Turn Your Passion into a Professional Photography Career in 2026

Join our 9-month photography course and gain hands-on training, a professional portfolio, and the skills to launch your career.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for individuals passionate about pursuing photography as a career. With 22 comprehensive modules, students gain practical skills, business insight, and creative expertise to confidently enter the professional photography market.

Whether you’re starting fresh or refining your skills, GETPIX helps you launch your photography career with clarity and confidence.

Student practicing outdoor wildlife photography during a GETPIX 9-month photography course, shooting from a bird hide for hands-on learning
Photography student examining her shot outdoors during GETPIX 9-month course, developing technical and creative skills in natural light.
Student developing technical skills in studio photography, mastering lighting, exposure, and camera operation on GETPIX course.
9-month GETPIX photography course student examining her newborn photo edits on a computer, developing technical and creative expertise.
Photography student reviewing a freshly taken commercial image with her subject, learning professional techniques in a factory setting.

Course Overview

Our programme combines hands-on practical training with industry guidance, ensuring students are fully prepared for professional opportunities. You’ll master camera techniques, lighting, composition, and post-processing while building a strong, professional portfolio.

Class Schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays | 10:00am – 12:30pm

Start Date: Monday, 9 March 2026

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

  • Confidently enter the photography market
  • Work as a freelance or professional photographer
  • Interpret photographic briefs across multiple genres
  • Creatively edit images using Adobe Photoshop & Lightroom
  • Understand market pricing and create professional quotes and invoices
  • Deliver a polished, professional portfolio
GETPIX photography instructor demonstrating studio lighting setup to students with models in a gritty factory environment.

Portrait On Location Photography


Guided Creativity in Action

In this dynamic workshop, students learn hands-on from their instructor in a unique, industrial setting, surrounded by the raw textures of an old factory. With broken windows and natural light streaming in, creativity flourishes as models in full makeup and fashion-forward dress pose for the camera. This immersive environment encourages experimentation, artistic exploration, and practical guidance, allowing students to develop both technical skills and their own creative vision under expert supervision.

GETPIX 9-month photography students taking a break in front of a vibrant graffiti wall during an urban photography session.

Street Photography


Creative Breaktime and Collaboration

During a hands-on urban photography session, our 9-month students pause in front of a vibrant graffiti wall they’ve been photographing. This is more than just a break — it’s a moment to reflect on their shots, exchange ideas, and discuss composition, lighting, and angles with their peers. At GETPIX, these shared moments are part of the learning process, fostering collaboration, creative problem-solving, and inspiration. Students return to shooting with renewed energy, a fresh perspective, and a stronger sense of their own artistic vision, all within a supportive and engaging environment.

Photography students at Afrikaburn gain real-time experience, learning to capture movement, light, and angles in unpredictable settings.

Photojournalism Photography


Capturing the Spirit of Afrikaburn

At Afrikaburn, media students gain invaluable hands-on experience, learning how to anticipate the unexpected and capture dynamic moments in real time. Shooting in this vibrant, ever-changing environment teaches them which angles work best, how to interact respectfully with performers and participants, and how to adapt quickly to shifting light, movement, and scenes. These immersive sessions help students develop technical skills, creative intuition, and confidence, preparing them to handle live events and unpredictable situations in their future photography and media careers.

Hands-on beginner photography course at GETPIX, mastering camera basics and building technical confidence from the first session.

Beginners Photography


Beginners Photography – Learning by Doing

Our beginners’ photography sessions focus on mastering the fundamentals while encouraging hands-on experience from day one. Students explore essential concepts such as ISO, shutter speed, and aperture, learning how each setting affects their images. Rather than starting with theory alone, participants immediately put their knowledge into practice, capturing real-life subjects and scenes as they learn. This approach builds technical confidence, sharpens observational skills, and instils a love for experimentation, ensuring every student develops a strong foundation while enjoying the creative process

Core Modules

Our 9-month course covers essential photography skills including:

  • Camera mastery and foundational techniques
  • Editing and post-processing in Lightroom & Photoshop
  • Specialised genres: Architecture, Studio, Wildlife, Wedding, Street, Corporate, and Portrait Photography, Baby and More
  • Marketing your brand and promoting your work online

Each module provides hands-on experience, practical exercises, and industry insights, ensuring you leave fully prepared for your professional photography career.

Contact us for the full list of modules

Jozi-Johannesburg photography. Students and instructor laughing , using their Canon, Nikon and camera external flashes. Street photography.

Small Class Size | Inclusive Learning | Personal Support


Small Class Size | Inclusive Learning | Personal Support


Photography students on a short photographic course in Benoni at GETPIX Photography. They are looking at their images on their cameras.

Required Equipment

To fully participate in the course, students require the following equipment:

  • DSLR or Mirrorless Camera (interchangeable lenses)
  • 18-55mm Lens (or equivalent)
  • 50–300mm Lens (or equivalent)
  • External Flash
  • Tripod
  • Laptop with i5 processor or newer and 16GB RAM

Having the correct equipment ensures you can shoot, professional-quality images, keeping pace with every module.


