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Photographic stylist Opportunities

Photographic stylist

Photographic stylists use clothes, props and accessories to stage sets and create the right 'look' and mood for a photo shoot.

Salary

£18,000 - £30,000

Typical hours

37 to 39 a week (between 8am and 6pm)

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What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work well with others
  • design skills and knowledge
  • leadership skills
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • the ability to come up with new ways of doing things
  • knowledge of the fine arts
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

How to become Photographic stylist

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship

University

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in a relevant subject like:

  • fashion photography and promotion
  • fashion styling and communication
  • interior design
  • visual merchandising
  • photography

Most photographic stylists come from a fashion, photography or design background. As a food stylist your background would usually be in catering or food science.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

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College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Examples include:

  • Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Photography
  • Level 3 Diploma in Fashion

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

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Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship in a commercial field to help you get into this role, for example, a Fashion Studio Assistant Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

You might also be able to do a Photographer Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, which could help you to secure a job in a studio.

Entry requirements

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Volunteering

You should try and get as much work experience as possible. It'll help you to make contacts in the industry and allow you to learn on the job.

You could approach photographers and stylists and offer to help them, or contact magazines and newspapers about possible work placements.

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Career tips

Work experience in fashion retail, visual design or interior design can be useful.

You'll need a portfolio with examples of your styling work to show to potential employers. These are known as 'tear sheets'. They show how your styling was used in the final images.

Having a website and social media accounts where you can advertise your work will also be important.

Professional and industry bodies

The Association of Photographers and British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP) offer membership for anyone with an interest in professional photography.

Further information

You'll find more details about working in careers in photography from The Association of Photographers.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties may:

  • receive instructions (the ‘brief’) from the photographer or art director and come up with ideas
  • decide on the best clothes, accessories and backgrounds to achieve the desired look
  • buy, borrow or hire props, clothing and accessories
  • arrange a set
  • dress models and make any adjustments
  • keep a stock of fashion or home accessories
  • build good relationships with shops, prop suppliers, PR agencies, photographers and models
  • keep up to date with trends

Working environment

You could work on a film set, in a creative studio, from home or in an office.

Your working environment may be physically active, you'll travel often and you may spend nights away from home.

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