Photographer

Introduction

Photographers take pictures for a variety of reasons and uses. They use a range of technical equipment to achieve the effect required for their specific field. Photography is a competitive occupation and many photographers work freelance.

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Work Activities

Photographers take photos for a variety of different uses. Whether they are photographing a news story, a surgical procedure or someone's wedding, photographers use their skills and knowledge to produce an image that records a moment in time.

The activities undertaken by each individual photographer vary greatly depending on the area that they specialise in. Something that all professional photographers have in common though, is the technical equipment that they use. This could include:
• traditional camera equipment, including different lenses and filters
• digital cameras
• specialist lighting equipment
• 'dark room' equipment - used for developing film and processing prints.

Some photographers use more specialised equipment and methods. For instance, macrophotography produces highly magnified, close up photographs. An endoscopy takes pictures inside people's bodies. Computers are sometimes used to manipulate photographs and produce new images. Sometimes equipment like video cameras are the tools of a photographer's trade.

Advances in digital technology have changed the way photographers work. Photography, digital imaging and image manipulation have come together and photographers now have a wide range of image-making tools. Images are normally supplied in digital format on CD-ROM or the internet. Photographers can manipulate images using software packages such as Photoshop.

Photographers' work can range from capturing the winning goal in the cup final to recording the progress of building work over a period of time. It could involve photographing an aerial view of a town from a helicopter or taking still-life pictures in a studio or laboratory. Some photographers travel locally, nationally and even (particularly for fashion photographers), internationally. And if you work in industrial/commercial photography you could find yourself on a building site or an oil rig.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You will use a variety of skills as a professional photographer. Technical ability is needed, as is creativity and a good eye for detail. You also need social and business skills.

How many times have you heard someone say that they don't like having their photo taken? If you are taking pictures of people you must be able to put them at ease. And you are more likely to take successful photographs if your subject is comfortable with the camera lens. Although fashion/advertising photographers work with models who accept being photographed as part of their job, people skills will still be important.

You will need good business sense if you are a self-employed or freelance photographer. This could include selling or marketing yourself to convince people that you offer the best service. Some financial ability is also useful.

Different areas of photography call for different skills and qualities, for example:
• medical photographers should be interested in science and medicine
• industrial/commercial photographers should have an interest in the company or industry they are working for
• press photographers need to be aware of what makes a newsworthy picture

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Pay and Opportunities

Pay rates for photographers vary depending on the type of photography they do, the sector of photography they work in, and whether they are employed or self-employed.

The pay rates given below are approximate. Photographers earn in the range of £15,000 - £17,500 a year, rising to around £22,000 - £28,000. Higher earners can make around £39,000 a year. Celebrity photographers may earn considerably more than this. Photographers' assistants earn in the range of £210 - £350 a week.

Working hours can vary. Some photographers work regular office hours, usually over a 37-hour week, Monday to Friday. Others work irregular hours, which may include early starts, late finishes and work at weekends and on public holidays. Self-employed, freelance photographers can choose their own working hours.

Different areas of photography have their own employment opportunities. For example, scientific and industrial/commercial photographers find work in the Civil Service, universities, museums and industry. Medical photographers work for hospitals, medical schools and research establishments.

While some companies and organisations offer permanent employment, most photographers are employed on a contract or freelance basis.

Entry to photography is extremely competitive.

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

This is an extremely competitive field. Relevant skills and abilities and/or qualifications are usually preferred. Some people start out as employed or freelance assistants.

Photography can be studied on a full- or part-time basis, or it can develop from a leisure interest. It is useful to update your skills by taking short courses in photographic techniques and methods.

If you don't have the qualifications needed to enter your chosen degree or HND course, a college or university Access course (eg, Access to Art and Design) could be the way in. No formal qualifications are usually required, but you should check individual course details.

They can lead to relevant degree/HND courses.

Relevant courses in photography, at various levels, are offered by a number of centres, by distance learning.

Universities and colleges of higher education (HE) will usually consider applications from candidates who do not meet their usual entry requirements, especially those with relevant experience. You should check the admissions policy of individual universities and HE colleges.

You will need a portfolio of photographic work to enter courses and employment.

• 41% of people in occupations such as photographer are self-employed.
• 9% work part-time.
• 7% have flexible hours.
• 5% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

This occupation may involve homeworking.  Find out more about Working from home.