Photographer Career Profile | Career Advice and Help Australia CareerNav

Photographer *

Last modified: November 07, 2011, 01:25 PM

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This is an ideal career for a creative thinker. A photographer will operate a camera and any special lighting equipment to take photographs of a range of different subjects. You work out the optimum camera angle, maximise available natural light or enhance subjects with special lighting equipment. Often you need to utilise your interpersonal skills to draw out the best from your subjects. You also give technical advice and recommendations on matters such as locations, relevant props, subject colour and whether models are used

Typical Career Progression

	Position	Remuneration	Experience	Education
Start Position	Trainee	$30,000 to $45,000	Basic camera skills	Nil
1st Promotion	Assistant	$45,000 to $60,000	Intermediate camera & lighting skills	Trainee experience
2nd Promotion	Junior Photographer	$60,000 to $90,000	Advanced camera & lighting skills. Good interpersonal communication skills	Experience as an assistant
3rd Promotion	Senior Photographer	$90,000 to $130,000	Superior photograpic, interpersonal and business management skills	Experience as a junior photographer
4th Promotion	Master Photographer	$130,000 to $250,000	All of the above plus more. Master skills achieved and recognised by industry professionals	Recognition granted by the AIPP or similar body

*The above table is to be used as a guide only

Typical Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Trainee	Develop competent use of the respective camera, lighting and studio equipment in consultation with the supervising photographer. Customer liaison and assistance. Support Photographer and or assistants.
Assistant	Assist the Photographer in all day to day tasks in relation to each assignment, learning each time. Tasks such as equipment set up, camera loading & unloading (of film or digital media), computer usage for image processing, lighting or reflector placement and positioning. Customer liaison, communication and assistance.
Junior Photographer	Assist the Photographer in major assignments, learning all key details of a unique or major shoot. Tasks such as shoot planning and set up, total equipment management. Responsible for props and or stylists & models. Computer usage for advanced image capture and processing, lighting management including placement and positioning. Attend smaller assignments solo or under the guidance and instruction of the Photographer. Customer liaison, communication and assistance to develop interpersonal skill.
Senior Photographer	The Photographer is responsible for or oversees the following • Customer satisfaction – ensure they go home with a great image and spent $$$$ • Coverage of all assignments – small or large • Manage, direct and train all photography staff • Inventory Management – manage or oversee all procurement • Equipment Management – good clean well serviced equipment = great images • Business Management – day to day running of the business eg all Financial aspects, Business Plans, HR (recruitment & training), Marketing (A&P), Capital investment. • The best customer liaison, communication to achieve total customer satisfaction in gaining either repeat business or a new business referral.

*The above table is to be used as a guide only

Career Path Options

There are many options for photographers. These include specialising in weddings, magazines, portrait, the fashion industry and sports photography. You can work for small or large companies providing photographic services to clients, either in a studio environment or on location. Product shoots, food photography are lucrative jobs.

Establishing your own photography business is challenging and rewarding. It will require financial capital, a sales mentality, determination, and a high commitment to hard work.

About the Author

Mark Childs

Freelance Photographer

My passion for photography has developed and grown over time allowing me to develop a unique style and warmth to my work. I continue to learn and develop my skills and always enjoy any photographic assignment no matter the subject or location. My areas of focus professionally has been landscape, food, and event photography (mostly equestrian) with a number of privately commissioned assignments.