Many people associate photographers with media companies: Newspapers, magazines and websites. In fact, professional, scientific and technical industries offer the greatest number of photo editor jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This fact alone presents a beguiling opportunity for a photographer to combine a passion for his craft with an industry for which he feels an affinity (or, to counteract hiring trends in his field, an industry that is flourishing).

Depending on the size of the organization, a photo editor may supervise a department of photographers or operate as a “department of one.” But he functions as part of a team, working alongside such professionals as reporters, editors, advertising representatives and anybody else who has a stake in the images at his fingertips and reporting to a creative or marketing director. Betterteam’s job description suggests that his technical abilities and collaborative skills must work in tandem as he:

Brainstorms creative concepts.

Manages production schedules.

Supervises (and often participates in) photoshoots.

Enhances and edits photographs.

Solicits feedback on layouts from his work team.

Hires and trains new staff members.

Negotiates contracts with freelancers.

Orders supplies.

Tracks industry trends.