Career Advice for a Photographer

Photographers are responsible for capturing visually appealing images of events, products, or people. They work as a freelancer or for a business and work to a brief specified by the client. Photographers use locations, props, and lighting to create the perfect shot. They can work within a studio setting or maybe out on site in venues or outdoor spaces.

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How to Become a Photographer

Choosing your career path and learning how to become the person you aspire to be is not always straight forward; getting a job in your chosen industry will take dedication, focus and the right qualifications.

When you have chosen the career path you wish to follow, you will need to learn how to become a Photographer

Should you wish to work as a Photographer you will need to evaluate what courses are required, their cost and what qualifications you need. It is important that you also assess whether you have the right credentials from a personality point of view, what the demands of the job are and whether they complement the lifestyle that you desire.

Another factor to consider, should you wish to fulfil your career aspirations, is the number of jobs you will need to have to reach your ultimate job, and the length of time it will take to reach this goal.

Common Qualifications for a Photographer

  • Degree in Photography, Art and Design or Visual Arts
  • College course in Photography
  • Apprenticeship in Photography or Level 3 Photographic Assistant
  • Portfolio of work

Key Responsibilities for a Photographer

  • Meeting with clients to discuss requirements
  • Attending an event to capture images and important moments
  • Shooting photos for corporate websites
  • Attending various locations to shoot subjects
  • Working in different environments to suit brief, such as outdoors, sports venues, or architecture
  • Identify suitable locations for shoots
  • Working with the project director to ensure images fit the project vision
  • Editing images using software
  • Working with an editor and suggesting retouches when necessary
  • Completing projects and delivering images to specified deadlines

What to expect as a Photographer

Photographers work with individuals and businesses to create visuals for events or products. They capture images according to the client brief and work with various people to do the finished project. Photographers can work in a studio or travel to multiple settings. To succeed in this role, you need a keen eye for the best shot setup and be up to date with the latest camera and editing technology.

Recommended Photographer Jobs

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How to get Photographer Jobs

Our advice on how to get a Photographer job is to focus on preparation and personalisation.

Preparation

This occurs before you write a CV cover letter or complete a Photographer application. If you have not held a Photographer position before, it will help to research the industry and review what a typical career path might look like. If you have held a Photographer role, focus your research on the company where you are seeking employment.

Valuable resources that will help you learn about the employer include the company’s career page, social media page, blog, job ad, and job description. Helpful information will consist of the company’s mission statement, values, and vision. You could also use an employer review site to gain insights on average salaries, what current employees say about the company culture, and what it is like to work for the organisation.

Personalisation

You are now in a position to use what you have learned in your Photographer CV, cover letter, and application. You should personalise each Photographer application, cover letter, and CV; prioritising job skills and relevant experience and providing examples that show you have similar values and goals.

This pre-application stage is a crucial step in how to become a Photographer in the UK. It puts you in a superbly informed state, ready for forthcoming telephone, video, or in-person interviews.

Students: How to Become a Photographer 

As with all professions, choose your study topics carefully. Review the qualifications needed to be a Photographer and the subjects you will need to enrol in certification courses, higher education, or online courses. 

Aligning your study subjects

The more closely you align your study subjects with your career path, the more likely you will be to have projects and modules that you can refer to and show a prospective employer that you have practical or theoretical Photographer experience.

How to get Photographer Experience

What does it take to be a Photographer? The best way to find out is to get work experience, which will be invaluable when applying for Photographer jobs. You can learn how to be a successful Photographer through internships, apprenticeships, or volunteering for a local business.

How to be a Photographer Part-Time 

If you are wondering how to get into Photographer part-time, there are several possibilities. You might find a new employer looking for a part-time Photographer or find your existing employer is amenable. Often companies recognise the value of flexible hours and having more staff at work during busy times of the day. 

Photographer freelance work

If you have impressive Photographer qualifications and experience, you could take on the challenges of working freelance with control over your schedule.

Making a Career Change

How to start a career in this profession if you work in another industry may require studying for qualifications online and focusing on transferable skills when writing your CV and attending job interviews.