Print version Recommend this page Press release
23/ 2009
Bonn, 08.07.2009
Using the camera and the computer to creative ends: the training occupation of "photographer" is updated
Photographers today are required to demonstrate design competence allied with a high degree of technical know-how. They need to realise photographic concepts in a professional way whilst also according due consideration to such aspects as motifs, colours and lighting. The ongoing development of digital photography also means that photographers have to edit pictures via computer, process image data in an optimum manner so as to meet the respective required purpose and comply with prevailing legal stipulations relating to photography. All of these requirements have been taken into account in the updating of the training occupation of "photographer". The new training regulations, which have been commissioned by the Federal Government and drawn up under the lead management of the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) in conjunction with experts from the branch and the social partners, will enter into force on 1 August 2009. The federal states having been working in parallel to develop the skeleton curriculum for teaching at vocational schools.
The most important innovation is the setting of four new main focuses of training:
- portrait photography,
- product photography,
- industrial and architectural photography and
- scientific photography.
The aim of this differentiation is to make it easier for companies providing training to adapt such training to the respective company's existing main operational areas and increase training opportunities within the branch in overall terms.
Scientific photography represents a new and additional field of training in the occupation of photographer. It is particularly aimed at institutions from the fields of research, teaching and documentation, such as museums, forensics bodies or media centres at major clinics. This sort of institution deploys special imaging processes, including infrared or UV photography, in order to support scientific work. As in the case of product photography and industrial and architectural photography, scientific photography also involves acquisition of the skills needed to operate particular camera systems.
In portrait photography, on the other hand, specific value is attached to the photographer's relationship with his or her customer. Trainees learn to approach portrait customers with a particular degree of empathy and advise them in such matters as fashion and aesthetics.
Training contents are identical for all trainees during the first two years of training, and specialisation in one of the main areas does not take place until the third year of training. This enables photographers to work in all branches of photography once they have successfully concluded their training.
For further information on the updated the training occupation of "photographer", please visit the BIBB website at www.bibb.de/de/31955.htm (German language resource) or download the BIBB German language brochure "Neue und modernisierte Ausbildungsberufe 2009" ("New and updated training occupations 2009") free of charge from www.bibb.de/berufe (where some information in English is also available).
Points of contact at BIBB for further information:
- Gabriele Jordanski, Tel.: 0228 / 107-1772, e-Mail: jordanski@bibb.de
- Arne Schambeck, Tel.: 0228 / 107-2631, e-Mail: schambeck@bibb.de
