Description

The job of a commercial photographer is to photograph and document images which are often used in his or her company's promotional or advertising campaigns; these photographs may also be used in magazines, editorials, billboards, television commercials, and more. Aside from taking pictures for commercial use, these photographers may also be required to manipulate these images using computer software to achieve the company's desired feel and appearance.Commercial photographers may work on their own or on teams, and are often employed within a company's design department and report to a creative director. They should be able to take initiative on their own and work well independently, but also communicate effectively and have a creative eye for design. They should also be very tech-savvy and stay up-to-date with all of the latest trends in the industry.Employers of commercial photographers generally prefer those with extensive experience, a college degree, or a combination of the two. Prior experience is extremely important, and a portfolio of past work is always beneficial. Knowledge of, and experience with, industry-specific software is also recommended.The workdays of commercial photographers will vary, as they may work regular hours, late into the night, or even on weekends or holidays. It often depends on the company which employs them and the particular industry in which they work.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Commercial Photographer with 3-6 years of experience in Australia, your main responsibilities include:

  • Capture high-quality photographs for commercial purposes, such as advertising, marketing campaigns, and product catalogs. Utilize professional equipment and techniques to ensure optimal image quality and composition.
  • Collaborate with clients and art directors to understand their vision and requirements for each project. Provide creative input and suggest ideas to enhance the visual impact of the photographs.
  • Manage all aspects of a photoshoot, including pre-production planning, organizing equipment, and coordinating with models, stylists, and other team members. Ensure that all necessary permits and legal requirements are met.
  • Edit and retouch photographs using industry-standard software to enhance their visual appeal and meet client specifications.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Photographer, Commercial, the following qualifications are required:

  • Proficient photography skills to capture high-quality images that meet client expectations and effectively convey commercial messages.
  • In-depth knowledge of lighting techniques, composition, and editing software to enhance the visual appeal of commercial photographs.
  • Strong creativity and innovative thinking to conceptualize unique and engaging commercial photo shoots that align with client brand identities.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with clients, models, art directors, and other team members to ensure a successful commercial photography project.

Essential Skills For Photographer, Commercial

1

Image Processing

2

Adobe Photoshop

3

Technical Photography

Skills That Affect Photographer, Commercial Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Image Processing

10%

Adobe Photoshop

13%

Technical Photography

3%

Career Prospects

The role of a Commercial Photographer in Australia, with 3-6 years of experience, offers various alternative career paths to consider. Here are four alternative roles to explore:

  • Photo Editor: This role involves selecting and enhancing photographs to meet specific requirements, ensuring high-quality output for publications, websites, or marketing materials.
  • Art Director: As an Art Director, you would be responsible for overseeing the visual aspects of creative projects, including photo shoots, ensuring they align with the desired artistic vision and brand identity.
  • Social Media Manager: This role focuses on creating and curating visually appealing content for social media platforms, utilizing photography skills to engage and grow the audience.
  • Product Photographer: Specializing in product photography, this role involves capturing images of merchandise for e-commerce websites, catalogs, or advertising campaigns, showcasing products in the best possible light.

How to Learn

According to the latest data from Google, the role of a Commercial Photographer in Australia is projected to experience steady growth in the market. In the span of the last 10 years, there has been an increasing demand for photographers, particularly in the commercial industry. This trend indicates a positive outlook for employment opportunities in the future. With the continuous advancement of technology and the strong demand for visual content in advertising and e-commerce, it is expected that the need for skilled Commercial Photographers will continue to rise. Overall, the job prospects for Commercial Photographers in Australia seem promising.