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Photographer

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Photographer

Photographer Career Details

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

Key features of photography 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.

Working 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.

Photographer Related Skills

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.

Photographer Career Opportunities

Further Career Information

If you would like to know more about a career as an Photographer related facts, statistics, articles and websites.

Career Steps

Not quite sure about a career as a Photographer? Try our step-by-step career guide to reaching your chosen career.

Career Courses

Not quite qualified to be a Photographer? Take a look at Training Photographer courses, Postgraduate Photographer courses, Undergraduate Photographer courses, Adult learning Photographer courses, Adult learning Photographer courses, our course browses or use our search form and find courses which will help you on your chosen career path.