Photographic student learning Adobe Lightroom

Required Software

To fully participate in the course, students must have the following software:

  • Adobe Photoshop CC
  • Adobe Lightroom CC
  • Rapid Studio (free)

Important Notes:

  • Trial versions are not acceptable. Ensure all software is installed and functional before course commencement.
  • Latest versions are recommended, as all course notes and exercises are based on recent updates.
  • Adobe software can be purchased at www.adobe.com.

Having the correct equipment and software ensures you can edit, and present professional-quality images, keeping pace with every module.

Accreditation | Certificate | Proof in Print

GETPIX Photography has been training photographers since 2007, with over 17 years of experience and more than 1,700 successful students.

While we do not operate under SETA compliance and do not provide financial bursaries, students graduate with something far more valuable than a certificate: a hardcover A4 photographic book showcasing images created across all modules. This portfolio demonstrates your practical skills, creativity, and professionalism to future clients.

A certificate confirms completion, but your printed portfolio proves your expertise, helping you stand out in the professional photography market.

Successful students receiving their certificate from their 9 month photographic course at GETPIX Photography in Benoni, Ekurhurhuleni.

Explore a few of Paula Rutherford’s professional photography favourites at GETPIX - showcasing portraits, landscapes, and creative studio work.


Low down photograph of a mill dilapidated building with f/16 blue skies and fluffy clouds. Flowers in the foreground add interest.
Studio photograph. Man in studio portrait. Black and white photograph.
Wild Dog image. Taken at Olifants South.
Black and white image. Marievale Nature reserve. Good Textures.
Joburg Ballet. Ballet dancer on stage.
Tiger portrait taken by Paula Rutherford at Bird and MOnkey Park in Benoni.

How to Apply

We want to get to know you, your goals, and your aspirations, while maintaining open communication with your parents or guardians to support your learning journey.

Steps to Apply:

  1. Call us: +27 72 110 2873
  2. Email: paula@getpix.co.za
  3. Schedule a coffee and chat with our team — come in comfortable clothes, bring family or friends, and meet our friendly studio dog!

We take our time to ensure you feel welcome, supported, and excited about your photography journey.

ook Your Consultation

2 photographic students finishing their last Beginners Photography Course with GETPIX Photography at a practical outing
Wildlife photographic module with part time photographic students at Marievale Bird Sanctuary in Nigel.

Together – Let’s Start Your Photography Journey


Your photography goals are unique, just like you.


Together, we’ll explore your dreams, tailor your learning experience, and guide you step by step toward becoming a confident, professional photographer.

Together – Let’s Start Your Photography Journey


Your photography goals are unique, just like you.


Together, we’ll explore your dreams, tailor your learning experience, and guide you step by step toward becoming a confident, professional photographer.

2 good student friends at GETPIX Photography coming back from a practical photographic outing with his Nikon camera
Sechaba photographing his model in the photographic studio, with his Nikon camera at GETPIX Photography.
3 photographic students out on a photographic Beginners Course with Getpix Photography. They are reviewing their photographs.

Course Fee - R120 000

Deposit: R40 000

Monthly Payment : R16 000  (over 5 months)

Need to make payment arrangements - Let's discuss.

GETPIX career students taking a break whilst out on a practical photographic outing.

9 month students in Jozi


GETPIX students. Out on practical photographic outing at a mosque in Midrand. Using a tripod to get sharper focus.

9 month students at Midrand Mosque



STUDENT REVIEWS

Don’t just take our word for it - Hear from some of our amazing students

GETPIX photographic student taking a photograph of a cat.

HANDS DOWN ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING YEARS OF MY LIFE!

 

It was such a warm and lovely environment, I made friends for a lifetime this year. I've learnt so much. The laughs and fun were endless. I loved the fact that you are taken and accepted the way you come ‘vibe that was given off by everyone this year.  I thoroughly enjoyed my 2018.  I am grateful for everyone who made my experience at Getpix a memorable one.


Sabeehah
Past Student

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all the help, guidance and encouragement that you gave Celine this year enabling her to achieve the awards that were presented to her. She was so excited about College this year and had many memorable moments whilst there, she learnt a great deal about photography and is now equipped with the necessary skills to earn a living doing what she likes.

Warren Trollope
Parent Review

I sincerely appreciate all the support you have given all your students and Nkateko in particular. You were awesome and have definitely left an indelible mark in the Nkateko’s mind and ours. Your professionalism has stood up and at no point did I feel you were giving up on your students and that is greatly appreciated. Remember you play a critical community development role and I want to tell you that you have the right attitude and all the requisite credentials to execute on your calling.

Jabu
PARENT REVIEW

My year at Getpix was amazing. I learnt so much and gained so much.

 The environment was always exciting, creative and upbeat. I know I will always be where I am because of Getpix. Have fun for the years ahead.

