Photographer

A Photographer takes photos to record important events or for clients to purchase. You might specialise in a particular type of photography such as news, fashion or weddings or even take artistic shots such as landscapes or urban scenes. Photographers liaise with clients to determine what type of photos they want and use cameras and lighting equipment to capture the required images. You’ll adjust images and may use creative techniques before printing images as required.

Photographers need to be creative and be skilled in taking, manipulating and printing images. You’ll need to communicate with clients and be able to work to a photographic brief. Depending on your role, you may have to work irregular hours or on weekends. Photographers need to able to capture images quickly and use a range of photographic techniques to produce a quality shot.

Future demand Low
Average yearly income $68,276
Skill level Advanced

How do I become a photographer?

All skill levels Beginner Experienced
Recommended

Master of Arts Photography
Blended
18 months
$45,900
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Photographer Sports Photographer Photojournalist
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Photographer Sports Photographer Photojournalist

Bachelor of Photography
Blended
36 months
$38,700
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Photographer Photojournalist
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Photographer Photojournalist
CUA41120

Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
6 - 12 months
$0 - $10,920
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Photographer Sports Photographer Wedding Photographer
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Photographer Sports Photographer Wedding Photographer
CUA50920

Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
12 - 14 months
$0 - $17,340
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Photographer Fashion Photographer Portrait Photographer
Sports Photographer Wedding Photographer
+ 2 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Photographer Fashion Photographer Portrait Photographer Sports Photographer Wedding Photographer + 2 more
10999NAT

Advanced Diploma of Photography
Blended
48 months
$29,130
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Fashion Photographer Photographer Portrait Photographer
Sports Photographer Wedding Photographer Photojournalist
+ 3 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Fashion Photographer Photographer Portrait Photographer Sports Photographer Wedding Photographer Photojournalist + 3 more

Bachelor of Arts (Photography)
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $12,372
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Photographer Photojournalist Magazine Stylist
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Photographer Photojournalist Magazine Stylist

Bachelor of Arts (Visual Arts)
Blended, On Campus
3 years
$0 - $50,976
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Art Director Photographer Multimedia Designer
Illustrator Digital Artist Art Technician Design Teacher Art Dealer Arts Writer
+ 6 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Art Director Photographer Multimedia Designer Illustrator Digital Artist Art Technician Design Teacher Art Dealer Arts Writer + 6 more

Bachelor of Fine Arts
On Campus
3 years
$0 - $106,800
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Illustrator Photographer Art Director
Fine Artist Freelance Artist Art Technician Senior Curator Set Designer Art Teacher Gallery Curator
+ 7 more
  • There are no mandated entry requirements.
Additional requirements may apply.
Illustrator Photographer Art Director Fine Artist Freelance Artist Art Technician Senior Curator Set Designer Art Teacher Gallery Curator + 7 more
*Showing course fees for all providers. Some providers may not be available in your area.

Related occupations

Wedding Photographer

A Wedding Photographer captures photos during ceremonies and receptions, edits images, and collaborates with couples to meet their photography needs.

Avg yearly income $62,400
Skill level Advanced

Fashion Photographer

A Fashion Photographer captures images of models wearing clothing or accessories, collaborates with clients, and uses creative techniques to edit photos.

Avg yearly income $90,740
Skill level Advanced

Portrait Photographer

A Portrait Photographer captures high-quality images of individuals or groups, tailoring shoots to client needs and using various techniques and equipment.

Avg yearly income $55,016
Skill level Advanced

Common questions

How much does a Photographer earn?

In Australia, a full time Photographer generally earns $1,313 per week ($68,276 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

What are the job opportunities for a Photographer?

The number of people working in this industry has grown strongly in recent years. There are currently 17,100 professional Photographers in Australia compared to 12,000 five years ago. Photographers may find work across all regions of Australia.

Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

How do I become a Photographer?

To become a professional Photographer, consider the Certificate IV in Photography and Photo Imaging. You’ll develop the skills you need to take professional photos with topics including working to a brief, lighting techniques and enhancing and manipulating images. You might decide to further your study with a Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging or an Advanced Diploma of Photography.

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Courses.com.au Team Industry expert

Further reading

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