Sports Photographer Courses
A Sports Photographer captures images at sporting events for media or clubs, specialising in action shots and working flexible hours.
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 Sports Photographer
Get qualified to work as a Sports Photographer with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
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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10999NAT
Become a professional photographer and start your own photography business with the 10999NAT Advanced Diploma of Photography. This hands-on diploma is a mix of business management skills and advanced photography techniques that will serve you in the studio, on location, and during post-production. The course covers: advanced camera practice, compositing, drone photography, vlogging, product photography, social media content, advertising and eCommerce photography, studio lighting, digital imaging workflow,...
Career opportunities
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.
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Sports Photographer.
Common questions

How much does a Sports Photographer earn?
In Australia, a full time Sports Photographer generally earns $1,500 per week ($78,000 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 Sports Photographer?
The photographic industry has enjoyed strong job growth over the last five years. There are currently 17,100 professional photographers in Australia and many of them specialise as Sports Photographers. Sports Photographers may find work across all regions of Australia.
Source: Australian Government Labour Market Insights

How do I become a Sports Photographer?
If a career as a Sports Photographer interests you, 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. If you decide to further your study, you could enrol in a Diploma of Photography and Photo Imaging or an Advanced Diploma of Photography.
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More information
A Sports Photographer takes photos at sporting events for use by the media or by sporting clubs. You might specialise in one particular sport or you might cover a range of fixtures. Sports Photographers may be employed by a news organisation, a sporting club or they may have their own photography business. You might capture action photos, team shots or individual performance photos.
Sports Photographers need to be able to capture action images quickly. You’ll need to be available to work irregular hours including weekends and you’ll have to travel to a range of locations. Sports Photographers need to be skilled at different photographic techniques and should be able to use photographic software to edit their images.
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