 

Samantha
Past student

I just completed my 9 month course at Getpix Photography, and it was such an amazing experience! Paula was so helpful and has such a positive attitude! The course was surely a lot of hard work, but it really paid off as I now have a beautiful portfolio book with pictures I'm proud to say are mine. I got to travel to places and get the most wonderful pictures ever, I will never forget these amazing memories!! My favorite modules were wildlife, architecture, night photography and studio.

Priyasha Dhanashwarlall
Past Student

This year has been a fantastic year for me, being able to study what I love in an exciting, fun, happy and friendly environment. Not only has Getpix taught me a lot about photography but has taught me a lot about myself and has allowed me to experience new things and gave me so many opportunities. Thank you to the staff at Getpix for always greeting me with a smile and friendliness each day. Every morning has been exciting for me getting out of bed. Knowing it was going to be a great day doing and learning about something I love with friends that share the same passion, love and understanding for and about photography as I do.  This year I've made many new friends that have built me as a photographer and person. Thank you for everyone that made this year an awesome one and to my parents for making this year possible for me. I wish all my friends from this year all the best for the future. Make things happen and keep shooting people.

Megan Bainton
Past Student

How do you describe a year like the one I've had? It was a year filled with excitement, things to learn, people to meet, and places to be explored. The past year, I've learned to look at things differently. I've learned to look at ordinary things and to see the extraordinary in it. I met interesting new people and made new friends. It was a busy, fun filled year, but I regret nothing. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this incredible year. Today I am a confident young photographer who knows my strengths and weaknesses.

Sarize Griessel
Past Student

My first day started not sure if I could do this. Then three months down the line, my knowledge had astounded even me of what I learnt from our dedicated teachers. Outings planned to new adventures. It's seen through my camera lens experiencing learning curves and the hard work to get to know different skills I never knew were possible. The ability to deal with the streets for that perfect shot or the gentleness needed for a baby was all showed by the patience of the teachers. Finally, I am at the end of my year. Wow, what a lot of memories I have made with the Great team at Getpix.

Aneska Vermaak
Past Student

My year at Getpix was the most exciting year I have had so far. I have enjoyed every module and outing we did. Getpix has given me a wide perspective of what photography is all about as students to Getpix. We all came closer to each other and had so much fun. Our photographic tour to Clarence was the most amazing time we all had. Everyone bonded, made jokes and laughed the whole trip. I learned so much. Throughout the year and really enjoyed the social days.

Jason Nel
Past Student

My year at Getpix has been fun. The atmosphere has always been good. With happy, high spirited students and lecturers, Getpix has always been very helpful with advice. I feel I have come a long way from where I started to where I am now. Getpix has guided me to further develop a passion of mine. By extending my knowledge and helping me unlock more of my creativity.

Roland Woon
Past Student

This year has been an mazing experience as I got the opportunity to study my passion that has been passed down from my grandpa. I had a year to learn the fundamentals of my chosen career. Throughout this year, I have met many wonderful people and built beautiful friendships with laughs and memories along the way that I will cherish forever with people that share the same passion. Along the way I have learned that many things from theory to practical to experience, everything in between that I will carry with me throughout my photographic journey and path.

Kirtsy-Lyn Venter
Past Student

My year at Getpix was a very interesting year. I have met wonderful people and have learnt so much. I enjoyed going out on all the outings and also Clarence it was a year to remember.

Gail Hammerton
Past Student

 

FAQ

 

What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the course?

No formal prerequisites are required. A passion for photography and a willingness to learn are essential.

How will this course help me build my photography career?

The course provides not only technical skills and creative insights but also essential business knowledge, such as how to market your photography, build a strong brand, and effectively use social media to attract clients and grow your business.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

Additional costs may include purchasing recommended equipment, software, and any travel expenses for certain on location outings.

What can I expect upon completion of the course?

Upon completion, you will have a strong portfolio of work, a deep understanding of photography techniques and business strategies, and the confidence to pursue a career in photography. A certificate of completion will also be awarded to showcase your achievement.

What equipment do I need for the course?

You will need a DSLR or mirrorless camera, lenses, a tripod, a laptop with at least 8GB of RAM, Adobe Lightroom, and Adobe Photoshop software. Additional accessories like external flashes, reflectors, and a light meter are recommended but not mandatory.

How are the classes conducted?

Classes are held 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) from 10:00 - 12:30. The course includes practical sessions, theoretical lessons, and regular assignments to ensure hands-on learning and application.

Glass office building viewed from below with reflective windows in Johannesburg, symbolising elevated photography skills.

Ready to Elevate Your Photography Skills? Enrol Today!

Thank you for your interest in the GETPIX 9-Month Photography Career Course! Take the first step towards becoming a professional photographer by filling in the form below.

Our team will contact you with the next steps, and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re here to guide you.

Join the GETPIX community and start your journey to mastering photography, building a professional portfolio, and launching a rewarding career.

Contact us anytime: paula@getpix.co.za | +27 72 110 2873

Your future as a professional photographer begins now.


Beginner photographers looking upward in inspiration, one photographing themselves while the other carries a DSLR.