Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Photographer.

Job Title - Photographer

Description

A Photographer uses cameras to record people, places, objects and events on film or electronically. Using their knowledge of design and composition, images are selected to obtain the desired effect. Most photographers use the same basic equipment, but may specialise in a particular area of photography.

Typical Job Activities

Works with clients to discuss brief
Looks for appropriate photographic subjects, locations and opportunities
Researches details and preparing for shoots
Works in different locations
Uses an extensive range of technical photographic equipment
Arranges still life objects, products, scenes, props and backgrounds
Liaises with other professionals, e.g. graphic designers
Checks for quality and touching up on the computer where needed
Keeps up to date with industry trends and developments and new techniques
Develops their own skills to enhance images, e.g. cropping, colour enhancing, etc.
Manages and markets the business

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Related Occupations

Photojournalist
Camera Operator

Educational Requirements

Senior National Certificate
A 3 year National Diploma and a BTech in Photography can be done at most universities of technology

Many private schools around South Africa offer courses in Photography

Compulsory subjects: None
Recommended subjects: Visual Arts, Mathematics, Physical Science

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Be creative and imaginative
Be artistic
Be patient and accurate
Be able to put people at ease in front of the camera
Be able to initiate and maintain pleasant human relations
Be able to react and decide quickly
Be able to do detailed work
Have manual dexterity
Have good health and physical stamina
Have good vision and colour sense
Have organizational skills and business sense

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Employment Opportunities

Moderate

Market Competitiveness

Moderate

Income Potential

Moderate

Self-Employment Opportunities

Moderate

International Employment Market Opportunities

Moderate

Possible Employers

Portrait and commercial photography studios
Newspapers and magazines
Advertising agencies
Some large companies and industries
Hospitals and researcher institutions
Film industry
Government departments
Self-employed: Own studios or freelance work

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Relevant Contact Details

Cape Town School of Photography
www.ctsp.co.za

College of Digital Photographer
www.codp.co.za

GEGA Photography School
www.vegaschool.com

Working conditions

Doing detailed work
Sometimes working irregular hours
Working weekends, evenings and holidays
Being away from home for long periods

Career Progress and Path

Further Studies in the specific career field
Further studies in related fields
Experience in specific field
Further on-the-job training
Work performance

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field
Management positions in the specific field
Management positions in related fields
Own studio/ freelance

Employment Stability

Moderately stable  

Reasons to consider this career

A job in government
A job in private companies
To start my own business
To work with my hands
To work with technology
To learn new things
To be of service to people
To make money
To work flexible hours
To work locally
To work internationally
To apply my special skills