Photographer
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours, but may work irregular and long hours, including evenings and weekends
- Usually work in studios, offices and outdoors in various locations and may travel locally, nationally or internationally
- Need to be creative, accurate and communicate well
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Set up still or video cameras or related equipment
- Determine technical requirements of productions or projects
- Convert data among multiple digital or analogue formats
- Operate still or video cameras or related equipment
- Create computer-generated graphics or animation
- Apply finishes to artwork, crafts, or displays
- Maintain records, documents, or other files
- Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products
- Review art or design materials
- Confer with clients to determine needs
Outlook
Photography continues to evolve as digital tools, artificial intelligence and social media reshape how visual content is created and shared. In New Zealand and globally, demand for high-quality images remains important across marketing, media, events and online platforms. New technologies are expanding creative possibilities, while photographers are increasingly combining technical expertise with digital content production and visual storytelling.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Creativity and visual storytelling ability
- Strong attention to detail
- Confidence using cameras and editing software
- Good communication and client relationship skills
- Time management and organisation skills
- Adaptability to new technologies and trends
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Content is reviewed by our experts, but information can change over time. Some content is created with AI support.
This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.