Careers in Photography
Photography offers a wide range of employment prospects and career paths.
The industry is a dynamic one, but one that is also in the midst of upheaval as people move away from film photography and into digital photography.
Developments in digital technology have had a huge impact on the photographic industry causing many large and well established employers to reduce job numbers. At the same time, new technologies have offered small businesses and freelance photographers an opportunity to compete more strongly than ever before with larger and more established businesses and professionals.
In summary, photography offers lots of opportunity, but it is a rapidly changing industry, and to succeed, you need to stay up to date, and have the capacity to not only adapt quickly to new technology, but also be innovative in the way you apply it and the way you mover your career forward.
Photography is NOT a profession where you can do a course, get a job,
and be set for life.
It is continually changing, and you need to be able to change with it.
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Job Opportunities
Freelance Photographers
Eg. Wedding or portrait photographers; Contract Advertising or PR photography
Specialist Photo libraries
Often individual photographers who build up a collection of stock photos, which they sell to publishers, graphic artists, web site developers or anyone else seeking certain types of photos. Some will sell collections of stock photos on CD. Others will supply photos on request, or via a catalogue (printed, or on the internet. Eg. See our school’s service at www.webphotos.com.au)
House Photographer
Eg. Retained on a permanent contract or salary, by a business/organisation or business such as a newspaper or magazine publisher, advertising agency, tourist facility (eg. Theme park).
Photographic Manufacturers/Supppliers
Large manufacturers or suppliers of photographic materials or equipment such as Kodak or Agfa.
Photo Retailer
Photo shops employ photographers in sales, for studio photography etc.
Photo Artist
Some outstanding photographers have succeeded at developing a business selling their work through a gallery (retail outlet), or by developing a line of products such as greeting cards, posters, calendars etc.
Some photography graduates never succeed at achieving their ambitions and others do. Success is not just a matter of doing well in a course. It also requires persistence, an innate artistic ability and a creative free thinking personality.
Most graduates can get work in the industry, if they are prepared to initially (at least) accept any job they can find; but that may mean simply taking photos at restaurants of an evening, or being a part time sales assistant on the photo counter at a chain store.
Progression beyond such humble beginnings is a matter of both luck and ability. A qualification can help, but it is not always necessary.
If all else fails, a photography graduate can always start their own business; but to succeed in a business will require more than just the ability to take photos.
ACS is a Vocational School and Technical School; offering Online Training Courses in Photography. Learn about photography and career possibilities, by External Studies.