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)
Step up your career with these resources
How to negotiate a higher salary
Not sure what to say when negotiating your salary? Follow these tips from career strategist Kelly Magowan next time you need to make your case with an employer.
Is a career in project management right for you?
Do you get a kick out of thinking big and getting things done? You could make a great project manager.
Are microcredentials worth it?
You can study a microcredential in just about any industry, from healthcare and education to business and marketing. Here’s why these skills-based short courses are worth your time.
5 qualities that make you a leader vs a manager
While managers dole out tasks, leaders take things a step further by inspiring everyone around them. Discover how you can become this kind of leader, no matter where you work.
We're here to guide you there
Our student advisors can assist you with enrolment, help you plan your studies, and answer questions about how studying through Open Universities Australia can get you from where you are today, to where you want to be tomorrow.