Photographer Courses
Photographers capture images for events or clients, specialising in various styles while using creative techniques and equipment to meet briefs.
AI Exposure
Low

Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Photographer
Get qualified to work as a Photographer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
The Master of Arts Photography is for established photographers wanting to explore photographic culture, theory and practice at an international level. As a student of this 18 month course you will have access to an impressive list of mentors and lecturers, while furthering your career in photojournalism, photo art, documentary, commercial photography, photobook publishing, and curation.
Enquire now for the full list of mentors, study options, and enrolment dates.
Career opportunities
CUA31120
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus
Work alongside a professional photographer or just indulge your personal creativity and love of photography with the CUA31120 Certificate III in Visual Arts. This nationally recognised training course will help you develop a creative arts practice and teach you how to produce commercial grade photographs. Over 6 months you will be: exploring the use of colour, extending your critical thinking skills, producing digital images, producing prints, using wet darkroom techniques to produce monochrome photograph...
Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus
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CUA41120
Duration
9 months - 12 months
Study mode
Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Get started in professional photo editing with the Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging (CUA41120). This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to capture, process, and enhance photo images in response to a professional project brief. The course covers: photo imaging industry knowledge, applying lighting techniques, undertaking project work, storing and maintaining finished creative work, work health and safety. Enquire now for upcoming course enrolment dates, and the full lis...
Career opportunities
Duration
9 months - 12 months
Study mode
Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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CUA50920
Duration
12 months - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Become a professional photographer with the CUA50920 Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging. This nationally recognised qualification will teach you how to run your own photography business, producing innovative digital images then displaying them for sale or in art exhibitions. During your studies you’ll have the opportunity to gain skills in wedding photography, portraiture, stock photos, eCommerce, commercial photos, drone technologies, monetisation, client and project work, creative collaborations...
Career opportunities
Duration
12 months - 18 months
Study mode
Blended, Distance, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Photographer.
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.

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

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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More information
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.
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