New Cohort Starts:

Donate

7472 Career Guide

Navy

7472: Photographer

Career transition guide for Navy Photographer (7472)

Translate Your 7472 Experience Now

Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.

Start Free Translation

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7472 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Photographer

$50K
High matchStable demand

Photography Assistant

$35K
Good matchGrowing demand

Digital Media Specialist

$60K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Social Media MarketingContent Creation

Marketing Specialist

$65K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Digital MarketingMarket Research

Photojournalist

$45K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Journalism ethicsAP Style

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7472 training built — and where they transfer.

Situational Awareness

Photographers in the Navy must constantly maintain awareness of their surroundings to capture images effectively while considering safety and operational constraints.

This translates to a heightened ability to perceive and understand the environment, anticipate potential issues, and make informed decisions based on real-time observations.

Rapid Prioritization

Navy photographers often face dynamic and unpredictable situations where they must quickly assess the importance of various shots, balance artistic vision with mission objectives, and adjust plans on the fly.

This skill allows for quick assessment of competing demands, efficient task management, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining focus on critical objectives.

Resource Optimization

Whether it's managing limited equipment, time, or access, Navy photographers must maximize the value of available resources to achieve optimal results, often under pressure.

This translates to efficient allocation and management of resources, creative problem-solving in resource-constrained environments, and a focus on achieving maximum output with minimal input.

Procedural Compliance

Following strict operational protocols is paramount in the Navy. Photographers adhere to safety regulations, chain of command, and mission guidelines to ensure seamless integration within the larger military context.

Meticulous adherence to established procedures, understanding the importance of compliance in achieving consistent and reliable outcomes, and the ability to navigate complex organizational structures.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

User Experience (UX) Researcher

SOC 19-3099.00

You've been trained to observe and document real-world scenarios with a keen eye for detail. As a UX Researcher, you’ll use those observation skills to understand user behavior and identify areas for improvement in product design. Your ability to adapt to dynamic environments and prioritize critical information is directly applicable to this field. You can also quickly iterate based on feedback.

Insurance Investigator

SOC 33-9032.00

You've developed strong observational skills and an understanding of procedural compliance. As an insurance investigator, you will investigate claims, document evidence, and determine the validity of claims, using your sharp eye and adherence to protocol to uncover fraud and ensure fair outcomes.

Market Research Analyst

SOC 13-1161.00

You're adept at observing and documenting situations, prioritizing critical information, and adhering to procedures. As a Market Research Analyst, you'll use these skills to gather and analyze data, identify trends, and provide insights to help businesses make informed decisions. Your ability to quickly adapt to changing circumstances will be invaluable in this fast-paced field.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Naval School of Photography, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL

720 training hours18 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in photography and visual communications

Topics Covered

  • Basic Photography Principles (Exposure, Composition)
  • Digital Imaging Workflow and Software (Adobe Photoshop)
  • Photojournalism and Storytelling
  • Studio Lighting Techniques
  • Operation and Maintenance of Photographic Equipment
  • Aerial Photography Techniques
  • Underwater Photography Techniques
  • Security and Handling of Classified Imagery

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Photographer (CPP)50% covered

Formal business practices, marketing, and advanced artistic techniques are areas requiring additional study.

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate40% covered

Specific FAA regulations, airspace restrictions, and weather theory related to drone operation need to be studied.

Recommended Next Certifications

Adobe Certified Professional in PhotoshopAdobe Certified Professional in Premiere ProCertified Digital Marketing Professional (CDMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Digital Single-Lens Reflex Cameras (DSLRs)Professional-grade digital cameras (e.g., Canon EOS, Nikon D series)
Various lenses (wide-angle, telephoto, macro)Interchangeable camera lenses (various focal lengths and capabilities)
Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro)Adobe Creative Cloud suite (Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro)
Video recording equipment (HD cameras, camcorders)Professional video cameras and camcorders (e.g., Sony, Panasonic)
Underwater Photography EquipmentUnderwater photography housings and equipment for cameras
ENVI image analysis softwareGIS software such as ArcGIS or QGIS

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 7472 experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free