Requires knowledge of photographic techniques, equipment, and processes. Familiarity with the Range and organizational activities and some artistic ability is needed. Uses standard equipment (including simple still, graphic, and motion picture cameras, video and television hand cameras, and similar commonly used equipment) and/or special purpose equipment (including specialized still and graphic cameras, motion picture production, television studio, and high speed cameras and equipment). Uses, as needed, a complex accessory system of equipment with sound or lighting systems, generators, timing or measurement control mechanisms, or improvised stages or environments, etc. Develop, process, and edit film or tape. Serve as a lead photographer to lower level workers, or perform work described at lower levels as needed.

Work of photographers at all levels is reviewed for quality and acceptability. Uses special purpose cameras and related equipment for assignments in which the photographer usually makes all the technical decisions, although the objective of the pictures is determined by operating officials. Conceives and plans the technical photographic effects desired by operating officials and discusses modifications and improvements to their original ideas in light of the potential and limits of the equipment. Improvises photographic methods and techniques or selects and alters secondary photographic features (e.g., scenes, backgrounds, colors, lighting). Many assignments afford only one opportunity to photograph the subject. Typical examples of equipment used at this level include ultra-high speed, motion picture production, studio television, animation cameras, specialized still and graphic cameras, electronic timing and triggering devices, etc. Some assignments are characterized by extremes in light values and the use of complicated equipment. Sets up precise photographic measurement and control equipment; uses high speed color photography, synchronized stroboscopic (interval) light sources, and/or timed electronic triggering; operates equipment from a remote point; or arranges and uses cameras operating at several thousand frames per second. In other assignments, selects and sets up motion picture or television cameras and accessories and shoots a part of a production or a sequence of scenes, or takes special scenes to be used for background or special effects in the production. Works under specialized guidelines and requirements of the subject, matter area to be photographed. Consults with supervisors only when dealing with highly unusual problems or altering existing equipment.