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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Photographer (Fotograf/in)

Fotograf / Fotografin

You design images, set up the lighting, shoot and retouch your pictures for clients. A 3-year training in a company and at vocational school.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2

LevelBaccalaureaterequired

Duration3 years36 months

GermanB2required level

Pay during training€900 to €1,300gross / month, during the training

The occupation in 30 seconds

What a photographer does

A photographer produces portraits, product or industrial photos from an image concept: they choose the equipment and lighting, take the shots, then retouch, enlarge or produce moving images.

Design

Devise an image concept for the client, and choose the camera, lens and type of lighting that suit it.

Shoot

Set up the light and photograph the subject, often in series: other lenses, angles or lighting.

Retouch

Process, retouch, enlarge or reproduce the images, and produce moving images where needed.

Is this occupation for you?Advantages and difficulties

This occupation is for you if…

you are creative and have a sense of image composition
you watch light and image details attentively
you are interested in camera technology and new trends
you like meeting a client's wishes

Less suitable if…

you do not want to work in a studio or at changing shooting locations
you dislike spending time retouching images on a computer
you dislike dealing with clients

Advantages

Paid training in a company
Creative work, from portraits to industry
An option to shape your own path
Progression to Meister or study possible

Difficulties

Varying locations and working hours
A lot of retouching on a computer
Technology changes fast: keep learning
The first months in German take effort

Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

A typical daySkills and qualities

08:30

Client briefingAnalyse a client's request and discuss the image concept with the studio team.

09:30

Preparing the equipmentChoose the camera and lens, then set the lighting to suit the subject.

10:30

Shooting the subjectPhotograph a portrait or a product, varying the angles, lenses and lighting.

13:30

Selecting imagesGo through the series of photos and keep the best shots for the client.

14:30

Retouching on computerCorrect the light, retouch and prepare the images for their final use.

16:30

Archiving and deliveryExport and archive the files and prepare the images for handover to the client.

Technical skills

Camera shootingStudio lightingImage retouchingImage conceptsMoving imagesImage archiving

Personal qualities

CreativityAesthetic senseObservationCustomer focusWillingness to learn

The training

How the Ausbildung works, year by year

In Germany you learn by working: this is the “dual system”. You are an employee of a company and a student at a vocational school (Berufsschule) at the same time.

3 to 4 days a week at the company

1–2 days school

Year 1

Photography basics

≈ €900gross / month

Client advice and image concepts
Cameras and lighting
First shoots

Year 2

Image and processing

≈ €1,100gross / month

Image processing in software
Narrative image series
Intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung)

Year 3

Option and finishing

≈ €1,300gross / month

One option, e.g. people, product
Image output and archiving
Final exam (Gesellenprüfung)

Gross monthly pay during the training. Source: ausbildung.de, fourchette 1ere-derniere annee communiquee par le client ; annee intermediaire estimee par interpolation lineaire, non verifiee independamment sur la page. These are averages: they vary by region, sector and collective agreement.

Exams and qualification

An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) takes place in the fourth half-year: a written part on planning and a practical shooting task with a technical discussion. The final exam (Gesellenprüfung) has five areas, including shooting people and objects, an option and economics and society. You obtain the Gesellenbrief, issued by the Chamber of Crafts (HWK).

Requirements and prospects

Applying, then moving on

What you need to apply

Education levelBaccalaureate level is required.

German levelThe required level is B2. Good technical vocabulary for the trade is a real plus.

Physical fitnessThe work takes place in the studio or at varied locations, outdoors, in companies or in halls: you carry and set up equipment and stay attentive to the light.

Documents to prepare

CV and cover letter in German
Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awaySkilled photographerWork in a photo studio, a press agency, a publishing house or an advertising agency.

With experienceGestalter im HandwerkSpecialise with the Gestalter (crafts designer) qualification, for more creative projects.

Longer termMeister or universityWork towards the Meister (master craftsman), which also allows study without the general baccalaureate.

Already B2? Take action

Already have German level B2 and looking for a training contract?

Employers in the “Crafts, design and creative trades” sector are currently looking for candidates in Africa on AZUFA.

Create your candidate profile, state your German level and the “Photographer (Fotograf/in)” occupation: companies recruiting apprentices can find you, and we follow your application step by step.

