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3N074 Career Guide

Air Force

3N074: Still Photographer

Career transition guide for Air Force Still Photographer (3N074)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 3N074 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Photographer

$50K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Build a strong portfolioMarketing and business skills

Digital Imaging Technician (DIT)

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced color correctionVideo workflow knowledgeData management best practices

Multimedia Specialist

$68K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Video editingGraphic designWeb design

Remote Sensing Technician

$62K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)Remote sensing software proficiencyData analysis

Technical Writer

$75K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced writing and communication skillsSoftware documentationKnowledge of specific industry (e.g., technology, engineering)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 3N074 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

As a photographer, you constantly assess your surroundings, whether in a controlled studio or a dynamic combat environment. You anticipate challenges related to lighting, positioning, and security to capture the best possible images.

This translates directly to an ability to quickly grasp the nuances of any environment, foresee potential problems, and adjust your approach accordingly. You're adept at understanding how different elements interact within a system.

Resource Optimization

You are responsible for selecting the right equipment (cameras, lenses, lighting) and managing resources (time, budget) effectively to achieve photographic objectives. You must make efficient use of what's available.

Your ability to choose the best tools for the job and manage resources efficiently makes you highly effective at maximizing output with limited inputs. You understand the value of careful planning and execution.

Procedural Compliance

Whether following strict photographic protocols, copyright laws, or safety regulations, you adhere to established procedures to ensure consistency, legality, and safety in your work.

Your ingrained discipline and understanding of the importance of following rules makes you valuable in roles requiring accuracy, reliability, and a commitment to upholding standards.

Team Synchronization

You coordinate with pilots, aircrew, medical staff, and other personnel to achieve mission objectives. Your ability to communicate effectively and work as part of a team is critical to mission success.

Your experience working with diverse teams allows you to communicate clearly, understand different perspectives, and collaborate effectively to achieve common goals. You know how to integrate your skills into a larger effort.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

UX/UI Designer

SOC 15-1255

You've been trained to visualize concepts and understand composition to create compelling images. This translates directly into designing user interfaces that are both visually appealing and easy to navigate. Your experience coordinating with others ensures that your designs will meet the needs of diverse users.

Archivist

SOC 25-4011

You've been accessioning and managing images and other visual data. Your attention to detail, organizational skills, and understanding of preservation techniques makes you an ideal candidate for managing and preserving historical documents and artifacts.

Insurance Adjuster

SOC 13-1031

You've been trained to document scenes thoroughly, assess damage, and gather information to support your findings. Your ability to observe, analyze, and communicate effectively are crucial skills for insurance adjusters who evaluate claims and determine appropriate settlements.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Visual Information Course, Defense Information School (DINFOS), Fort Meade, Maryland

350 training hours9 weeksUp to 3 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Principles of Photography
  • Digital Image Acquisition and Processing
  • Camera Systems Operation and Maintenance
  • Photographic Composition and Lighting
  • Photojournalism and Storytelling
  • Image Management and Archiving
  • Combat Documentation Techniques

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)60% covered

While proficient in technical aspects, study portraiture, commercial photography techniques, and business practices.

Adobe Certified Professional in Photoshop70% covered

Focus on the latest features of Photoshop, advanced compositing techniques, and specific workflows related to graphic design or web design, depending on career goals.

Recommended Next Certifications

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot CertificateProject Management Professional (PMP)Certified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
EO/IR Camera Systems (Electro-Optical/Infrared)Professional DSLR/Mirrorless Cameras with various lenses (Sony, Canon, Nikon) and FLIR thermal cameras
Secure Image Transmission Systems (e.g., TacSat)Encrypted file transfer services and satellite internet communication (e.g., Aspera, SatPhone)
Night Vision Devices (NVDs)Enhanced low-light cameras and security systems
Digital Asset Management Systems (DAMS)Cloud-based photo and video storage and management platforms (e.g., Adobe Experience Manager Assets, Amazon S3)
Photographic Processing Systems (Darkroom Equipment & Digital)Photo editing software (Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom), Digital photo printers
Aerial Camera Mounts (Stabilized)Gimbal Stabilizers (DJI Ronin, Movi)
Medical Imaging Systems (Specialized photographic cameras and lighting equipment)Medical photography equipment

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