Photographer

Photographers use film or digital cameras to take still photographs for a huge range of uses.

Often working to a client’s brief, they combine technical and artistic skills to capture permanent images of people, products, places and events.

They deal with newspapers and other news publications and photography for promotional material. Some photographers employ assistants to help shoots run smoothly.

Fine Art photography may be linked to other disciplines such as Fashion. Some also use their photography to produce other works, such as sculptures or paintings, as it can be useful in understanding composition and image framing for production in other media.

With most types of photography the day-to-day work would include: discussing the client’s needs; choosing and preparing locations; selecting appropriate cameras, film and accessories; setting up lighting and equipment; and composing and taking shots.

Other work would include: checking image quality; retouching images, by hand or with digital software such as Photoshop; processing and printing photos; and marketing and running a business, if self-employed.

Assistant photographers may start on around £12,000 a year.

Full-time photographers can earn between £18,000 and £50,000 a year.

Freelance photographers are typically paid a fee for each job, or an hourly or daily rate.

Rates can vary widely depending on experience and reputation, the type of shoot and the budget available.

Most professional photographers take a college or university photography course to develop their technical skills, although experience and contacts are also important for building a successful career.

Colleges and universities offer a wide variety of full- and part-time photography courses. Qualifications range from City & Guilds courses to foundation degrees, BTEC HNDs or degrees. Higher-level courses usually require A levels or an equivalent such as an art foundation course or City & Guilds diploma for entry.

Courses that offer industry contacts and work placements are especially useful. Some HNDs and degrees include the British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP) Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE), which is highly regarded by employers. You should check course content and entry requirements carefully.

Finding work as an assistant photographer is a good way of gaining experience, building your portfolio and learning on the job. You will need a keen interest in photography and good basic technical skills. 

To find work as an assistant, you could contact professional photographers and studios directly, or use www.photoassist.co.uk. To become a press photographer, you will usually need a photojournalism qualification approved by the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NCTJ). See the NCTJ website for more details.