I’ve always been curious about how much does an NFL photographer make. After all, capturing the action in the biggest professional football league is a dream for many photographers. I bet it can’t be cheap! So I did some digging to get an answer to this mystery.
Well, before I get into the details of how much money NFL photographers make, let me say this: it’s not easy money. You really have to master your craft to be respected as an NFL photographer and even then, you might not make huge bucks. It’s a competitive market so don’t think it will be a walk in the park just because you’re an NFL photojournalist.
The average salary of an NFL photographer varies greatly and depends on a combination of factors, such as experience, position, and the team itself. According to a study done by Career Explorers, the average salary of an NFL photographer is somewhere in the ballpark of $40,000-$60,000. That’s not a bad wage for the average person, but probably not enough to live the lavish life of a pro athlete.
But because the rate of an NFL photographer varies so much, there is still potential for making big bucks. In some cases, photographers can make up to $100,000 per year! That’s an incredible wage for anyone, no matter what job they do. Obviously, only the most experienced and talented photographers get to make these kinds of wages, so don’t just rush into it expecting to make 6-figure salaries.
Obviously, NFL photojournalists have to know more than just the basics of photography. Not only do they have to be knowledgeable about a wide range of cameras, lenses, lighting, and editing software, they also have to understand the sports industry. Knowing the rules and regulations of the game, as well as understanding the culture and psychology of the players, will put you in a better position to be successful.
The job of an NFL photographer also requires a great deal of research before games and practice sessions. They have to research players and teams, create storyboards, scout out the perfect locations, and prepare their setups. These tasks can take a great deal of time and effort, and photographers must be willing to put in the hours necessary to get the job done.
The job of an NFL photographer also comes with the added responsibility of knowing the rules and regulations of the league. Not only do photographers have to be aware of the rules in terms of taking pictures, but they also have to stay aware of the type of content they’re putting out. The league is very strict about what type of images can and can’t be used in their coverage, so making sure you’re abiding by those rules is a must.
In short, becoming an NFL photographer is not an instant ticket to riches. But the potential to make some decent money is there, as long as you’re willing to work hard and be knowledgeable about the sport and the league. And of course, practice makes perfect!
Being an NFL photographer can be a very rewarding job. You get to witness some of the most incredible moments in the sport, such as the Super Bowl, the Draft, and the Pro Bowl. You also get to travel and experience different cities and cultures. Being close to the action and being able to capture those moments is something that very few people are able to do, and it can be a very satisfying experience.
At the end of the day, the average salary of an NFL photographer is hard to nail down. With so many variables that affect compensation, the wages of these photojournalists can vary drastically. That said, with the right experience and the right attitude, this job can be extremely rewarding and even lucrative.