Photographer, audio-visual, or broadcasting equipment operator - requirements

As a photographer, audio-visual or broadcasting equipment operator, you’ll make high-quality visuals and sound for a wide range of projects. Learn more about a career in photography, audio-visual, and broadcast, find out what it involves and what you’ll need to study and do to get a role.

Know what you'll need to land a job below.

icon

What qualifications do you need to be a photographer, audio-visual, or broadcasting equipment operator?

A degree in art and design or technology will prove useful. Subjects to consider include:

Please note this is a beta version. We'll continue to improve our suggestions here so that we show you the most relevant subjects.

Do you need a postgraduate qualification to be a photographer, audio-visual, or broadcasting equipment operator?

Although it’s not essential to do a postgraduate course, it can help develop your skills and provide additional contacts and career opportunities.

Examples of taught MAs and research degrees at postgraduate level include:

  • Audio production
  • Audio technology
  • Creative technologies for live events
  • Digital music and sound art
  • Film, visual culture and arts management
  • Medical imaging
  • Post production edition
  • Sound design
  • Visual arts
  • Visual journalism and storytelling

What skills do you need to be a photographer, audio-visual, or broadcasting equipment operator?

You’ll need both technical skills and a keen eye for detail to work as a photographer, audiovisual or broadcasting equipment operator.

Hard skills usually include:
  • Operating a camera
  • Photography
  • Image editing
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Videography
Soft skills include:
  • Enthusiasm
  • Marketing
  • Customer service
  • Communication
  • Detail-oriented

Do you need work experience to be a photographer, audio-visual, or broadcasting equipment operator?

The more experience you can gain working on different projects, setting up and using photography, audio, visual and computer equipment, the better. If you study a related course, you should gain technical skills that you can demonstrate to employers. They may also want to see that you’ve worked on a set before.

Find your perfect career

Use our Career Matcher to see which industries and roles align best with your interests.