Photographer

Professional photographers create permanent visual images for a wide range of purposes, from family portraits, fashion, food, and crime scenes, to medical and scientific records. They usually specialise in one area, such as newspapers, advertising, editorial, fashion, forensic, scientific, medical, or general practice, and the work and rewards vary accordingly.

The work involves:

• discussing a project with a client or employer and working to instructions (a brief)
• choosing and preparing locations
• selecting appropriate cameras, lenses and accessories
• composing and taking pictures
• managing post production of images
• marketing and running a business (if self-employed).

Hours can be long and unpredictable, and photographers can work anywhere from a studio to a war zone, depending on the assignment. They may travel within the UK or abroad.

Salaries for photographers may range from around £12,000 to £50,000 or more a year.

Photographers should:

• be creative, with a good eye for colour, shape, pattern, form and tone
• be motivated and self-confident
• have technical aptitude, including computer skills
• have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Competition to be a photographer is fierce. Employers include publishers, government departments, business, advertising agencies, research institutions, the police and armed forces. Some photographers are employed as staff, but most are freelance or run their own studios.

Depending on the specialism, most photographers start out by assisting an established photographer and learn on the job. Photographers have to be able to market themselves effectively. They need a strong portfolio of 10 to 15 images.

There are no set qualifications for entry into this career but most photographers have completed a course in photography. Courses that offer industry contacts and work placements are particularly useful. There is a wide range of relevant courses available, including A levels, City & Guilds qualifications and degrees.

Many photographers start work and then train on the job. There are structured training schemes for press photographers or for work in the armed forces. Some roles, such as medical or forensic photographer, may have specific entry requirements.

Success for self-employed photographers depends on reputation and track record. For photographers working for an employer there are limited opportunities for promotion as photography departments tend to be small. Promotion may take the form of management, commissioning or editorial roles. Some freelancers also teach part time.

Further details