Photographer 


Photographers 

If you love taking photos and have an eye for a picture, you can put your photography skills to use in a variety of areas from advertising to social events 


Types of photographer

You'll usually specialise in one area of photography, such as:

advertising

corporate

editorial

fashion

fine art

social photography - also known as general practice, which includes weddings, commercial and portraiture photography.

See what becoming a specialist, such as a press photographer or medical illustrator, involves.


Qualifications

You can get into this job through:


You can become a photographer without a degree, but in many instances having a degree or equivalent professional qualification is an advantage.

You could study for a degree in the following relevant subjects:

The content of photography courses varies considerably. Some have a strong emphasis on fine art and the study of photography as an artistic endeavour, whereas others have a more commercial focus and cover managing a business, professional ethics and marketing.

Digital imaging and other technological developments now form a significant part of many courses. Those that offer work placements and promote contact with industry can be particularly useful in helping you to secure future job prospects.

A postgraduate qualification is not necessary, although entry to the more competitive specialist areas, such as fashion, advertising and photojournalism, can be more challenging so a higher degree may be helpful.

University 

https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/photography

Relevant employers can depend on your specialist area, which may cover:


Please click here for general portfolio/ interview help for Art based courses :

https://sites.google.com/blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/futures/higher-education-interview-help/art-interview-help


Example guidance:

https://www.dmu.ac.uk/Documents/study/ug/interview-days/adh/interview-guides/photography-interview-guide.pdf


See videos below for Photography interview guidance 

Apprenticeships/ Employment 

Many photographers are freelance and you could do a mix of contract work and following your own interests. You could extend your range into other areas of photography like product, property, aerial or corporate work. With training, you could also work as a press or police photographer.

There are opportunities for photographers in the armed forces. You can find out more from:

https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/roles/roles-finder/technical-and-engineering/photographer


If you do specialist qualifications, you could find jobs in medical photography or illustration.

You may decide to become self-employed and set up your own business. 

Visit our self employment page:https://sites.google.com/blackpoolsixth.ac.uk/futures/employment-with-training/self-employment


Photography is very competitive, so you'll need creativity and technical skills to make money. You'll also need finance for equipment, a space to work in, and some business and admin skills.

You could increase your income by selling your images independently.


Apprenticeship standard:

https://www.instituteforapprenticeships.org/apprenticeship-standards/photographic-assistant-v1-0

Employers

Employers include:



It's also possible to use your creative skills in related areas such as marketing and digital marketing, advertising, web design, graphic design, publishing and curating, where opportunities exist with a range of businesses and consultancies. Teaching is another option for photography graduates.

Career Videos 

University Interview Tips | Documentary Photography Degree

TOP Paying Photography Jobs and TOP Paid Photographers

BA(Hons) Photography

Leeds Arts University - BA (Hons) Photography

Wedding Photography: 7 Tips for Photographing your First Wedding

BEHIND THE SCENES WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY | Kathy & Jason Henley on Thames BECOME A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER