Photographer

Key skills/talents

A creative mind, coupled with an eye for detail, shape, colour, and form
Learned knowledge of photography techniques (i.e. lots of practice)
The ability (and knowledge) to use a wide range of cameras and lenses and an understanding of how cameras work (tech wise)
Able to keep up to date with changing technology and changing techniques
The ability to work to deadlines
Knowledge of computer imaging software and digital technology
Good planning skills. From ensuring you have all the right equipment on the day of the shoot through to managing your diary and planning each shoot as carefully as possible in advance.
Good communication skills and a good all round ‘people person’
Good organisational skills
Ability to stay calm under pressure (i.e wedding environments!)

CHECK OUT LYNDSAY'S PODCAST

Qualifications required

You could look to do a foundation degree in:

Photography
Visual arts
Commercial photography
Art and design

Or you could look into apprenticeships:

Photographic Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
Photographer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship

Listed below are UK universities that carry specific ‘Commercial Photography’ courses:

All the universities above also carry degrees in (non-commercial) photography, and a short course can be done alongside (the above courses) in, say, portrait photography.

The British Academy of Photographers also has many accredited home study courses available here: https://www.baph.co.uk/courses
The Photography Institute also has an accredited online course: https://www.thephotographyinstitute.co.uk/course
Finally, the Open University: https://www.open.ac.uk/courses/short-courses/tg089

Rules and regs

There are several laws that photographers should be aware of, particularly with regards to the copyright of photos, taking pictures in public spaces etc. This link details the rights that you have as a photographer: www.institute-of-photography.com/your-rights-as-a-photographer

Lawdonut has some great advice on what you need to know (and adhere to) and how to go about getting things in place: https://www.lawdonut.co.uk/business/sector-specific-law/photographer-legal-issues

However, and more specifically...

The Ownership of copyright works is an important piece of legislation that you would need to adhere to: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ownership-of-copyright-works
Knowledge of IP is also important, and we have touched on this in a couple of our pod write-ups: https://www.gov.uk/intellectual-property-an-overview
Making sure you get the right permission for photographing ‘people’... not everyone wants to be photographed: https://filmlondon.org.uk/resource/filming-people
Anyone that works with the public will need insurance and there are many insurance companies that will cater to your specific needs, depending on who or what you are photographing. Hiscock is one insurance company that can tailor your insurance in this way, as an example: https://www.hiscox.co.uk/business-insurance/photographers

Remuneration framework

Salary expectations differ depending on what element of photography you choose to specialise in and indeed how much work you get and do over the course of the year. Plus the usual geo variations.

Commercial Photographers ‘tend’ to earn about £45-65k per annum, however, this can go up to well over £100k with experience and a solid reputation.

Personal (portrait) photographers, including weddings, ‘tend’ to earn about £35-45 per annum, however, again, this can double subject to reputation and experience.

Really high-end fashion and lifestyle photographers are easily earning six figure salaries a year and are in high demand.

How to get started

Listed above were some links to University courses, but there are colleges and online courses available all over the UK. The National Careers Service has a course search by postcode and area: https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/find-a-course

And then as Lyndsay did, you'll need to practice, practice, practice. Which means putting the hours in away from study. You’ll need to build up your own portfolio no matter what - to apply for courses, apprenticeships and indeed jobs, eventually - so start right away. Learn your skill. Learn what works, what doesn’t. Rope friends and family in for impromptu photoshoots… Take lots and lots of pics!

And yes, we’re going to say it - social! Instagram in particular is ALL ABOUT images, so get on it, if you're not already, and make sure your ‘brand’ / style speaks for itself. And of course, follow ‘named’ photographers, photography magazines, influencers etc, so that you can constantly see what they’re up to, what the latest trends and styles are, and keep up-to-date with this on your own social pages.. Lyndsay admits that she is really behind on social, however, she’s been a photographer for over 25 years and word of mouth is still her main marketing tool. This won’t be you starting out, so you’ll need to social the you know what out of your portfolio.

Lyndsay also became an apprentice before and alongside her study course, and we would wholeheartedly support this. Research what photographers are based near you, find one whose work you particularly like and then ask if you can ‘assist’ them. This will probably mean FOC to start with, but if you’re good and hard-working then pay will follow (or if it doesn’t, leave and find someone who will do this).

Associations or official bodies to register with

The Association of Photographers is a not-for-profit trade association for professionals: https://www.the-aop.org

The British Institute of Professional Photography is an institute exclusively for professionals within the photography industry: https://www.bipp.com

The Royal Photographic Society is open to all photographers. Their website has a lot of information regarding qualifications, bursaries, awards etc: https://rps.org

https://bectu.org.uk is a great body for all types of creatives.

Job site links

The associations listed above also carry job opportunities for professional photographers, however, in addition to that, be active on Linked In, particularly if you want to win commercial work.

Progression pathway

For many photographers their pathway may diverge from one area/genre to another (i.e. portrait to commercial), as we see in Lyndsey’s case. The art form of photography lends itself to many opportunities and the career pathways open to you will depend on what you find most interesting and fulfilling.

With photography you also have the option of working freelance, or indeed for a specific brand, agency or studio. The latter two will give you a regular income and could mean/see you work up through the ranks within that organisation, until you head up a department, or indeed become a ‘Director of Photography’.

Freelance work means you are your own boss and master of your own destiny. There’s no set, regular income, however, you can earn as much as you’re willing to work and as much as your reputation allows; potentially travelling the world as you go.

And of course you can always switch between freelance and ‘in house’, depending on your lifestyle needs.

Another progression route, which could most likely be managed alongside a freelance career, is teaching, via any one of the institutions we've listed above. As the saying goes, those who can, teach.