Photographer

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Photographers operate cameras and lighting equipment to take photographs of people, places, products and other subjects. Photographers take pictures of people, places, products and other FutureGrowthModerate subjects for a  variety of reasons and uses. The subjects they photograph are as varied as the ways their work is used.

Some photographers take pictures of families, school groups or wedding
parties for people that want a lasting reminder of a particularly significant
time or event in their lives. They use all kinds of equipment and technology to create the right 'mood.' Other photographers take pictures to record particular scientific processes or to provide evidence in police enquiries. Here the ability to capture the 'reality' of the subject being photographed is more important than creating a certain mood.


ANZSCO ID & Description: 2113: Operates a still camera to take photographs. This occupation requires high levels of creative talent or personal commitment and interest as well as, or in place of, formal qualifications or experience.

Specialisations: Art Photographer, Fashion Photographer, Landscape Photographer, News Photographer, Photographic Artist, Portrait Photographer, Sports Photographer, Technical Photographer


Knowledge, skills and attributes Wedding Photographer

A photographer needs:

  • artistic and creative ability

  • technical ability with a wide range of photographic equipment and technology

  • a keen eye for detail

  • good communication and people skills

  • good time management skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines



Duties & Tasks

Photographers may perform the following tasks:

  • operate a range of cameras, lights and light-measuring devices

  • work out the required camera angle, light positions, exposure and composition

  • offer technical solutions to illustrative problems

  • advise on photographic approaches and the selection of locations, props, models and colour coordination

  • use computers for things such as image manipulation and the production of visual images in print or digital form

  • mix chemicals, process film and enlarge prints.

Working conditions

Photography is a competitive industry and many photographers work freelance. They tend to work in studios and darkrooms, but may also work outdoors in all kinds of weather conditions. Frequently clients dictate the work environment, especially for work involving weddings, birthdays or other large events.

Photographers may be required to travel and should be prepared to constantly be moving heavy equipment. Photographers stand most of the time and often carry heavy equipment. They may work on location or in a studio and sometimes in darkrooms when developing film.

Photographers that work in darkrooms handle chemicals during the developing process and must be aware of health and safety practices.

Tools and technologies

Photographers use cameras, lenses, lighting equipment, tripods and stands to take pictures, and computers, scanners, photographic paper and darkroom chemicals for processing. They also use specialised photographic software to modify and enhance photographs and often transfer pictures onto CDs or USB drives as well as printing photos. It can be helpful for photographers to have easy access to a car for transporting heavy equipment, especially if they freelance or take pictures offsite.
 
Education and training/entrance requirements

You can work as a photographer without any formal qualifications and get training on the job. However, entry into this occupation may be improved by obtaining a qualification in photography, photo imaging or photomedia.

The Diploma of Photo Imaging and the Advanced Diploma and Graduate Diploma of Photography can also studied as post-entry qualifications at TAFE.

You can also complete a degree in photography or photomedia.

 

Did You Know?

Photographer

The concept of the telephoto lens, in reflecting form, was first described by Johannes Kepler in his Dioptrice of 1611,
and re-invented by Peter Barlow in 1834.

(Source: Wikipedia)

Focal Length
(Source: Digital Camera World)


In 2012, the largest Telephoto Lens was the Sigma 200-500mm......
Giant Lens
(Source: Digital Camera World)

Photographer

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Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator

Director

Broadcasting Technician

3D Animator

Archivist

Librarian

Social Media Manager

Audio Visual Technician

Botanical Illustrator

Records Manager

Data Analyst

Casting Director

Podcaster

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator

Director

Broadcasting Technician

3D Animator

Archivist

Librarian

Social Media Manager

Audio Visual Technician

Botanical Illustrator

Records Manager

Data Analyst

Casting Director

Podcaster

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator

Director

Broadcasting Technician

3D Animator

Archivist

Librarian

Social Media Manager

Audio Visual Technician

Botanical Illustrator

Records Manager

Data Analyst

Casting Director

Podcaster

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator

Director

Broadcasting Technician

3D Animator

Archivist

Librarian

Social Media Manager

Audio Visual Technician

Botanical Illustrator

Records Manager

Data Analyst

Casting Director

Podcaster

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer

Illustrator

Director

Broadcasting Technician

3D Animator

Archivist

Librarian

Social Media Manager

Audio Visual Technician

Botanical Illustrator

Records Manager

Data Analyst

Casting Director

Podcaster

Journalist

Applications Programmer

Film Producer

Photographer

Web Designer

Cinematographer

Publisher

Graphic Designer

Multimedia Specialist

Newspaper Editor

Games Developer

IT Analyst

Radio Producer Presenter

Writer