How to become a Photographer

Operates a still camera to take photographs.

Main tasks

• Plans and prepares for photography sessions
• Organises, sets up and adjusts camera equipment, lighting and props
• Directs and guides individuals or groups for desired poses
• Composes and frames shots to capture subjects and emotions
• Edits and enhances photographs using software
• Maintains and organises photography equipment and studio
• May print, mount and present photographs in various formats

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA60720); Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging (CUA50920); Diploma of Visual Arts (CUA51120); Advanced Diploma of Creative Product Development (CUA60420); Certificate III in Screen and Media (CUA31020); Certificate IV in Photography and Digital Imaging (CUA41120); Certificate IV in Screen and Media (CUA41220)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $95,680 a year
• About 15,200 people work in this job group now, and about 17,200 are projected by 2035. (+12.8%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Gallery or Museum Technician
• Library Technician
• Audio Engineer
• Broadcast Technician
• Camera Operator (Film, Television or Video)
• Lighting Technician

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Photographer?

Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts; Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging.

How much does a Photographer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $95,680 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Photographer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 13% by 2035, from about 15,200 to about 17,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Photographer?

Not always. 38% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Advanced Diploma of Visual Arts; Diploma of Photography and Digital Imaging.

Will AI change the work of a Photographer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04