53110

Photographers

TEER 3 — College diploma, shorter apprenticeship or 6+ months training

Express Entry skill level: Yes
Regulated in Québec: No
In demand in Manitoba: No

Classification

Art, culture, recreation & sport

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Definition

Photographers operate still cameras to photograph people, events, scenes, materials, products and other subjects. They are employed by photographic studios, newspapers, magazines, museums and government, or they may be self-employed.

Main duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Study requirements of a particular assignment and decide on type of camera, film, lighting and background accessories to be used
Determine picture composition, make technical adjustments to equipment and photograph subject
May operate scanners to transfer photographic images to computers
May operate computers to manipulate photographic images
May adapt existing photographic images and create new digitized images to be included in multimedia/new media products
May use delicate instruments, such as optical microscopes attached to cameras
May process exposed film
May use airbrush, computer or other techniques to retouch negatives
Medical photographers may work closely with medical illustrators.
Photographers may specialize in areas such as portrait photography, commercial photography, scientific photography, forensic photography, medical photography, digitized photography, multimedia photography or photojournalism.

Example job titles

•aerial photographer
•commercial photographer
•forensic photographer
•industrial photographer
•photographer
•portrait photographer
•scientific photographer

Overview

Under the Canadian National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, professional photographers are classified under NOC code 53110. This TEER 3 occupation includes individuals who operate still cameras to photograph people, events, scenes, materials, and products. Photographers may work as employees in photographic studios, advertising agencies, government departments, and media outlets, or they may operate their own self-employed businesses. Core duties include composing shots, adjusting technical settings, managing lighting, and performing digital post-processing and editing.

To immigrate to Canada under NOC 53110, candidates must satisfy both the general immigration criteria and specific occupational requirements. Typically, entry into this field requires a college diploma in photography or specialized training, along with a portfolio demonstrating creative and technical proficiency. Eligible applicants can pursue permanent residency through programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program under Express Entry, various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), or self-employed pathways, provided they meet language, education, and work experience thresholds.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute official legal or immigration advice. Please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) or a regulated Canadian immigration professional for official guidance tailored to your specific situation.

Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.

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Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.