Job Responsibilities
As a photographer you will be hired to capture memorable moments at events. You could be hired for public or private events. An example of a private event would be a press conference and an example of a public event would be a wedding. You can do all sorts of events unless you’d like to specialize in a particular type of photography.
You’ll be expected to attend meetings with reporters and editorial. These meetings will be for ideas of upcoming photo shoots and the kind of stories to tell.
You’ll be expected to be knowledgeable about photo enhancing software like Photoshop to improve your shots. Use various photographic techniques and equipments to produce high quality images.
What to Study
Digital Photography: Comprehensive Certificate Course
Digital Photography: Certificate Course
Digital Photography: Short Course Certificate
What is a Photographer?
A Photographer is someone that specializes in the art of taking pictures. This can be done with a digital or film camera. They also make use of technological apps to assist them with editing images and videos. A Photographer can work in any industry that uses visuals and can even work for themselves.
What do Photographers do?
As a photographer you will be hired to capture memorable moments at events. You could be hired for public or private events. An example of a private event would be a press conference and an example of a public event would be a wedding. You can do all sorts of events unless you’d like to specialize in a particular type of photography.
How do I Become a Photographer?
You might think that becoming a photographer begins with picking up a camera, but this is not true. Like any job you are required to have knowledge about what you are doing before you do it. Becoming a photographer isn’t as hard as becoming a doctor.
Get your equipment– to go into photography you will need a few essential things, one being a camera. Even though you might not know how to use it, this will give you practice before starting your course.
Educate yourself– we have three photography courses that will give you all the knowledge you need to become a photography professional. Each course has its own entry requirements and are based on a level system.
- Digital Photography Short Course
- Certificate in Digital Photography
- Comprehensive Certificate in Digital Photography
Gain Experience– you have your qualifications and your equipment, gaining experience is very important. Do an internship at a photography studio or by shadowing a freelance photographer. After this you will know if you would like to pursue photography as a career or as a freelance job in your free time.
Build your portfolio– take as many pictures as you can. This will help build your portfolio and show your skills off to potential employers.
Network- this will build your contacts which would build your clients and the amount of work you get.
Benefits of Being a Photographer
Choosing a career can be a tough decision to make. Below are a few benefits that will help make this decision easier. Unlike corporate jobs, everyday as a photographer is not the same. This benefit is just one of the reasons why photography has become so popular.
Travel
As a photographer, you won’t have a set workload like an accountant. You can travel around the world and still work. All you will need is your equipment and your passion.
Job Creativity
There aren’t any rules or guidelines to photography. You simply find art in what you like. This means that you can be as creative as you want. Most famous photographers are recognised for their unique artistry.
No age Limit
No one is ever too old to become a creator. The same rule applies to being a photographer. All you need is a good qualification, experience and talent. This career can be started at any age at any time in your life.
How Much do Photographers Earn?
What you earn as a photographer depends on three things: experience, skills and level you are at in your career. An entry level (beginner) photographer with least experience can earn up to R12,800 a month. The more you refine your skills and gain more experience the more you can earn.
Here are the average estimated earnings for a photographer in South Africa:
- Lowest – R12,800
- Average- R27,200
- Highest- R40,200
These numbers were correct at the time this article was written.
Career Opportunities as a Photographer
You will now see that because of how much freedom you will have in this career, there are tons of job opportunities for you. These opportunities range from freelance work to working in a marketing department. Below are a few various opportunities you might come across in your career as a photographer.
Here are a few examples of different kinds of photography:
- Portrait
- Commercial
- Photojournalist
- Freelance
- Fashion
Ready to Kickstart Your Career With our Course?
Contact one of our expert course advisors and sign up today!
- Call us for free on 0800 39 00 27
- Fill in this registration form
- Chat to us on Whatsapp on 082 318 889
Author: Tia Sauls
Last Update: August 21, 2020