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Your pathway with Campus Germany

We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany

Four steps to move forward, all run by our own structures.

Check my eligibility

Take the test

Online on our website, or directly at our Douala office.

Talk to an advisor

Talk to our team

Call us, an advisor will answer.

Germany+49 (0) 7033 694 18 80 Cameroon+237 622 20 81 64

Need assistance

Prepare your German

DZK, our language centre

Our own language centre, in Douala. Elsewhere: partner centres, call us.

See the courses

Get the contract

AZUFA is always us

Our platform connects you with German companies recruiting apprentices.

From German A1 to the first day of training in Germany

A pathway in a loopEach step is run by one of our structures. You keep the same contact from start to finish.

1
Check my eligibility
Campus Germany
2
Talk to an advisor
Campus Germany
3
Learn German, from A1 to B2
DZK
Douala: DZK centre. Elsewhere: partners
4
Prepare the application file
Campus Germany
5
Find the company and sign the training contract
AZUFA
It is always us
6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Campus Germany
7
Prepare your departure and settling in
KAGEDEV e.V.
8
First day of training in Germany
AZUFA
It is always us

See the detail of the 8 steps

1. Check my eligibility (Campus Germany)
The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.
2. Talk to an advisor (Campus Germany)
Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.
3. Learn German, from A1 to B2 (DZK)
Courses adapted to your starting level, up to the required B2 level. In Douala at our own language centre; elsewhere, with our partner centres.
4. Prepare the application file (Campus Germany)
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
5. Find the company and sign the training contract (AZUFA)
We connect you with German companies that recruit apprentices, and follow your application through to the contract.
6. Prepare the visa and paperwork (Campus Germany)
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
7. Prepare your departure and settling in (KAGEDEV e.V.)
Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.
8. First day of training in Germany (AZUFA)
You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.

1
Check my eligibility
The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.
Run by Campus Germany
2
Talk to an advisor
Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.
Run by Campus Germany
3
Learn German, from A1 to B2
Courses adapted to your starting level, up to the required B2 level. In Douala at our own language centre; elsewhere, with our partner centres.
Run by DZK · Douala: DZK centre. Elsewhere: partners
4
Prepare the application file
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
Run by Campus Germany
5
Find the company and sign the training contract
We connect you with German companies that recruit apprentices, and follow your application through to the contract.
Run by AZUFA · It is always us
6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
Run by Campus Germany
7
Prepare your departure and settling in
Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.
Run by KAGEDEV e.V.
8
First day of training in Germany
You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.
Run by AZUFA · It is always us

Stay informed

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Our structures for this occupation

AZUFAOur platform for recruiting apprentices and skilled staff from Africa: matching with German companies through to the training contract.

Deutschzentrum KAGEDEV (DZK)Our own German language centre, in Douala. Outside Douala: partner centres.

Occupation brochure

Take this sheet with you

Two documents to read offline or show your family: the 5-page brochure (occupation, training, pay, pathway) and the one-page flyer with the essentials.

Occupation brochure

Occupation brochurePDF, 5 pagesDownload the brochure

Flyer

FlyerPDF, 1 A4 pageDownload the flyer

Frequently asked questions

You may be wondering…

What German level is required?

Level B2 is required. You do not need perfect German, but you must be able to follow lessons and understand safety instructions.

How long does the training last?

36 months, i.e. 3 years.

Am I paid during the training?

Yes. You receive a monthly pay throughout the training, and it generally increases each year.

Where can I take the eligibility test?

Online on our website, or directly at our Douala office.

Where can I learn German?

In Douala, at our language centre DZK. Elsewhere, at our partner language centres: call us to find the nearest one.

Does the job include video and generated images?

Yes: the training, reformed in 2025, includes moving images and software-based image generation, depending on the chosen option.

Can I choose a specialisation?

Yes: one option is chosen from people, product, architecture and industry, editorial and picture editing, software-based image generation or analogue photography.

In the same category

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Ready to find out whether this training is for you?

Take the test online or come and see us at the office. We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany.

Check my eligibility →Need assistance Write on WhatsApp

Germany+49 (0) 7033 694 18 80Cameroon+237 622 20 81 64

Douala office : Rond-point Maetur Bonamoussadi – Nice Cream building (4th floor), opposite the COGENI hardware store, Douala, Cameroon

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