72%)
• Little or no AI speed-up: 7 (24%)

• Perform general office duties, such as scheduling appointments, keeping books, and ordering supplies.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
• 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 can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Create artificial light, using flashes and reflectors.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Determine desired images and picture composition, selecting and adjusting subjects, equipment, and lighting to achieve desired effects.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Transfer photographs to computers for editing, archiving, and electronic transmission.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Use traditional or digital cameras, along with a variety of equipment, such as tripods, filters, and flash attachments.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Manipulate and enhance scanned or digital images to create desired effects, using computers and specialized software.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Take pictures of individuals, families, and small groups, either in studio or on location.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Enhance, retouch, and resize photographs and negatives, using airbrushing and other techniques.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Estimate or measure light levels, distances, and numbers of exposures needed, using measuring devices and formulas.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Review sets of photographs to select the best work.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task · Seen in real AI use
• Determine project goals, locations, and equipment needs by studying assignments and consulting with clients or advertising staff.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Engage in research to develop new photographic procedures and materials.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
• Send film to photofinishing laboratories for processing.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Develop visual aids and charts for use in lectures or to present evidence in court.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Photograph legal evidence at crime scenes, in hospitals, or in forensic laboratories.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Write photograph captions.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task · Seen in real AI use
• Set up photographic exhibitions for the purpose of displaying and selling work.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Produce computer-readable, digital images from film, using flatbed scanners and photofinishing laboratories.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Employ a variety of specialized photographic materials and techniques, including infrared and ultraviolet films, macro photography, photogrammetry and sensitometry.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• License the use of photographs through stock photo agencies.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Develop and print exposed film, using chemicals, touch-up tools, and developing and printing equipment.AI can speed this up with extra software · supplemental task
• Test equipment prior to use to ensure that it is in good working order.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Set up, mount, or install photographic equipment and cameras.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Perform maintenance tasks necessary to keep equipment working properly.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Select and assemble equipment and required background properties, according to subjects, materials, and conditions.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Direct activities of workers setting up photographic equipment.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Mount, frame, laminate, or lacquer finished photographs.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
• Load and unload film.Little or no AI speed-up · supplemental task