Photographer
OFO No: 343101
Other names for Photographer:
- Aerial Photographer
- Documentary Photographer
- Fashion Photographer
- Landscape Photographer
- Medical Photographer
- News Photographer
- Photo Finish / Post Production Photographer
- Photographer and Image Recording Equipment Operato
- Photojournalist
- Portrait Photographer
- Sports Photographer
- Technical Photographer
What is a Photographer?
A Photographer is a person who makes a living out of taking photographs (photos).
Photographers usually specialise in one area, for example:
- fine art (self expression)
- fashion (shooting models in exotic locations or in a studio)
- food (for recipe books, magazines etc)
- advertising (product shots, shots for magazines, internet etc)
- editorial/journalism (news: internet, newspapers etc)
- social photography (weddings and events)
- aerial photography (taken from a plane or helicopter)
- wildlife
- landscapes
- portraits etc
Photographer should have a natural sense of design and composition. They must be observant.
About 50% of professional Photographers are self-employed. The others usually work for a wide range of employers depending on which area of photography they have specialised in.
What does a Photographer do?
This will depend on what field you specialise in but here are a few tasks that you may encounter:
- works with clients to discuss brief
- looks for appropriate photographic subjects, locations and opportunities
- researches details and preparing for shoot
- works in different locations
- uses an extensive range of technical photographic equipment
- talks to models to put them at ease
- arranges still life objects, products, scenes, props and backgrounds
- liaises with other professionals, for example: graphic designers etc
- checks for quality and touches 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, for example: cropping, colour enhancing etc
- manages and markets the business
Are you … ?
- passionate about photography?
- familiar with cameras and how they work?
- good with composition?
- observant?
- a person with a good eye?
- detail orientated?
- good with colour?
How do I become a Photographer?
There are many courses you can do:
PATH 1
Higher Certificate in Photography: NQF Level 5
PATH 2
Certificate in Photography: NQF Level 4
PATH 3
Diploma in Photography
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Tshwane University of Technology
- University of Johannesburg
- Vaal University of Technology
PATH 4
Bachelor of Technology in Photography (BTech)
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Central University of Technology
- Durban University of Technology
- Tshwane University of Technology
- University of Johannesburg
- UNISA
- Vaal University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University
Many private schools around South Africa offer courses in Photography. Check your local area for Photography schools.
Here are a few examples:
- STELLENBOSCH ACADEMY OF DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY
- VEGA PHOTOGRAPHY SCHOOL
- CAPE TOWN SCHOOL OF PHOTOGRAPHY
- COLLEGE OF DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Photojournalist … or … Camera Operator … or … Food Stylist
Is becoming a Photographer the right career choice for me?
