photographer

The work

Photographers create permanent visual images. Often working to a client’s brief, they control lighting, tone and perspective in their work using a range of photographic equipment, accessories and imaging software. Photographers are valued for their technical understanding of the medium as well as their artistic vision.

Key features of the work include choosing and preparing locations; setting up lighting; selecting appropriate cameras, film and accessories; composing shots; positioning subjects and instructing assistants. After shooting, they may process and print images, or view and manipulate digital images using software such as Photoshop. Most photographers are self-employed, so must also spend time on marketing and other aspects of running a small business.

Photographers usually specialise in one of the following areas:

• General practice or social – offering photographic services for local communities or businesses, with the majority of work being in wedding and family photography
• Advertising and editorial - expressing a product idea or illustrating a magazine story; usually categorised into still life, food, cars, portraiture or landscape
• Fashion - working with models and art directors in high fashion, or commissioned by catalogues and magazines
• Press and Photojournalism - photographing news stories or personalities to strict deadlines
• Corporate (Industrial and Commercial) - producing images for promotional material or annual reports
• Scientific and Technical - producing photographs for medical reports, research papers or criminal investigations.

Professional photographers often employ assistants to help shoots run smoothly. Assistant photographers may deal with clients and suppliers; organise estimates, invoices, licences and payments; arrange props; work with photographic labs and stylists and carry out administrative tasks.

Skillset’s website has more detailed information about careers in the various photography specialisms and other roles in photo-imaging.

Hours and Environment

Hours of work vary; they may be long and irregular, including evenings and weekends. Part-time work may be possible.

Photographers work in different environments, depending on their area of specialisation. In advertising and portrait photography, they are often based in a studio. Other types of work can be in any indoor or outdoor location, according to the brief. Some photographers may spend time developing and processing shots in a darkroom, although the increase in digital technology has reduced the need for darkroom work.

Photographers may lift and carry heavy equipment. Taking photographs on location can mean spending periods of time away from home.

Skills and Interests

To work as a photographer you should:

• have the motivation and self-confidence to find work in a competitive profession
• have good business and organisational skills, as the majority of photographers are self-employed
• be creative, and have a good eye for visual effect, such as shape, form and tone
• have technical aptitude, as the work involves using a variety of equipment
• be ambitious and determined
• have excellent communication skills and a friendly, open personality
• have patience, as it can take a long time to get the right shot.

Entry

There are no set entry requirements for a photography career. The key to becoming a successful photographer is building a good portfolio, making contacts, and gaining relevant experience (possibly through finding work as an assistant photographer). However, you must gain technical and artistic skills, and there is a wide variety of further and higher education courses available, such as:

• City and Guilds (6922/3/4) levels 1, 2 and 3 in Photography
• A Level Photography
• BTEC National Certificate or Diploma Art and Design (Photography).

Photographers may also take higher education courses, such as foundation degrees, BTEC Higher National Diplomas (HND) or degrees. Courses which offer industry contacts and work placements are especially useful for new entrants.

To enter a degree course you will usually need at least five GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus two A levels/three Highers, or equivalent qualifications such as an art foundation course. For a HNC/HND you will usually need four GCSEs (A-C)/S grades (1-3) plus one A level/two Highers or equivalent. An Access to Higher Education qualification may be accepted for entry to certain courses. Please check with colleges or universities for exact entry requirements.

A useful way of gaining experience is to find work as an assistant photographer, which is equivalent to an informal apprenticeship. Assistant photographers need a keen interest in photography, technical skills (usually gained through a relevant further or higher education course) and a portfolio they want to develop. To find these positions, make polite direct approaches to photographers.

Skillset Careers and the Association of Photographers offer careers advice and information to those aiming to join the profession – see Further Information.

Training

Photographers may complete professional development courses and submit their portfolio to established bodies to gain membership. Some areas of photography require specialist training, particularly press photography and medical photography.

The British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) awards the Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE), which confers membership status on photographers after their working profile and portfolio have been assessed by industry professionals. BIPP also offers short courses for experienced photographers at Foundation, Intermediate and Masterclass level, covering a range of subjects including wedding photography, portraiture, fashion, food and lighting. See website for further details.

The Association of Photographers is another professional organisation that photographers can join. They help to market the work of members and run regular training workshops. See website for careers information, particularly on finding work as an assistant photographer.

NVQs/SVQs are available in Photography at levels 2, 3 and 4; in Digital Imaging at levels 2,3 and 4; and in Digital Photography and Imaging at levels 3 and 4.

To become a press photographer or photojournalist, you will need to combine photographic skills with journalism. Experience gained through local newspapers is useful. The National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ) recognises two training pathways. One route is direct entry on to a newspaper with block release at a local college. The other is a full-time course with an accredited college followed by employment afterwards. See NCTJ website for further details.

To become a medical photographer, you must either take a HND or degree in photography, find a trainee post at a teaching hospital and complete a Post Experience Certificate in Medical Illustration after a year’s experience; or complete a BSc in Medical Illustration. See Institute of Medical Illustrators for further details.

Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for the audio-visual industries, has a database of relevant courses including photographic training - see website.

Opportunities

Photography is a competitive and overcrowded occupation, and new entrants need determination to find work. Competition in the fashion and advertising fields is particularly intense.

It can take time to develop a business and a reputation in photography, particularly in prestige areas, such as high fashion. Some photographers may combine photography with other work to ensure a stable income when starting out.

Self-employment is common in the industry. Permanent employment is most likely in press, medical, scientific and industrial photography. Press photographers are employed by provincial/national newspapers; medical photographers by hospitals and medical schools; scientific/industrial photographers by universities, industrial firms and the Civil Service. Other employers of permanent staff include HM forces (particularly the RAF) and police forces.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Assistant photographers may earn between £9,000 and £11,000 a year.
Established full-time photographers can earn between £15,000 and £30,000 a year.

Freelance rates vary widely and may be calculated on a daily or weekly basis. Fees can be negotiated individually. Rates will vary depending on an individual's experience and reputation, the type of shoot and the budget available.

Further information

The New Granary Station Road Newport Saffron Walden Essex CB11 3PL
Tel: 01799 544014

Fox Talbot House
2 Amwell End
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 9HN
Tel: 01920 464011 81 Leonard Street
London
EC2A 4QS
Tel: 020 7739 6669 Tel: 08080 300 900 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland
Tel: 0808 100 8094 for Scotland Prospect House
80-110 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1HB

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