Photographers use a variety of photographic equipment to capture events, people, objects or scenes for records, art or commercial use.
Many photographers begin their careers as photographic assistants, setting up lights and stands, arranging transport and occasionally acting as a 'second shooter'.
What does a photographer do? Typical employers | Qualifications and training | Key skills
Photographers tend to specialise in one particular area of photography such as press and photojournalism, fashion or scientific and medical photography. Their work typically entails:
- setting up photographic equipment
- taking pictures
- editing and retouching images
- choosing and setting up locations
- reproducing and framing photographs
- promoting their business (especially if self-employed)
- researching and making contacts
- general administration.
The majority of their work is undertaken 'on location', so travel and irregular working hours are common features of the job.
Typical employers of photographers
- Agencies
- Picture libraries
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Catalogues
- Advertising agencies
- Hospitals
- Medical publishers
- Museums
- Art galleries
- Auctioneers
There are other specialist areas of work such as scientific, aerial and forensic photography.
Many jobs receive little advertising and are filled via personal contacts, so networking, job shadowing and speculative applications are essential – particularly for the most popular areas of work such as advertising, fashion, magazine and newspaper photography.
It is advisable to prepare a relevant portfolio, which can be used to highlight your abilities in speculative applications. Advertised vacancies appear on the internet, in newspapers and specialist publications such as British Journal of Photography and its respective website.
Qualifications and training required
There are routes into photography for both university graduates and school leavers.
Photography, film, art, design or media studies degrees can be advantageous – particularly for technical skills. Alternatively, there are many part-time photography courses, such as City & Guilds and Creative Skillset, which can offer a useful starting point.
To find out how to get into a career in photography via a school leaver route, visit the media section of TARGETcareers , our website for school leavers.
Key skills for photographers
- Creativity
- Technical photography skills
- Patience and concentration
- Attention to detail
- Strong networking skills
- Team working skills
Next: search internships and graduate jobs
- View our marketing graduate jobs
- View our media graduate jobs
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics, including photography. I can help answer questions, provide information, and engage in discussions related to photography.
Photographers use a variety of photographic equipment to capture events, people, objects, or scenes for records, art, or commercial use They often specialize in one particular area of photography, such as press and photojournalism, fashion, or scientific and medical photography. Their work typically involves setting up photographic equipment, taking pictures, editing and retouching images, choosing and setting up locations, reproducing and framing photographs, promoting their business (especially if self-employed), researching and making contacts, and general administration.
Photographers can work in various industries and sectors. Some typical employers include agencies, picture libraries, newspapers, magazines, catalogues, advertising agencies, hospitals, medical publishers, museums, art galleries, and auctioneers There are also specialized areas of work such as scientific, aerial, and forensic photography.
To become a photographer, there are different paths one can take. University graduates and school leavers can both pursue careers in photography. Degrees in photography, film, art, design, or media studies can be advantageous, particularly for technical skills Additionally, there are part-time photography courses available, such as City & Guilds and Creative Skillset, which can provide a useful starting point Building a relevant portfolio can also be beneficial for showcasing one's abilities in speculative applications.
Key skills for photographers include creativity, technical photography skills, patience and concentration, attention to detail, strong networking skills, and team working skills.
In summary, photographers play a crucial role in capturing images for various purposes. They use specialized equipment, work in different sectors, and require a combination of technical skills and creativity to excel in their field.
Let me know if there's anything specific you would like to know or discuss further about photography!
