Photography

This page has been designed to give a starting point for those looking into careers in photography.

See also our Journalism and Writing and Publishing and Printing pages.

What are careers in photography?

A photographer produces images that communicate a specific message to the viewer. Their purpose may be artistic, commercial or editorial and their content can represent anything.

Around half of all professional photographers are self-employed; the remainder work for a wide range of employers, including creative businesses, publishers, other photographers, or in the education or public sector (source - Prospects). Most professional photographers specialise in one area, eg fine art, fashion, advertising, editorial or social photography.

Hours can be unsociable and irregular, and photographers can work anywhere from a modern studio to outdoors in all weathers, depending on the pictures they need to take.

• Prospects
  Graduate careers website with profiles on a range of occupations in this field.

How do I get into it?

• Skillset
  This is the sector skills council for the audio-visual industries and includes careers and industry information about photo imaging, which includes photography.
• The Visual Studies Workshop
  Internationally recognized centre for media studies, including photography, visual books, digital imaging, film and video. US site which includes exhibitions and opportunities
• Illustration Source
  Consists of three sections: Stock Illustration Source, Spots On The Spot, a collection of downloadable smaller illustrations and Graphistock, a photography collection featuring unique, cutting edge stock photos. Details of submitting work.
• National Society for Education in Art and Design
  Leading national authority concerned with art, craft and design across all phases of education in the United Kingdom.
• Wired Sussex
  The Brighton Internship Programme provides six week placements for graduates. It’s the first of its kind because it’s just for the creative industries and just for Brighton. Sign up for the newsletter to be kept informed.

Finding a job or employer in this sector

• Artyfacts
  University of Brighton Careers Service newsletter for arts and architecture students. Available free to students of the University of Brighton. For subscription details contact the Moulsecoomb Careers Centre.
• BIPP Directory of Professional Photography
  Online guide to a career in photography with training information (click on the ‘about BIPP’ link) and database of professional photographers
• Skillset - Photo Imaging Employer Survey
  This survey dates back to November 2005, but it should give some good indicators as to the types of skills and experience employers are looking for in the photo imaging sector.

Further Information and useful links

• Association of Photographers
  Vacancy listing updated weekly and useful careers information on working freelance
• British Journal of Photography
  Information for the professional photographer ~ with free registration enabling full use of the site and free e-mail delivery of three professional imaging newsletters
• BAPLA (British Association of Picture Libraries and Agencies)
  Site includes a vacancy board
• The Association of Learned and Professional Society Publishers (ALPSP)
  International trade association for not-for-profit publishers and those who work with them, includes a vacancy section
• Photography Alliance of Great Britain
  The Photographic Alliance of Great Britain (PAGB) is an organisation that co-ordinates specific activities for photographic clubs in England, Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland.
• Royal Photographic Society
  The Royal Photographic Society was founded in 1853 'to promote the Art and Science of Photography'. Membership is open to everyone interested in photography in the UK and throughout the world.
• Master Photographers Association (MPA)
  Organisation for practicing full time professional photographers
• National Union of Journalists (NUJ)
  The NUJ is an active, campaigning organisation seeking to improve the pay and conditions of members and working to protect and promote media freedom, professionalism and ethical standards in all media.
• Medical Artists' Association of Great Britain (MAA)
  The MAA is the professional body for Medical Artists in the UK.