How to become a photographer
Capture images of people and moments on film or digital, either as an art form or for commercial clients.
Pathways to this career
- Complete a photography course. Choose from undergraduate degrees, vocational certificates, mentorships and private courses.
- Create and maintain a portfolio. This is your opportunity to showcase your skills, creativity and abilities. You will need a printed and digital portfolio whenever applying for work.
- Promote yourself. Photography is competitive, so don't be backward in coming forward. Show off your style on social media; network with like-minded people, and reach potential clients by developing your own website to showcase your work.
What does a photographer do?
Being a photographer is about much more than snapping pictures. Some photographers freelance for magazines and newspapers, or they’re employed full-time with these companies. Others run their own studios. Photographers may specialise in certain types of photography such as photojournalism, commercial photography, or weddings.Duties and tasks
- Capture and process images.
- Communicate with clients to truly understand their needs.
- Create final digital files or print images.
- Network and advertise to find new clients.
- Perform administrative jobs such as billing when necessary.
- Prep areas for photo shoots, disassemble these areas when finished.
Industry bodies
- Australian Institute of Professional Photography
- Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance
- The Creative Industry Skills Council
Related jobs
- Fashion Photographer
- Photographic Artist
- Photographic Processor
- Picture Framer
- Printmaker
- Sculptor
- Technical Photographer
- Visual Arts Painter
Discover related courses
Undergraduate CUR-FAV-DEG
Available majors
- Level 1 Major - Fine Art
- Level 1 Major - Visual Culture
- Level 2 Major - Fine Art
- Level 2 Major - Visual Culture
- Level 3 Major - Fine Art
- Level 3 Major - Visual Culture
Undergraduate USA-BDM-DEG
Undergraduate TAS-CAH-DIP
Undergraduate CUR-DDF-DEG
Bachelor of Arts (Digital Experience and Interaction Design) (Fine Art)
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