How to get a career in photography

20 Mar 2017

Photographers are needed for many different purposes, for the needs of corporations and individuals alike. If you’ve decided you want a career in photography, you’re going to need a specific set of skills and experience above anything else. To help you out, here’s a guide on how to get a rewarding and successful career as a photographer.

Photographer: the role, responsibilities and necessary skills

Salary range: £14,000 to £50,000

Average salary: £20,010

Some (of the many) types of photographer/specialisms

Fashion
Corporate
Wildlife/pet photography
Fine art
Micro photographer
Family/baby photographer
Advertising
Editorial
General practice – such as weddings and portraits
Event: weddings, parties etc.
Sports
Photo journalist
Food photographer
Crime scene/forensic photographer

Great reflection by @SianTrenberth on her successful career in commercial photography. Listen now on https://t.co/F7LcsVntqv & iTunes pic.twitter.com/ltrlSozbgu

— Ffoton (@FfotonWales) March 9, 2017

Qualification requirements**

Non-essential: Degree or professional qualification, though of course this is preferred
Non-essential: Postgraduate course to specialise

Skills requirements and experience

You’re likely to be working freelance and independently a lot of the time so make sure you’re comfortable and confident working by yourself
Knowledge of cameras
Knowledge of specialist photography equipment
Teamwork
The ability to get the most out of people
The ability to use Photoshop and other photo editing software

Job duties (varies depending on the agency)

Working with clients to determine what photos they need and how they want to use them
Setting up location/environment with props, scenes and environments
Setting up lighting and other technical equipment, including cameras, lenses and software
Considering the composition and qualities of the photos you take
Image editing
Processing and printing photographs
Creating finished products for sale, such as framed prints and albums

Interested in a photography career? Find out all about the work, pay and prospects involved: https://t.co/kUH6cvYiwx pic.twitter.com/csDOtJN0KV

— eCLIPS (@eCLIPS_Adviza) March 16, 2017

(This information was compiled using information from Payscale, the National Careers Service and Prospects)

How to get into Photography

Degrees

An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in photography helps you acquire the practical skills needed for a thriving career.

Portfolio and experience

Whether you choose the self-taught route or a formal qualification, you need to have gained experience in the field and an impressive portfolio to back up your work.

For work experience, approach local photographers you admire, and ask if you can shadow them or volunteer and help. Hands-on experience is essential, so when you approach make it clear how enthusiastic you are and how ready you are to learn.

You need a portfolio that’s relevant, current and attractive. Be sure to showcase your work in hard copy so you can take it with you to interviews and talk through the thought processes behind your decisions. It’s also useful to have a digital version of your portfolio and host it online, allowing you to send potential employers links to your work whenever necessary.

*Salary information taken from www.payscale.com, from National Salary, without bonuses

**Information taken from nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk