AAPRS photographers work as Public Affairs Imagery Specialists providing high quality stills and video product to support public affairs communications objectives. These objectives can be aimed at either the internal ADF audience, the external Australian and international audience, or both.

The AAPRS photographers are required to meet an industry standard in their work, and must obtain a high level of competency in both photographic and video production. AAPRS photographers experience a high level of deployment, both in support of operations and exercises. Much of their work based around the activities of Army and ADF units and personnel in the operational (land, sea and air) environment. They generally work as members of small public affairs detachments, where the contribution of each individual is vitally important.

Duties

• Operate digital still and video camera equipment.
• Operate a suite of computer software packages in order to prepare, edit and manage both still and video imagery.
• Prepare appropriate stills metadata, video shot lists and use relevant electronic imagery filing systems.
• Operate satellite telecommunications systems in order to transmit stills and video product from remote locations.
• Maintain AIRN.

Employment Location

All AAPRS photographers are posted in Canberra, serving either in a Deployable Field Team within the 1st Joint Public Affairs Unit, or in the Directorate of Digital Media within Public Affairs Branch of Headquarters Australian Defence Force in Russell Offices.

Employment Training

Most AAPRS photographers are initially exposed to the profession as unit photographers while serving in another element of the Army. Their work as unit photographers provides an introduction to photographic skills and leads to their interaction with AAPRS personnel. All soldiers interested in joining the AAPRS undergo an initial employment assessment after which a decision will be made on suitability for formal training as an AAPRS photographer. If Corps transfer is offered and approved, soldiers continue with OJT and a formal professional development program.

Pay

AAPRS Photographers are classified as Pay Group 5.

Further Training

AAPRS photographers are required to undertake normal promotion courses, as well as various professional development programs.

Special Requirements

Base rank in the AAPRS photographer stream is LCPL.

Civil Accreditation

This category's courses meet the requirements for both civilian and military authorities and will make you eligible for:

• Certificate IV in Photography is granted to personnel (Photographers) on transfer as CPL to AAPRS on or after 1 Jan 1995.
• Diploma of Photography is granted to AAPRS personnel on being assessed a competent SGT on or after 1 Jan 1995.